A more open and friendly China presents more opportunities to people from the rest of the world. "Big Noses" - the name Chinese call Westerners - don't invite stares in China anymore.

At the initial stage of China's opening up to the outside world, foreigners were visible only in big cities and working with the developed countries' organizations and corporations. Walking on street, they always attracted curious eyes.

Since 1995, when foreign investment in China increased, foreigners from almost every corner of the world have come to China, following in the footsteps of foreign white-collar employees from the Western countries. The main Chinese cities foreigners visit to acquire good positions and do business include Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, where the big companies are located.

As the exact number of foreigners living and working in China is unknown, China decided to include these people in its sixth nationwide census in November. The move, the first of its kind, will allow decision-makers to get a complete picture of foreigners in the nation.

Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China, a bill adopted in 2004, officially started the Chinese version of "green cards" for foreigners. By 2004 there were 20,000 "green card" holders in China. Also, holders of non-permanent work and residence permits increased from 150,000 in 2000 to 540,000 in 2007, according to Modern Weekly magazine.

The growth is so big that the government should deliberate on what impact foreigners working and living in China will have on the nation and come up with regulations for their well-being and better management.