China and Taiwan may not get on but the flow of people between the island and the mainland is on the up. Taiwanese graduates have been heading to the giant next door in search of work in ever-increasing numbers. And late last year, Taiwan began recognising degrees from universities in China – over 100 made the cut, and the list is expected to expand. About 2,000 mainlanders will also begin studying in Taiwan as early as this autumn.

Experts see the move as the latest conciliatory gesture by Taiwan, which China refuses to recognise as a separate country. National Taiwan University professor Meiyuan Fann says that mainland Chinese students are likely to have some difficulties adapting to life in Taiwan. But also some fun.

What’s different?

01 Characters: Under Mao, the mainland simplified Its written characters. Taiwan kept the traditional characters.

02 Food: Taiwan’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Japan a former colonia power for over 50 years. In mainland China, Japanese food, including sushi, is not popular.

03 Freedom: Facebook, Youtube and Google are not censored or blocked in Taiwan and there are more TV channels available. Some mainlanders spend the first few weeks in Taiwan glued to the screen.

Published in the March 2010 issue of Monocle.