There is a lot of great information in this thread, thanks to everyone who has contributed constructively.
I have lived, worked, and travelled through many countries in, say, transition. Spent a lot of the 90's in Eastern Europe, Estonia, and Russia. I found that at times it can be difficult and other time fantastic. Now, I have never been to Asia, which seems to be a different beast. However, the money is tempting me, and I am up for an adventure.
So after the recruitment sim what happens? You go to China for a medical or do they do it in America? You need a CAAC ATPL or is ICAO sufficient? I have read that you write a CAAC exam that is in poor english, does the company provide in class preparation or this or is it done by your contract company? How is the exam? I am not too worried about the medical, I am in good health and live an active lifestyle.
If you make it through recruitment why is training 4-6 months on a plane you are already type rated? What is the training process? Why do candidates wash out?
How do you get set up with an apartment across the planet? When I moved for work previously it was all set up for me. How do you find a roommate if this is the route you want to go?
I have contacted VOR holdings, and Vector Pacific but most of the information is pretty vague.
When working the contract with 110 vacation days a year, how often are you making overtime? The $200USD over 80 per calendar month.
I understand that working for Tianjin can be a bit of a show, I roll with the punches pretty well and am really looking for the best way to make some cake to put away. Canadian airlines are bending over backward to keep their money far away from their pilots.
I am also looking at other contracts outside of China, but China seems to be offering the most money, which is really my only motivation. Hey, I'm being honest. I want to go, stay for 6 years, then get a job at Wal-Mart.