China
China, located in East Asia, is a country of great geographical, cultural and historical diversity. With a population of over one billion, China is the world's most populous country. The Middle Kingdom has a millennia-long history dating back over 5,000 years, and has been the cradle of numerous dynasties and civilizations. The country is renowned for its historical and architectural sites, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the terracotta warriors of the Qin army.
Capital
Shanghai
Spoken Languages
Mandarin
Currency
¥ - Renminbi ou Yuan
1 ¥ = 0,13 €
International Calling Code
+ 86
Visa
For an exchange of less than 6 months, apply for a type F visa, otherwise for a study visa.
For an internship, the procedure is complex, so plan ahead and find a company willing to help you with the formalities.
You can find more information here.
The faux pas
Don't leave a tip, it's perceived as an insult!
The pint of beer costs
1,10€
82% cheaper than in France
The cost of life is
31%
Cheaper than in France
-46%
-70%
-15%
The McDonald Menu costs
5€
49% cheaper than in France
Expression local
你有微信吗？ (Nǐ yǒu wēixìn ma?)
"Do you have WeChat?"
Must-See Sites: The Great Wall of China - Longhua Temple - Forbidden City
For nature lovers: Zhangjiajie
For a good meal: QuanJuDe in Beijing - Jia Jia Tang Bao in Shanghai
If you miss EMOTR: Vics in Beijing - The Bund in Shanghai
Places to visit
Culinary Specialties
北京烤鸭 (běijīng kǎoyā)
Chinese duck
小笼包
Xiǎo lóng bāo
餃子 (jiǎozi)
Ravioli
An anecdote
If you order water, be sure to specify “cold”. There we drink hot water or tea.
A must-have
Isa: “Have a phone number to get Alipay. In China, we pay for everything with Alipay or Wetchat pay. Few people use bills or change.”
Attention
If you're afraid of crowds,
the world's most populous country may not be for you.
China's major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have extensive, modern metro networks. Ticket prices vary according to the distance traveled, but are generally affordable, with fares ranging from a few yuan to around ten yuan, depending on the city and distance.
China's rail network is highly developed, enabling travel throughout the country. Trains in China are divided into several categories, including high-speed trains (G and D), express trains (Z, T) and ordinary trains (K),
Cabs are readily available in China's major cities. Fares vary by city and distance traveled, but are generally quite affordable. Make sure the cab uses a meter or negotiate the fare before you get in. Didi is China's equivalent of Uber.
Transportation
Housing
Beijing:
- Rents are quite expensive in the city center: between 6,000 (approx. 760 euros) and 12,000 yuan (1,536 euros)
- Nice, affordable neighborhoods: Fengtai, Tongzhou, Daxing
- Neighborhoods to avoidBeijing is a very safe city
Shanghai:
- fairly expensive rents, as in Beijing
- nice, affordable neighborhoods: Pudong, Hongkou, Xuhui, Minhang
- also very safe
Climate
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Shanghai: humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, cold, wet winters, and relatively mild springs and autumns. Students should be prepared for high humidity in summer and bring appropriate clothing for cooler winter temperatures.
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Beijing: continental climate with hot, humid summers, cold, dry winters, and relatively mild springs and autumns. Students should be prepared to cope with significant temperature differences between day and night, as well as changing weather conditions.
Vaccine
-
Hepatitis A: 1 injection 15 days before departure, booster 1 to 3 (5) years later, children: from age 1;
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Japanese encephalitis: only if you're going to a rural area.
A souvenir
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Tea: China is famous for its tea culture. You can bring back different types of tea, such as green, oolong, black or white, as well as traditional tea accessories such as porcelain cups or terracotta teapots.
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Porcelain: Chinese porcelain is renowned the world over for its beauty and finesse.
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Traditional toys and dolls: For lovers of playful souvenirs, traditional Chinese toys such as kites, puppets, cloth dolls and paper lanterns are a good choice.