Traditions & Culture:
China – the most ancient civilization in the world. The Chinese culture features an abundance of the material and spiritual values, unchanged over millennia. In spite of the influence from outside and numerous invasions, the Chinese culture preserved its individuality and unique identity. Harmony in China’s Foreign Relations, The Chinese traditional cultural values of harmony, benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and filial piety are embodied in China’s diplomacy through the concept of harmony, the most important Chinese traditional value.
Food:
The “Chow mein” (炒面) is the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese characters above, which means stir-fried noodles. Generally speaking, this stir-fried dish consists of noodles, meat (usually chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork), onions and celery. Rice is a major staple food for people from rice farming areas in southern China. Steamed rice, usually white rice, is the most commonly eaten form. People in southern China also like to use rice to make congee as breakfast. Rice is also used to produce beer, baijiu and vinegars.
Safety:
There is a large network of CCTV cameras on campus, as well as wardens situated at all road entrances to help keep you safe. There is also daytime security provided at the reception of your accommodation building. Generally, China is a very safe country in which to travel and women don’t have to be particularly concerned. However, all single travelers should use common sense and take precautions because being on your own just might single you out for some swindling or pick-pocketing.
If you need help in an emergency, the following services can be reached at these numbers:
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 120
Health:
International students in China are required to purchase both medical insurance and personal accidental death and injury insurance. These can be purchased before or after arrival in China. International students staying in China longer than six months are required to be covered by health insurance for the duration of their stay in China. International students studying in China for longer than a year (X1 visa) are required to undergo a physical examination, which should be performed in a public hospital one month before departure. If the examination is performed in a private hospital, the student should get the certificate notarized.
International students studying in China are advised to opt for treatment in foreign-invested hospitals and clinics – and to be very familiar with their health insurance plan. International students in China are required to purchase both medical insurance and personal accidental death and injury insurance.
Transport
Public buses in cities are the most common and popular form of public transport. Public bus fares in China are extremely cheap and usually cost a flat RMB1 or RMB 2 (US$0.15 to US$0.25). You pay the same price regardless of the distance you travel. If you are new to China, start with taxis. Taxis are easily flagged in the streets and are generally clean and comfortable. Depending on the city you are in, fares starts from RMB5 (US$0.8) to RMB12 (US$1.2) and run on a taxi-meter. In most large Chinese cities, the driver will turn on the meter but in some of the smaller cities, taxi drivers may ignore the taxi meter and insist on a certain pre-determined price.