China Today

For foreigners, Chinas booming economy and lengthy history may be the most frequently heard phrases,
however, what it will be if you decide to experience four -year study in this mysterious and most populous
country?

The first few weeks you will find that China is really
massive and huge. Also, China turns out to be a lot
different from your country, which may cause you a
little headache. However, after staying in China for
a bit longer time, you will love this country and never
regret living in this dynamic and vibrant country.
An Economy with Fast Growth
As for the economy of China, it is believed that during
the previous 30 years, China has enjoyed the worlds
quickest economic growth rate with annual average
growth rate maintained at a level of 9%. Even during
the global financial crisis in 2009, its economy was still among the first in the world to rebound,
quickly returning to growth.

The promising domestic market and s table investment environment make China an attractive land for
foreign companies. Most top 500 companies do business with China, with many choosing to base their
Asia-Pacific headquarters in the bustling Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai or Beijing. Fo r
international students who are studying in China, it is possible for them to hunt a job in famous foreign
companies.
Recently, the emergence of the economic and technical development zones not only demonstrates the
economic strength of todays China but also brings more opportunities to foreigners for investing
and project researching. The most renowned ones are the Dalian Economic and Technical Development Zone,
Shanghai Minhang Economic and Technological Development zone

and Suzhou Industrial Park etc. These

zones are all open for students to visit and study in China.

However, with no exception, the economy of China develops unevenly by region. For example, cities like
Beijing, Shanghai have higher living costs and more pressure to find a job while smaller cit ies like
Dalian, Qingdao and Shenyang have lower costs and less pressure to find a job. See Chinese Cities and
living costs.

Splendid History and Culture

Known as the giant dragon in the east, China is the worlds most populous country with a lengthy
culture stretching back nearly 5,000 years. Be abundant of tangible treasures like the Forbidden City
and Great Wall as well as intellectual works including Chinese Calligraphy and various Loca l Operas,
China is reputed for its cultural heritage. When China steps into the new century and begins to play
a vital role in the world stage, there has been a revival of interest in ancient Chinese civilization:
Confucian philosophy, the Four Great Inventions, the flourishing Tang dynasty, etc.

Still, how much does modern China inherit from its 5000 year -old civilization? As China focuses on
economic development and modernization, this question may be a little contradictory to answer.

In China, many cities which are dotted with splendid traditional Chinese architecture are much
modernized now. In Beijing, for instance, you are confused about the mixed city sights when first
settling down. Beijing is a mix of tradition and modernization. Only when you ar e surrounded by Hutongs
will you find the traces of old Beijing stories. Admittedly, Chinese cities with ancient cultural
heritage are in fast changes, bringing people more convenient life and meanwhile vanishing lots of
good old days.
But, luckily, the essential part of Chinese culture has never been changed.

In line with Confucian

teaching, Chinese culture still attaches great importance on education. Chinese government has put
huge money on the career of higher education, to ensure the quality of unive rsities, to elevate the
level of faculty and to create more relaxed environment of education so that China can face all the
challenges of the 21st century.

A Large Population Base

Shandong University
In the Chinese geography book for middle school students, China is often described as a country with
a vast territory and a large population base. Indeed, 1.3 billion might sound like a terrifying
number, whereas Chinese People are just like any nation in the world. They possess the same hope and
deal with the same problem. You may hear that Chinese people are getting rich now and China is a paradise
to foreigners. It is true that China has developed very well and living in China is rather comfortable
especially in some costal cities. However, Chinese people are answering the same questions as any other
people in the world: Competitions are getting fierce for the college graduates. The price of apartments
is rising and couples have to work hard to save money for it.Parents spend a considerable part on the
education of their kids.

So how can a foreigner cope with the fitting-in issue? Is it easy for a foreigner to live with almost
1.3 billion people? Upon your arrival, you may encounter the locals who speak little English but want
to communicate with you, just be patient and you will find actually Chinese people are very friendly
and what they want is only to help you. Sometimes people may act too friendly so that you feel it difficult

to cope with. However, this is exactly the way Chinese treat a foreign guests. Remember in China,
accepting kindness is really important. Maybe, some other people may feel frustrated when dealing with
a problem involved with a foreigner, and then you are advised to be patient enough or to bring a Chinese
friend when you need to be understood.
Qingdao University

A Country with Diversity and Mystery

Just browse the map of China, you will find China is very big and vast, which makes it a perfect place
for travelling and studying. As the third largest nation in the world, China occupies a tremendous
regional diversity ranging from terrain, weather to culture, language and food. Every year, many
foreigners come to China to tour and explore this mysterious country. When you study in China, dont
forget to do a long trip during your summer and winter holidays, which is not only a good experience
but also a great chance to explore this diversified, interesting country and appreciate featured
sceneries along the trip.