AUSTRALIA CHINA YOUTH ASSOCIATION’S

Guide to Chengdu

成都留学指南

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is one of the largest metropolises in China. A city of great cultural import, Chengdu is the home of a number temples, historical townships, and sites of natural beauty. Coupled with great food such as the famous Sichuan hotpot and eighty per cent of the world’s panda population, Chengdu makes for one of the more memorable and unique exchange study experiences in China.

]\ Welcome!

Jesse Glass / ​ ​ ACYA Chengdu Chapter President 2017

Contained in the following pages is a brief introduction to Chengdu. As the current chapter president of the Australia-China Youth Association (ACYA) in Chengdu, I hope that my suggestions will make for a better exchange study experience. The ACYA Chengdu chapter has been in existence and I have been in this wonderful city for almost four years. I have spent much of that time studying Chinese. Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the contents of this guide will highlight the local “ins” and “outs” of Chengdu.

Chengdu is a truly unique and intriguing part of not only China but of the world at-large. It is a city that is certainly worth your consideration. An exchange study experience here will undoubtedly improve your Chinese language skills and understanding of China.

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What is ACYA?

We strive to bridge the gap between Australia and China and to develop a generation of young professionals who are able to identify, seize and create opportunities for closer bilateral ties and greater mutual understanding between our two countries.

OUR HISTORY

The Australia-China Youth Association (“ACYA”) is the only non-profit devoted to promoting engagement between students and young professionals in both Australia and China. We position ourselves the preeminent stakeholder for youth in the crucial bilateral relationship between Australia and China.

We provide a platform for Australian and Chinese youth to learn from one another and, in turn, strengthen this bilateral relationship. This is achieved by chapters across both countries executing impactful projects centred around three "pillars":

Education / Careers / People-to-People Exchange ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Since our formation in 2008, ACYA has been run by youth, for youth on an entirely voluntary basis.

OUR MISSION

We aspire to be the organisation through which young Australians interested in China (and vice versa) forge lasting connections and access a network of unique and diverse educational and career opportunities.

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OUR VISION

ACYA strives to create a dynamic ecosystem that not only encourages Australian and Chinese youth to involve themselves in this bilateral relationship, but also reach new heights of mutual understanding, diplomacy and appreciation, through:

1. Providing a robust and well connected community within which young Australians and Chinese can forge lasting friendships, develop academic and business partnerships, and share educational, extracurricular and professional opportunities;

2. Acting as a non-political advocate and facilitator to promote cross-cultural ​ understanding and greater interaction with professionals, government and NGOs as well as provide a support base enabling our members to deliver initiatives that increase opportunities for Australia-China engagement; and

3. Strengthening a bilateral youth community at a grassroots level through an ​ expansive network of chapters in China and Australia.

These Chapters regularly deliver quality social and educational events, publications and language exchange for an international community of over 6,000 ACYA Members and, altogether, host well over 100 major events annually—• ​ ​

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]\ What is the New Colombo Plan?

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

It encourages a two-way flow of students between Australia and the rest of our region, complementing the thousands of students from the region coming to Australia to study each year.

The New Colombo Plan is intended to be transformational, deepening Australia's relationships in the region, both at the individual level and through expanding university, business and other links.

Over time, the Australian Government wants to see study in the Indo-Pacific region become a rite of passage for Australian undergraduate students, and as an endeavour that is highly valued across the Australian community.

To date, the New Colombo Plan is supporting students to study and undertake internships across the Indo-Pacific from Pakistan in the west to Mongolia in the north, and the Cook Islands in the east.

The New Colombo Plan pilot year of 2014 supported 40 scholars and more than 1300 mobility students to study and undertake work placements across four pilot locations.

In 2015 the New Colombo Plan built on this success, expanding the program across the Indo-Pacific region and awarding 69 scholarships and supporting more than 3,100 mobility students.

The program continued to grow in 2016, supporting more than 5450 mobility students and 100 scholars to live, study and undertake work placements in the region.

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By 2018, the start of the fifth year of the program, the New Colombo Plan is supporting around 13,000 mobility students and 120 scholars.

Over its first five years, the New Colombo Plan will support more than 30,000 Australian undergraduate students to live, work and study in the Indo-Pacific.

This growing cohort of scholars and mobility students are all eligible to be part of the New Colombo Plan Alumni Program, which supports alumni to maintain a connection to each other, the New Colombo Plan and the Indo-Pacific region as they progress in their lives and careers.

Over time the growing cohort of New Colombo Plan alumni will play an increasingly important role in Australia's relationships with its neighbours to become an influential and diverse network of Australians with direct experience in the Indo-Pacific, strong professional and personal networks across our region, and a driving force in Australia's future prosperity.

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Introduction to Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the most populous cities in Western China and has a riveting history. At almost every turn throughout the course of China’s development, the people and city of Chengdu have made a visible and often lasting contribution. During the Three Kingdoms period, Chengdu served as the capital of Liu Bei’s kingdom of Shu. Almost, two millennia later, Chengdu served as a capital once more upon the fall of Nanjing in 1937.

Apart from serving as a national capital, Chengdu has also played a role as one of China’s culinary capitals. Chengdu is located within China’s Sichuan province, a province known for, obviously, its pepper and accompanying spicy cuisine. When in Chengdu, one must try its famous hotpot, a veritable smorgasbord of pungent aromas, extraordinary spices, and assorted ingredients. Alternatively, for those who are not as adventurous, non-spicy options can be found throughout the city in its many restaurants and food stalls.

It is worth noting that those who wish to undertake their exchange study in Chengdu are eligible to apply for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship. Victorian students are also encouraged to apply for the Hamer Scholarship.

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UNIVERSITIES

Academic expectations are vastly different to that of Australia. Each subject taught has different criteria depending on the subject coordinator. For almost all subjects studied at university, you will not be provided a subject outline. Lessons are delivered in a style similar to that of high school. There are no lectures and tutorials, instead the subjects are all combined into one. It is important that you attend each lesson as none of the classes are recorded.

Universities provide a number of canteens to eat at. Students are issued with a student card and money can be deposited into them (at a kiosk or electronic transfer). It is important to note that these student cards can be used to pay for the shuttle bus on campus, at the campus canteen and other businesses on campus which accept the student card payment system.

Textbooks are incredibly affordable in China and these can be bought at designated bookstores on campus grounds. Alternatively, textbooks can be bought online at Taobao. Beyond all of the points above, be sure to regularly check the online blackboard equivalent for updates and go to the foreign students’ office for any questions of concern that you may have.

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Need-to-knows

STAYING HEALTHY

All universities have a canteen featuring freshly made and relatively cheap food. There are lots of food options in and around the universities, some of which include healthy options. There is usually a hospital located within university campuses, thereby making it very convenient should you ever need to see a doctor. Universities also feature at least one sporting ground with a running track and other facilities such as basketball and tennis courts.

TRANSPORT

Transport is incredibly convenient in Chengdu. A single ride on the Chengdu metro ranges from between ¥2 and ¥4RMB. Chengdu also has an extensive network of buses. However, most bus lines and maps only display information in Chinese. Finally, as in other cities in China, taxis also make for a convenient method of transport.

SETTING UP A BANK ACCOUNT

In China, everything is paid via your phone that is linked with your credit card hence getting a bank account is crucial in China.

The main bank accounts used by foreigners are the Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China .

When setting up bank accounts it is important find out first if they accept passports as valid form of identification and whether they can link to an Alipay/WeChat wallet.

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MUST HAVE APPS

WeChat / 微信 Ali Pay / 支付宝 ​ ​

Put simply, WeChat is the Facebook of Having all your cash and cards wrapped China. The application is easy to use and up into a digital one stop shop. To use incredibly simple to navigate. I this application, you will need to set up a recommend you have this application bank account and have a small downloaded and installed before on understanding of Chinese. However, it is arrive in China, so you can begin to add more than worth it. This application is and message new friends right away! used throughout all of China and comes packed with a broad range of features. WeChat also doubles as a digital payment system. Merchants use QR Ofo / 共享单车 ​ codes to receive payments through scanning the code with your phone's Important for many occasions where you camera. Incredibly easy to use and all need to get around by bicycle. Trust me, you need is a Chinese bank account and this is an incredibly handy application. All to prove your identity. Shops that use QR you will need is a Chinese Bank account code payments either use Wechat or and naturally a small understanding of Alipay to receive digital payments. Chinese. I recommend this application for people who do not want to commit to Pleco / 魚 buying a bicycle. ​ ​

The app that will be your Bible whilst you are living in China. An incredibly amazing dictionary for translating Chinese to Taobao / 淘宝 ​ English and vice-versa. As well you can If you love Ebay, Amazon or Gumtree. draw into the application and it will Then you will love this even more. All you recognize the character you are trying to will need for this app is a Chinese Bank input. Packed with numerous other account and a postal address. If you do features, this app is great for those who have troubles it’s best to ask a native or don’t want to carry a translation book your bank branch for help. with them around China.

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]\ didi / 滴滴出行 Baidu Maps / 百度地图 ​ ​

A fantastic ride sharing app that allows Since a number of services are blocked you to conveniently get from A to B in China, it is highly recommended that hassle free. This application comes in you download Baidu Maps. Functions the English as well. Incredibly simple to use same as google maps, however the and great for getting around when you’re maps are only available in Chinese. not quite confident with telling a cab driver exactly where you are going.

Social Life

There are often misconceptions about life in China, especially when it comes to socialising. Despite these misconceptions, in reality, social life for students in Chengdu is much the same as it is in Australia. There are cafes for catch ups with friends and bars to drink and party in!

There is a slight cultural difference between students in Australian and China. Although various nightlife options are available, local students are less likely to frequent bars and clubs. Of course, that is not to say that no Chinese student enjoy going out to bars and clubs. When making local friends in China you are more likely to meet for dinner and coffee than in a bar.

Chinese university campuses have a large number of international students from all over the world. This provides a great opportunity to build a global network and learn from your Chinese and international friends about their country and culture.

It is always a good idea to do some Mandarin language study prior to your arrival and continue to learn the language while in China. This will make your stay much more comfortable and allow you to communicate with the locals. It is important to note that there are many local dialects in China and you may still find yourself having trouble understanding, but don’t let this stop you!

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There is no need to fret before making the move. Most major cities in China have an ACYA chapter that will run social events, allowing you to connect with other Australian students and local students with an Australian background or experience.

All this and more make up the social experience you can expect when studying in China.

TEAHOUSES

Chengdu is famous for its teahouses. Although the tea is important, the real value of teahouses is that they double as tranquil place to talk, play games or study. Teahouses are dotted throughout the city and are a special part of Chengdu’s social fabric, where locals meet for lazy afternoons.

CLUBS AND BARS

There is also no shortage of options for nightlife in Chengdu either. “Bar Street” stretches along the Jin Jiang River, and this is the main Chinese bar area. At night the Jiu Yan Qiao bridge is lit up and reflects off the river.

There are also a lot of clubs. Lang Kwai Feng is just across the river from Bar Street and has the largest concentration of clubs. Lan Kwai Feng is frequented by a lot of foreign revelers. Space Club holds over 2000 people and often features some of the world's best DJs!

WHERE TO EAT

Sichuan is well known for its famous food culture. With an abundance of snack foods and world renowned spicy tucker, Chengdu is a great place for foodies. “Chuan Chuan” and BBQ restaurants will feed you all night, so you can always go home with a full stomach after those all-night study sessions!

Hot Pot:

Sichuan is the home of China’s hot pot culture. The meal starts out as a large bowl of chilli infused oil in the center of the table. You can order a range different condiments from

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]\ meat and innards to dumplings and vegetables. The bowl of oil is then brought to the boil and you cook what you have ordered in the fragrant oil.

Chuan Chuan:

Chuan Chuan (which translates to “stick stick”) is a great alternative to hot pot and highly recommended for foreigners. The reason being that at hot pot restaurants, you need to order off a Chinese menu. At a Chuan Chaun restaurant the food is pre-skewered on sticks and layed out in refrigerators. All that’s left to do is choose what you want and give it to the staff, the food is then cooked and placed in a bowl on your table.

Insider Experiences

Darsy O’Neill / Exchange Student at Sichuan University, 2017 ​ ​ ​ ​

Three years ago I took the plunge to quit my job in Australia and come to China to study Chinese. To say it has been a learning experience of a lifetime would be an understatement. My lifestyle in Chengdu is quite laid back, but still very fulfilling. When I’m not at the university studying Chinese or teaching English at various places around Chengdu, I’m at home relaxing, going to gym, going out to the bars with friends or going to coffee shops to read and study Chinese. Chengdu is a big city but yet it does not feel overwhelming. The local lifestyle here is quite slow paced.

Cost of living When I first arrived here I was so surprised at how cheap everything was (except the coffee!). My average monthly expenditure is 5000 RMB ($1000 AUD), not including the yearly university tuition fee. The cost of living will varying from person to person; if you live and eat like a Chinese person (usually what I try and do) your cost of living will be relatively low (Western food is generally higher priced than Chinese food).

Learning Chinese

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I have to say, learning Chinese and perfecting it is not a quick and easy task. It first takes willingness and curiosity, and then it takes discipline, patience and continued determination. My progress in the first year was the quickest. I made some Chinese friends and even went to their hometown where I was fully immersed in Chinese culture and learnt a lot of the language. After one year I could have basic conversations using Chinese and read some characters. Three years on I can have fluent conversations, read Chinese books and write characters, but I still have a long way to go in perfecting the language and becoming more like a native speaker.

Tips Chinese people are very welcoming to foreigners, making Chinese friends is the quickest and most meaningful way to learn the language and culture. Keep an open mind. There are lots of differences between the culture here and what you might be used to. It’s important to accept you are in another culture and some things are done differently here (three years on this is still something I have to remind myself about - people pushing in line is so frustrating!). Some useful apps to download:

1. Wechat (can do almost everything; messaging service, payment service, buy movie tickets, food etc) 2. A Chinese-English dictionary. I use two - Trainchinese and Pleco.

Recommendations

Whether you want to live in China long-term or you are just looking to try something different for a while I would highly recommend coming to Chengdu to work or study. You will not only learn about a fascinating culture and language, you will also learn a lot about yourself along the way

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Should you have any questions or would like to get in touch with ACYA, please feel free to get in touch by emailing ACYA’s General Manager, China at [email protected] ​

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