Academic Excellence and Global Connections

Shanghai is home to renowned universities such as Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, known for their academic excellence and research prowess. As an international student, you will have access to top-quality education, expert faculty members, and cutting-edge research facilities. The universities’ global outlook and extensive international partnerships also provide opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations and academic exchange programs, allowing you to connect with students from around the world.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

One of the most exciting aspects of living in Shanghai is its diverse and multicultural community. As an international student, you will find yourself immersed in a melting pot of cultures and have the chance to develop lifelong friendships with people from different backgrounds. This multicultural environment fosters a sense of openness, tolerance, and understanding, expanding your horizons and broadening your worldview.

Experiencing Traditional and Modern Shanghai

Living in Shanghai means encountering the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. On one hand, you can explore the city’s rich historical heritage through visits to ancient temples, traditional markets, and picturesque gardens. The iconic Yu Garden, the serene Jing’an Temple, and the historic Bund are just a few of the cultural gems waiting to be discovered. On the other hand, Shanghai’s skyline boasts futuristic skyscrapers, symbolizing the city’s modern achievements and embracing innovation. The Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower stand as testaments to Shanghai’s status as a global financial and commercial hub.

Vibrant Lifestyle and Cultural Offerings

Shanghai offers a vibrant lifestyle with an abundance of recreational activities, entertainment options, and cultural experiences. The city is renowned for its thriving art scene, encompassing world-class galleries, museums, and theaters. You can indulge in classical music performances at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Power Station of Art, or enjoy traditional Chinese opera at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Furthermore, Shanghai’s diverse culinary landscape presents a gastronomic adventure, with local delicacies, international cuisine, and fusion dining experiences catering to various tastes and preferences.

Career Opportunities and Global Outlook

Living in Shanghai opens doors to numerous career opportunities. As a global financial and commercial center, the city attracts multinational corporations, start-ups, and entrepreneurial endeavors. International students have access to internships, job fairs, and networking events, allowing them to gain practical experience, expand their professional network, and enhance their future career prospects. Shanghai’s international outlook, business-friendly environment, and innovative spirit make it an ideal place to immerse oneself in the global job market.

Transportation and Connectivity

Shanghai’s well-developed transportation system ensures easy navigation and connectivity throughout the city. The extensive metro network provides convenient access to various parts of Shanghai, allowing international students to explore different neighborhoods, attractions, and hidden gems. Additionally, Shanghai’s central location in China enables hassle-free travel to other cities, historical sites, and scenic destinations during holidays or weekends, further enriching the overall study abroad experience.

Living in Shanghai as an international student is a dynamic and transformative journey. The city’s academic excellence, multicultural community, fusion of tradition and modernity, vibrant lifestyle, and career opportunities create an ideal environment for personal growth and cultural exploration. Embracing Shanghai’s global metropolis allows you to broaden your horizons, develop cross-cultural competencies, and build cherished memories. By immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Shanghai’s academic, cultural, and social offerings, you are sure to embark on a truly unforgettable experience as an international student in China’s most dynamic city.

The May Day Holiday is over for a week, and Zibo city is undoubtedly, the champion city for travelling during the holiday in China. Its GDP in the first season also exceeds 100 billion RMB, which is an amazing achievement. Catering plays an important role in this, especially its famous barbecue. So how is that happening? This article will introduce why is Zibo barbecue so popular recently.

The Badaju Market, a wet market in Zibo, became the hottest destination during this year’s May Day holiday in China. It attracted more visitors than famous attractions like the Great Wall and Shanghai Disneyland according to Baidu Maps. What made this local market so popular? Here are some facts and tips about Badaju Market:

Where is Badaju Market？

Badaju Market is located in Zibo City’s Zhangdian district. Its name originates from the 1980s when there were eight government bureaus in the area. From a regular market, Badaju has risen to an internet sensation thanks to its signature Zibo-style barbecues which draw foodies from all over China.

What are in the Badaju Market?

Badaju Market offers more than a typical wet market. Vendors sell everything from vegetables and seafood to clothes and kitchenware. But the barbecue food stands make Badaju really stand out, especially the local Zibo barbecue like grilled pancakes with meat and shallots. Initially popular among students for affordability, Zibo barbecue has become the main attraction for many visitors.

How popular was Zibo during the May Day holiday?

According to reports, hotel bookings in Zibo soared 800% and train tickets from Beijing to Zibo on May 1 sold out in one minute. The huge crowds overwhelmed local eateries, so additional trains, buses and volunteers were provided to assist visitors and meet needs.

What makes Zibo special?

Zibo’s popularity is due to delicious barbecues but also efforts by the local government. Tourism initiatives include free entrance to attractions with train tickets. Hotels were required to cap room rates during the holiday to 50% above March average. Officials volunteered to help tourists while monitoring food quality.

Zibo became one of the most visited places this holiday, gaining fame overnight. Though part of a broader domestic tourism rebound, Zibo’s rise signifies the vitality of grassroots destinations and China’s economy recovering after the pandemic.

Badaju Market represents the allure of authentic local experiences. Its story inspires more places to develop tourism around culture, cuisine and community. For visitors, Zibo is a lesson in appreciate hidden gems as much as famous sights. When a wet market can become a sensation, it shows how tourism today craves meaning, connection and fun – not just photos for social media but living in the moment. Overall, the passion for Zibo barbecue reflects a hunger for life’s simple pleasures rediscovered. 

In summary, the combination of appealing food, engaging experience, reasonable prices, social media marketing and celebrity endorsements has made Zibo barbecue into a dining sensation and cultural phenomenon among young people in China today. Its popularity is likely to continue spreading to more parts of the country with new outlets opening.

References

淄博市 wikipedia
Zibo wikipedia

Related celebrities

Pu Songling (1640-1715), also known as Mr. Liaozhai, was a native of Zibo city 淄博市, Shandong Province 山东省.
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio 聊斋志异 – Top 100 Books in China

Zibo 淄博 – Chinese Cities

Where is Xian on the Map

Xian is the capital city of Shaanxi Province in northern China and also where the ancient Silk Road started. So it is quite convenient to get there from northern cities such as Beijing and Dunhuang.The maps below will show you where exactly Xian is.

Xian City Maps

The maps below will show you the general jurisdiction area of Xian, main attractions in Xian, and Xian’s main accommodation areas so that you can have a rough idea about where you are going to go and stay while in Xian.

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Xian China Transportation Maps

People can get to Xian by flight or train from most cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Tianjin, Zhangjiajie, etc. And the keep-upgrading high speed railway system has made the transfer much faster and easier. Here are some maps about how to get to Xian within China.

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Xian City Transportation Maps

Xian now has 4 metro lines and numerous buses to meet your needs in traveling downtown to attractions like Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, etc. Xian Xianyang Airport and the famous Terracotta Warriors are a little far, but there are shuttle buses and tourist buses to get you there.

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Xian Tourist Attractions Guide Maps

Having some understanding of the layout of the places you are going to visit is conducive to a better arrangement in your tour. Here are some guide maps of Mount Hua and major attractions in Xian. hope they will be of help.

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Suzhou Location Maps – Where is Suzhou

Suzhou is located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province, bordering Taizhou (Jiangsu) in north, Jiaxing (Zhejiang Province) in south, Shanghai in the east , Wuxi in the west and Huzhou (Zhejiang Province) in the south and west, while Jiangsu Province is located in the east of China, bordering Shangdong Province in the north, Zhejiang Province in the south, Anhui Province in the west and Shanghai in the southwest.

Suzhou Transfer Maps – How to Get to/around Suzhou

Since Suzhou has no airport at present, so taking a high speed train is the best way to get to Suzhou. You can get to Suzhou by high speed train from Shanghai (about 0.5h), Hangzhou (1.5~2h), Nanjing (45min ~ 1.5h), Huangshan (3~3.5h), Beijing (4~4.5h), Xian (6~8h), Wuhan (3.5~5h), Chengdu (11 h), etc. If you want to travel from some cities in the distance, you can take a flight to Shanghai first, and then travel to Suzhou. Getting around Suzhou by taking public transport is also possible, but we suggest you use private transfer service for a more comfortable experience. Check the detailed transfer maps below. Check detailed maps of how to get to/around Suzhou here:

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Suzhou Tourist Maps – How to Travel Suzhou

In Suzhou, you really get plenty of places to visit. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou is a must, and highly recommended gardens include Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, Lion Grove, Canglang Pavilion, etc. After Suzhou gardens, you can explore Suzhou Silk in Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory and Suzhou Silk Museum. Besides, many water towns are also worthwhile to visit, such as Zhouzhuang Water Town, Tongli Water Town, Luzhi Water Town, etc. Check the detailed travel Suzhou maps here:

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Nanjing Location Maps – Where is Nanjing

Located in eastern China and in the Yangtze River Delta region, Nanjing is bordering Chuzhou (Anhui) in the north and the east, Xuancheng (Anhui)in the south, Yangzhou (Jiangsu), Zhenjiang (Jiangsu) and Changzhou (Jiangsu) in east, and Maanshan (Anhui) in the west. Check its detailed location maps here:

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Nanjing Transfer Maps – How to Get to/around Nanjing

As the present capital city of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing can be easily reached if you take a flight or a high speed train from the major domestic cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, etc. There are also international flights flying to Nanjing Lukou International Airport from some foreign cities, such as Frankfurt (German), Varese (Italy), Helsinki (Finland), Vancouver (Canada), Los Angeles (USA), Singapore (Singapore), Seoul (Korea), Tokyo (Japan), etc.

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Nanjing Tourist Maps – How to Travel Nanjing

There are heaps of attractions available to visit in Nanjing. If you are interested in history, you can explore Zhonghua Gate, Nanjing City Wall, Jiming Temple, Presidential Palace, Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre, etc. If you like natural beauty, you can visit Purple Mountain, Xuanwu Lake, Zhongshan Scenic Area, etc. Of course, you can also immerse yourself in the charming nightlife of Qinhuai River. Check the detailed Nanjing tourist maps here:

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Below is a shortlist of the best student cities in China for international students to make the best of their Chinese study abroad experience. Try to imagine yourself living in each city, and decide which location you see your best student personality come to life.

Study in Beijing

The capital of China, Beijing (previously known as ‘Peking’) is a top choice for international students in the country because of its dynamic and diverse lifestyle. Although not as large as Shanghai in terms of size, Beijing has been holding China’s political center for centuries. One of China’s most visited tourist spots, the Forbidden City, was the home of the imperial family and still stands at the center of Beijing. Moreover, the Chinese capital will not be a disappointment to those who want to chase a cultural adventure as Beijing houses 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to tell about the significant contributions of China to the world. Likewise, those who seek an active lifestyle in the midst of busy streets and towering skyscrapers can also find a spot in Beijing.

Beijing is home to China’s internationally renowned universities, the Tsinghua University and the Peking University. International students in Beijing are in for a world-class education within a city that is filled with life in its many forms. If you study in Beijing, expect a life in the center of China’s most important events as well as a historically and culturally inclined student life surrounded by ancient palaces, bell towers, and alleyways.

Study in Shanghai

The largest and the most populated city in China, Shanghai is the country’s financial, economic, and commercial center. It also houses the world’s busiest container port. If you seek to study in a modern city, Shanghai should be your student city choice. This city gives you a lifestyle which is filled with action. International students in Shanghai can enroll among the city’s most prestigious universities, and enjoy life in a foreign land which will not seem alien at all because of the rich intercultural exchanges in the city. In Shanghai, you can also revel in the architecture which boasts of a blend between classic and modern design.

While it may be expensive, Shanghai has affordable options for international students concerning transportation, food, and accommodation options. You can always have a taste of the Shanghai life without joining in the sophisticated and luxurious expenditures of the residents. If you imagine yourself living in between the hustle and bustle of a modern city in China, choose Shanghai.

Study in Hong Kong

An autonomous province of China or a Special Administrative Region of China (SAR) since 1997, Hong Kong boasts of a powerful economy. Masterfully planned as a global city, Hong Kong attracts tourists because of its skyscrapers and sprawling entertainment parks. Hong Kong enjoys a free economy which is a highly competitive one as well. Its own currency, the Hong Kong Dollar is the world’s thirteenth most traded currency. International students who want a thrilling and vibrant Chinese life need to pick Hong Kong as their student city choice. You can never go wrong with its universities which provide a lot of English-taught courses, mainly because of the city being a melting pot for all nationalities. International students can explore the City University Hong Kong, Syracuse University, and other internationally recognized institutions in Hong Kong. Living in this city will prove to be easy, as it is home to a highly diverse community of expats and international students.

Living in Hong Kong may be different from living in other Chinese cities, because the dominant culture of the Hong Kong community is British due to its colonial roots. Nonetheless, you can find a significant concentration of Chinese students who can teach you all about the significant history of China. Regarding living costs, Hong Kong is an expensive city understandable from its prosperous economy. Students in this city can enjoy an innovative lifestyle, such as living in hole-in-the-wall apartments. If you are a student who prefers an energetic way of life, Hong Kong is definitely your place-to-be.

Study in Hangzhou

One of the 7 ancient capitals in China and fondly called “heaven on earth”, Hangzhou is famous for its picturesque landscape. With its small size and population, Hangzhou is ideal for international students who find a laid back environment conducive for learning. However, despite its discreet profile, Hangzhou boasts of a rich history, economy, and education system. The West Lake and the Grand Canal are 2 of the city’s most visited spots considered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Moreover, the city respects and preserves tradition which will surely lure culture buffs. It also enjoys a high economic status as one of China’s wealthiest cities. Furthermore, the Zhejiang University belongs to China’s top-ranked institutions for higher learning. Hence, if you seek excellent education situated in a place where you can take in nature’s wonder, Hangzhou is your best pick.

Study in Xiamen

“The Hawaii of China”, Xiamen (historically known as ‘Amoy’) is a city situated in a sub-tropical island. It is a city which enjoys a high economic status and an easy-going community. International students in China who crave a relaxed and liberated lifestyle need to select Xiamen as their student city. Living and studying in Xiamen allows for a breathtaking daily adventure alongside a high quality of life. For some years, the city of Xiamen is dubbed as China’s “most romantic leisure city” and China’s second most suitable city for living. If you are pulled towards a location where the crossroads of nature and city meet halfway, choose Xiamen.

Finally decided on which city to pick? It’s time to move forward to the next steps. See related pages below to help in your upcoming study journey in China.

The world’s most populous city, Shanghai, is one of China’s greatest economic and cultural centers. It is also a gate between the east and the west where both cultures meet. Shanghai is full of things to do and it is very difficult to get bored there! Here is a small list of things that the city has to offer.