CULTURE AND LANGUAGE GUIDE
For Students Studying Abroad
CHINA
Full name: People’s Republic of China (PRC)
Region: Eastern Asia
Population: 1.35 billion (United Nations, 2010)
Area: 9.6 million sq km (3.7 million sq miles)
Government: Communist Party of China (CCP)
Capital: Beijing
Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam,
Taoism
Official language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: CNY* (China Yuan) or RMB (Renminbi
is the general name for all Chinese currency, and
literally means ‘People’s Currency’)
*However the administrative regions of Hong Kong
and Macau use different currencies. Taiwan also
has its own currency.
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS BOOKLET
This booklet has been designed to assist students of The University of Queensland who are planning to go
on exchange to China through the UQ Abroad program. It contains practical, cultural and language-related
information that is relevant to students.
PRACTICAL TIPS
6
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
14
UNIVERSITY LIFE
24
GOING OUT
32
LANGUAGE
36
For ease of reference some information in this booklet has been marked with symbols in highlight boxes:
!
P
Important tips.
Interesting or unusual facts.
Web links to relevant information.
& Glossaries and language information.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Winters in the north, north-east and north-west are
about four months long and can be extremely cold,
while summers are hot and dry. In central China (the
Yangtze River Valley area) winters are short but wet
and cold, and summers are long, hot and humid. In the
south, winters are short and not as cold but summers
are hot. It is cool in summer in Tibet but freezing cold
in winter.
Weather forecasts and warnings:
www.weatherforecastmap.com/china
WEATHER
Given the vast area and complex terrain of the country,
China is subject to the worst extremes in climate, which
vary from bitter cold in winter to unbearable heat in
summer.
The Yangtze River (长江 - Chang Jiang) is officially
regarded as the dividing line between north and south.
In general the land can be divided into the following five
climatic regions based on the north and south division:
north/north-east, north-west, central, south and Tibet.
6
DRINKING WATER
Tap water in China is undrinkable before it is
boiled or treated, but it is quite easy to buy both
foreign and local brands of bottled water. In
most Chinese restaurants tea is served instead
of water. If you would prefer water, just ask for
bottled water and the charge will be included in
your bill. Some reliable local brands are Nongfu
Spring 农夫山泉 and Wa-Ha-Ha 娃哈哈.
!
Don’t ask for a glass of cold water in restaurants
because it could be tap water. If you are using
drinking water in a large plastic container, use the
water up within one week, especially in summer.
TIPPING
Tipping is not a part of Chinese service culture. The
only place where a tip might be expected is a high-end
hotel catering to western tourists. Tour guides working
for organised group tours may expect tips. However,
you shouldn’t feel guilty for not tipping.
P Tipping
in Hong Kong and Macau is common.
These two places are ‘Special Administrative Regions’.
MONEY
The monetary unit of CNY is Yuan 元 and the fractional
units are Jiao 角 and Fen 分 (though Fen are now
rarely used). Colloquially Yuan is called Kuai 块, and
Jiao is called Mao 毛. 1 Yuan is equal to 10 Jiao.
The currency used in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan is
different. They use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), Macau
Patacas (MOP) and Taiwan New Dollars (TWD).
CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES
Most international credit cards are accepted in the
major Chinese cities but are generally not accepted in
rural areas. Traveller’s cheques are also accepted in
the major banks in China.
USEFUL WEBSITES FOR GENERAL FACTS
AND INFORMATION ABOUT CHINA:
China Travel Guide
wikitravel.org/en/China
Facts About China
www.real-china.org/facts-about-china-links.
html
TIME DIFFERENCE
10am in Brisbane = 8am in Beijing ( -2hrs )
Despite its large land mass, the whole of China
uses China Standard Time (CST), colloquially
known as Beijing Time, which is GMT + 8. There
is no daylight saving in China. Queensland uses
Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is GMT +
10 and also does not observe daylight saving,
therefore it is always two hours earlier in China.
Current times in all major world cities:
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
7
PRACTICAL TIPS
!
When travelling or going out in China, ensure
you have enough small change. RMB 100 may
not seem like a lot to an Australian, but in most
parts of China it is still a lot of money!
Currency Converter:
www.xe.com
EXCHANGING MONEY
ATMs
It is quite convenient to exchange money in China and
the rates are usually more favourable. Still, it is a good
idea to exchange a small amount of money before
leaving Australia. It is less convenient to exchange
money or use a credit card in remote areas in China,
so ensure you bring enough cash with you, particularly
small change.
A credit card can be used to withdraw money if the
logos of the card type are shown on the ATM. Most
banks permit a withdrawal of 20,000 Yuan a day. Use
only ATMs at financial institutions. Be sure to consult
the bank staff for the procedures before using an ATM.
Always exchange money in a bank or in a hotel where
the service is available. A passport must be presented
when exchanging money in China. Do not exchange
money with individuals or in small shops.
!
RECOMMENDED CHINESE BANKS
Bank of China, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China,
China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications
and Agriculture Bank of China are popular and
foreigner-friendly. English service is usually available
in the large branches of these banks.
Counterfeit money exists in China. You should be especially careful when
receiving a paper note of 50 Yuan or 100 Yuan. The newest edition of Chinese
currency has a watermark on the left front side which can be seen against the light
(see image on right), and there is a security line in the middle of all paper notes.
8
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
!
Buses and subways usually are most popular forms
of public transport in the major cities of China. Riding
a bicycle is also a very popular and economic way of
getting around. Bicycles are much easier to park and
cheaper to run, and it is not compulsory to wear a
helmet. Keep in mind that in China people drive on the
right hand side.
Buses - Many buses don’t have a conductor and
the driver is not responsible for giving change.
Always prepare some coins of 1 Yuan or 5 Jiao
while taking a bus or a subway train. Having a
prepaid touch card could save you from worrying.
You can get public transport information for various
Chinese cities from this website (it is only in Chinese):
www.8684.cn
Foreign student cards generally cannot be used for
public transport discounts in China. However, tourist
attractions in large cities may offer a discount if you
have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card).
ISIC could also allow you to enjoy discounts in Hong
Kong, Macau and some cities in southern China.
If you have a
Information on the ISIC card:
local student
www.isiccard.com.au
card you may
enjoy some
discounts on train tickets but usually not on bus fares.
TRAVEL TIPS
Taxis - Some taxi drivers refuse to use the
meter or use other tricks to charge higher fares.
Always have the name of your destination written
in Chinese to show the driver, and get a receipt
(fa-piao) when you arrive at your destination.
Carrying small change or using exact change
can reduce the risk of getting counterfeit money.
Right-hand Driving - People drive on the right
hand side of the road in China. Be aware of this
when cycling, driving and crossing roads.
Driving in China - You cannot drive in China
with a foreign driver’s license. However, foreign
residents can obtain a Chinese driver’s license,
and an International Driver’s Permit can be
converted to a local license, possibly with an
additional examination. For details refer to:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_China
9
PRACTICAL TIPS
a troublemaker can be detained for up to 15 days.
P Hong Kong and Macao returned to China in 1997
and 1999 respectively. Each of them has a provincial
level Chief Executive as the head of the region. Both
enjoy a high level of administrative independence except
in the areas of foreign policy and military defence.
POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS
The People’s Republic of China was founded by
the Communist Party of China (CCP) in 1949. The
multiparty cooperation and political consultation under
the leadership of the CCP is the basic political system.
China has 34 administrative regions. These include 22
provinces (led by a Provincial Party Committee with a
Party Secretary as the highest leader), 4 municipalities
(cities directly under the central government), 5
autonomous regions (minority subjects with a higher
population of certain ethnic groups. The Governor is
usually appointed from the minority ethnic group), 2
special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau)
and 1 claimed province (Taiwan).
10
Taiwan: The PRC claims the island of Taiwan and its
surrounding islets as Taiwan Province; however, the
territory is independent and controlled by the Republic
of China (ROC), commonly related as Taiwan. For
more information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Political_status_of_Taiwan
LAW
As a foreigner living in China you should take the
following facts into consideration:
• Chinese police can ask for your identification at
any time and for any purpose. Carry a passport or
Chinese residence card with you at all times.
• Drink-driving is prohibited and can be heavily fined;
• Photography of military or government buildings
may result in a penalty.
• Using the services of a prostitute is illegal in China
and can result in severe punishments.
• Political protest is illegal in China. Participating in any
political activities, especially in pro-Falun Gong, proTibetan and pro-Taiwan activities, may have serious
political, diplomatic and personal consequences.
SAFETY
For most foreign visitors, China is a very safe country.
It has one of the lowest capital crime rates in the world.
However, petty theft remains the most common type
of street crime. Pickpockets usually target tourists in
crowded places such as shopping malls and tourist
sites. Do not put your wallet in your back pocket or
leave your hand bag unzipped. Carry your backpack to
the front if possible. Also be wary of con artists: avoid
any approaches in the streets.
!
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Always have your passport and the contact
details of an Australian Embassy or Consulate
with you when going out:
Australian Embassy, Beijing
(+86 10) 5140 4111
21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Sanlitun
Beijing 100600
Australian Consulate-General, Shanghai
(+86 21) 2215 5200
Level 22, Citic Square, 1168 Nanjing West
Road, Shanghai 200041
Australian Consulate-General, Guangzhou
(+86 20) 3814 0111
12th Floor, Development Centre, No.3 Linjiang
Road, Zhujiang New City, Guangzhou 510623
For emergency phone numbers go to page
13
More safety advice and current warnings:
www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/china
11
PRACTICAL TIPS
!
PHONING
Dialling China from Australia:
0011 + 86 + Area Code (without the 0) + Phone Number
Example: 0011 86 10 5140 4111 (Aus. Embassy Beijing)
Mobile: 0011 + 86 + Mobile Phone Number
Example: 0011 86 13801965195
Dialling Australia from China:
001 + 61 + State Code (without the 0) + Phone Number
Example: 00 61 7 3365 1111 (UQ)
MOBILE PHONES IN CHINA
Mobile operators in China
support GSM and CDMA mobile
phones. However, using an
Australian mobile phone in
China is likely to be expensive
and requires international
roaming. If you wish to stay
in China for an extensive
period of time, you can
subscribe
to
China
Mobile or China Unicom.
These two companies
12
!
If you use a telephone often, a China Telecom
17900 Calling Card is an economical way to make
international or domestic long distance calls.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
110
Police (Jingcha 警察)
119
Fire (Huojing 火警)
offer fixed period packages and flexible SIM cards. If
you plan to bring your own handset from Australia and
insert a SIM, ensure your phone is unlocked.
120
Ambulance (Jiuhu che 救护车)
122
Traffic Accident (Jiaotong shigu 交通事故)
USING YOUR AUSTRALIAN MOBILE IN CHINA:
999
A privately operated number for all the
above services in Beijing and Shanghai.
In most cities, the emergency numbers
provide assistance in Mandarin & English.
Here are some tips if you plan to use your Australian
mobile phone in China:
• Bring or buy a transformer so you can safely charge
your phone and other appliances in China.
• Contact your provider before you leave to find out
about international roaming and coverage in China.
• If you plan to insert a Chinese SIM card into your
phone, ask your Australian provider to unlock your
phone before you leave the country.
• If you plan to re-insert and continue using your
Australian SIM card when you return, it may be an
idea to ask your provider to suspend your service so
you don’t pay unnecessary fees while you are away.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity in China is 220V (Hong Kong is 200V;
Taiwan is 110V). If you wish to use Australian (240V)
electrical devices in China, you will need a voltage
transformer. You may also need a plug adaptor,
because not all sockets in China are the same as
those in Australia. Both transformers and adaptors
can be cheaply purchased once in China.
If you plan to purchase electronic goods or appliances
in China, ensure that they are compatible for use with
Australian outlets (240V).
CHINESE SERVICE PROVIDERS
China Mobile 中国移动通信
Customer service phone: 10086
http://www.chinamobileltd.com
China Unicom 中国联合
Customer service phone: 10010
http://eng.chinaunicom.com
China Telecom 中国电信
Customer service phone: 10000
http://en.chinatelecom.com.cn
13
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
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• Using first names and an informal tone even when
Mexico’s impressive countryside. The Chihuahua Paspeaking to figures of authority or strangers
cific Railway provides a great view of sites along the
•
Directness
or frankness when speaking to others
Copper
Canyon.
• Laughing at others when they make a mistake or fail
at what they are doing (Chinese will be humiliated by
this – saving face is very important in China)
CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
WHAT IS ‘NORMAL’?
P“Culture is the lens through which we see the world.”
As someone who is influenced by your own culture
and upbringing, you will judge behaviour as ‘normal’ or
acceptable because of your own cultural values. Selfreflection is one of the best ways to understand cultural
differences. Consider what some typical Australian
values might be, how your behaviour and attitudes
are influenced by these and how these might differ to
those of your host culture. You can use the cultural
values listed on the opposite page to get ideas.
[Kevin Avruch, John Paul Lederach]
It is important not to view a person as a stereotype of a
culture, but rather as an individual that is influenced by
the values of the culture or cultures in which they grew
up. If you understand and respect these cultural values,
it is easier to avoid misunderstanding and conflict.
14
Don’t stress about memorising long lists of customs
and etiquette rules from your host country. You can
often observe other people and follow their example.
Simply understanding the core values of your host
culture will help you judge appropriate behaviour.
CULTURE SHOCK
When studying abroad, students often experience an
initial period of elation and excitement followed by an
emotional crash known as ‘culture shock’. The constant
challenge of new situations and obstacles can become
exhausting and depressing. It is normal to experience
this feeling and it usually improves over time once you
start to feel more accustomed to the host country.
P
CULTURAL VALUES
Cultures often have different values or customs
in relation to the following:
• Social hierarchies and authority
• Family and family responsibilities
• The degree of formality/informality required in
different social situations
• The importance of the individual as opposed to
the group or community
• Gender roles and interaction between people
of different genders
• Attitudes to time and the importance of the
past, present and future
• The importance of written codes, laws and
contracts as opposed to verbal agreements
and generally understood practices
Try to recognise the positive intentions of the
attitudes and customs of other cultures, rather
than dismissing them as ‘backward,’ silly or
archaic.
15
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
CONFUCIANISM
Possessing some knowledge of Confucianism would
be beneficial to your comprehensive understanding of
China and its people.
Confucius (the Latinised form of the name of Kongzi
孔子) lived during the Spring and Autumn and Warring
States periods about 2500 years ago, and his teachings
are known as Confucianism. In short, Confucianism is
a system of behaviours and ethics that stresses the
obligations of people towards one another based upon
16
their relationship. Confucianism advocates social duty,
filial piety, loyalty to superiors, respect for seniority and
engagement in social and country affairs. Confucius
believes that through maintaining harmonious relations
in an individual’s life and in the various hierarchies of a
society, the society itself becomes stable and peaceful.
P China’s official calendar is the Gregorian calendar,
however, the traditional Chinese calendar – known in
China as the ‘agricultural calendar’ (农历 nongli) or
‘yin calendar’ (阴历 yinli) – is still used for astrology
and to set the dates of traditional festivals.
Due to consistent promoting of Confucianism by
successive Chinese feudal dynasties, it formed the
basis for behavioural standards and ethical codes
among government officers, scholars and ordinary
people in China.
P
MAJOR CHINESE FESTIVALS
Spring Festival (春节 chun-jie)
The 1st day of the 1st lunar month by the Chinese
calendar (which usually falls in late January or
early February by the Gregorian calendar) is
the Chinese New Year’s day. This is the most
important festival for Chinese all over the world. In
the PRC people have a week-long public holiday
to celebrate with their families and friends.
Lantern Festival (元宵节 yuan-xiao jie)
In Mao-era China, especially during the Cultural
Revolution (1966-1976), Confucianism was seen as
a remnant of a feudal past and became the target of
official condemnation. In recent years Confucianism
has been revived in official propaganda as an icon
of China’s traditional culture. The Party hopes that
placing emphasis on ethical behaviour, self-discipline,
cultivation and simple living – Confucian teachings
that have been practised for centuries – will assist it
in its efforts to ease increasing dissatisfaction among
ordinary people about the gap between the rich and
the poor, and maintain “social stability” for the sake of
economical development.
The last day of Spring Festival (the 15th day of
the 1st lunar month) is another major Chinese
festival. Common activities during this festival
include lighting up lanterns, playing lantern
riddles, and eating round-shaped dumplings
made of glutinous rice flour and sweet stuffing.
Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon-cake Festival
(中秋节 zhong-qiu jie)
The 15th day of the 8th lunar month (in Sep or
Oct) is a family reunion festival as symbolised by
the full moon. Eating moon cake is a must for
celebrating this festival.
17
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
SAVING FACE
Saving Face means to act wisely to avoid mistakes
and embarrassment. For instance, you could help your
Chinese friend to save face by not pointing out their
incorrect use of English in front of friends or family. By
giving someone face you may make him or her feel
good about themselves, and it is the greatest favour
you can do for a person.
China is a multi-religious country. Buddhism, Taoism,
Islam and Christianity are the major religions. The
Buddhist communities are the largest religious
communities in China. There are an estimated 100
million followers of Buddhism and over 20,000 Buddhist
temples. Many Chinese traditional ceremonies and
worships are of Buddhist origin.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘MIAN-ZI’ 面子 (FACE)
It is not exaggerating to say that ‘Face’ is the most
important concept in Chinese interpersonal culture.
The Chinese are extremely sensitive to maintaining
face in everything they do.
18
!
‘Face’ is very important in China. Saying or doing
something that would cause someone to lose face can
instantly destroy a personal or business relationship.
GIVING FACE
You give face to other people by showing respect or
submission in order to elevate them. For example,
during a formal dinner, you can give someone face by
letting them sit at the head of the table and waiting
for them to take the first pick of each dish, while at
the same time drawing as little attention to yourself as
possible. This is vitally important when senior or highranking individuals are present.
MAJOR CHINESE FESTIVALS CONT.
Qingming Festival (清明节 Qing-ming jie)
Losing Face is the opposite to Saving Face. Losing
face publicly can make a Chinese person annoyed and
regretful for a long time.
The Qingming (‘pure brightness’) Festival is the
day for the remembrance of ancestors and the
deceased. It is celebrated on April 4th, 5th or 6th
each year. At this time both Han Chinese (the
largest ethnic group) and minority ethnic groups
offer sacrifices to their ancestors and clean the
graves of loved ones. After sweeping the tombs,
people offer food, flowers and the favourites of
the dead. They also burn incense and paper
money, and bow before the memorial tablet.
P There are many ways to lose face, some of which may
Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 duan-wu jie)
LOSING FACE
TRADITION AND RELIGION
P
seem strange to an Australian. For example, a Chinese
man might be reluctant to introduce his parents to his
girlfriend because they are simple factory workers.
In general, under the strong influence of Confucian
education, the Chinese have become a collective
society with a strong need for group affiliation and
recognition, whether to their family, school, work or
country. In order to maintain harmony in a collective,
they will act with decorum and will do their best not to
This festival takes place on the 5th day of
the 5th lunar month (in May or June of the
Gregorian calendar). Originally it was an event
to commemorate and show respect for a
great Chinese ancient poet, named Qu Yuan.
Gradually it has become a national festival. The
specific food for this festival is a pyramid-shaped
dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in
bamboo or reed leaves.
19
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
cause public embarrassment to others. For example, if
someone disagrees with what someone else says, the
person will remain silent rather than disagree publicly.
This saves face for the other person, while speaking
out would make them lose face.
DINING ETIQUETTE
The Chinese prefer to entertain foreigners in public
places rather than in their homes. If you are invited
out to a meal, your host expects to pay the bill. As a
courtesy, you may bring an Australian souvenir and
give it to the host with both hands before or after the
meal.
If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal,
consider it a great honour and take note of the following
advice (some of which is also applicable to dining out):
• Arrive on time.
• Remove your shoes before entering the house even
if the host tells you not to.
• Bring a gift (see ‘gift-giving’ on p22). It is not common
practice to bring a dish or a drink to share.
• Praise the cook, usually the hostess, for the delicious
food after having tasted each dish.
• Do not ask for any seasoning because it may indicate
that the dishes were not properly prepared.
• Wait to be led to your seat, and for the host to touch
the dishes with his or her chopsticks first. The host is
expected to offer the first toast. You may offer a thank
you toast in return when a new dish is delivered.
• Do not feel offended if someone uses his or her
own chopsticks to serve you the food. Just tell them
politely that you prefer to help yourself to the food.
More information on Chinese table manners:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_table_manners
20
• It is okay to ask for
a fork, especially if
you are not good at
using chopsticks.
• You are expected
to pay for yourself
if sharing a meal
with friends or fellow students. If someone insists on
paying for you, you can treat him or her to a meal
next time.
MEETING AND GREETING
A handshake is the most accepted formal greeting in
China. Chinese usually shake hands lightly, especially
with old people and women. Normally you should
wait for the Chinese to extend a hand first, since not
everyone uses this gesture. The more casual greeting
form in China is a nod with a friendly smile. Hugging
and kissing are not common as public displays of
personal feelings and affection are discouraged.
When addressing others in formal situations in Chinese,
you should address them by their surname followed by
an honorific title, for example: Wang Xiansheng (Mr.
Wang); Li Laoshi (Teacher Li). Only use a given name
if the other person does so first.
&
GLOSSARY
Birthday Party - Sheng-ri pai-dui (生日派对)
Chocolate - Qiao-ke-li (巧克力)
Do you like it? - Ni xi-huan ma? (你喜欢吗？)
Flower - Hua (花)
Fruit - Shui-guo (水果)
Home - Jia (家)
I’ll help myself - Wo ziji lai (我自己来)
I’ll pay - Wo fu-qian (我付钱)
I’m very much pleased / I’m very happy - Wo hen
gao-xing (我很高兴)
Thank you for inviting me - Xiexie ni qing wo (谢
谢你请我)
Thank you for your gift/present - Xiexie ni-de liwu. (谢谢你的礼物)
To treat (someone) to a meal - Qing-ke (请客)
To give a gift/gifts - Song-li (送礼)
To have a meal - Chi-fan (吃饭)
Your home (or house/apartment/unit) is nice Ni-de jia hen hao-kan (你的家很好看)
Please open it - Qing ni da-kai (请你打开)
21
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
GIFT-GIVING
In China, as in other countries, gifts are often given
to express gratitude, friendship or hospitality. For
thousands of years, Chinese people have believed
that courtesy should be reciprocal. Whenever
someone receives a present, treat or invitation, they
will try to offer the same back on a suitable occasion,
and the sooner the better. This custom is vital in
building friendship between people.
Here are some general rules for giving gifts in China:
• While visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift
such as fruit, a box of chocolate, fresh flowers or an
interesting souvenir from Australia. A cake would
be suitable if you’re invited to a birthday party.
• Always present gifts with both hands.
• Do not wrap gifts in white or black paper.
• Do not give cutting utensils, handkerchiefs or
umbrellas as they indicate the severing of the
relationship.
• Do not give clocks, chrysanthemums, or only
white and yellow flowers, as they are associated
with funerals and death.
22
• Four is an unlucky number for the Chinese, so do
not give four of anything. However, an even number
is generally considered auspicious (except for the
number four!).
P
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ON MAINLAND CHINA
1st Jan - New Year’s Day / Yuan-dan (元旦)
• Do not ask the recipient to open the gifts for it is illmannered to open a gift in front of the giver.
1st day of 1st lunar month (in Jan or Feb) Chinese New Year / Chun-jie (春节)
(three-day holiday)
• While receiving a gift, it is appropriate to refuse two
or three times before accepting the gift.
4th, 5th or 6th Apr- Qingming Festival / Qing-ming jie (清明节)
• Do not open the gift unless the giver insists.
1st May - Labour Day / Lao-dong jie (劳动节)
P The number four is considered an unlucky number
in Chinese culture. This is because the word for ‘four’
四 (sì) sounds similar to the word for ‘death’ 死 (sǐ). In
China some buildings may not have a fourth floor, and
the number may also be omitted in other circumstances.
5th day of 5th lunar month (in May or June) Dragon Boat Festival / Duan-wu Jie (端午节)
15th day of 8th lunar month (in Sep or Oct) Mid-Autumn Festival / Zhong-qiu jie (中秋节)
1st Oct - National Day / Guo-qing jie (国庆节)
(three-day holiday)
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the weekday
after it will be declared a holiday to replace it.
Sometimes for the three-day holidays, weekends
get swapped with workdays to create a seven
day holiday period.
23
UNIVERSITY LIFE
THE DEGREE SYSTEM
There are more than 1000 universities and 2300
institutions of higher education in China with more
than 20 million undergraduates and postgraduates
enrolled. Generally speaking, Chinese universities can
be divided into three categories: general universities,
technical universities and specialized universities
(such as medical and foreign languages universities).
The Chinese degree system is similar to the Australian
system and is also open to foreign students:
• Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree (xue-shi 学士)
• Postgraduate:
Master’s Degree (shuo-shi 硕士)
Doctorate (bo-shi 博士)
Non-degree programs are also offered as an option.
According to the Higher Education Law of China (1998),
regular university undergraduate degrees offer four to
five-year programs with the medical degree taking up
to 8 years. College programs usually take two to three
years. Masters programs are taken over two to three
years and doctoral programs over three to four years.
&
THE ACADEMIC YEAR
In Mainland China most primary and secondary
schools, colleges and universities have two semesters.
The first semester is from September to early or mid
January; the second semester is from middle or late
February to July, depending on the date of the Chinese
New Year of that year.
Chinese universities have a one or two-month long
winter break in January/February and a two-month
P The
National Higher Education Entrance
Examination (Gao kao 高考) is an academic
examination held annually (usually mid-year) in
China. It is primarily for high school graduates,
and is compulsory for admission to higher education
institutions at the undergraduate level.
summer break in July/August.
Christmas is not a legal holiday in Mainland China.
However, it is still a public holiday in China’s special
administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, both
former colonies of Western powers with some Christian
cultural heritage.
24
GLOSSARY
Assignment - ke-wai zuo-ye (课外作业)
Class - ke / ban (课/班)
Classroom - jiao-shi (教室)
Course - ke-cheng / ke-mu (课程/科目)
Exam - kao-shi (考试)
Lecture - ke (课)
Lecturer - jiang-shi (讲师)
Professor - jiao-shou (教授)
Postgraduate student - yan-jiu-sheng (研究生)
Subject - ke-mu / xue-ke (科目/学科)
Semester 1 - shang xue-qi (上学期)
Semester 2 - xia xue-qi (下学期)
Summer vacation - shu-jia (暑假)
Tutor - zhu-jiao (助教)
Tutorial - fu-dao ke (辅导课)
University - da-xu (大学)
University student / Undergraduate student - daxue-sheng (大学生)
Winter vacation - han-jia (寒假)
Workshop - yan-tao hui (研讨会)
25
UNIVERSITY LIFE
• Practical (实习 shixi): this is mainly taken by students
in their last or second last year of university. It is
usually a student’s own responsibility to look for a
suitable company or government body for his/her
practical.
P Practicals are often a way for students to set up future
Some tertiary level institutions adopt the following
scale: 5 for excellent; 4 for good; 3 for fair; 2 for
marginal and 1 for fail.
Graduation theses are normally marked as pass or fail.
P A famous Confucian teaching is: 师道尊严
CLASSES AND CAMPUS LIFE
• Lectures (大课 da ke): usually take place in lecture
halls with large groups of students.
• Classroom learning (小班上课 xiao ban ke): is the
most popular form of teaching and learning in China.
Students are usually placed in smaller groups
according to their major and year of enrolment.
26
Confucius described five major hierarchical
relationships in a well-ordered Chinese society, and one
of them is between father and child. The relationship
between teachers and students has always been
compared to that of father and son in China.
This kind of relationship requires unquestioning
obedience and respect from a student and, at the
same time, knowledge, wisdom and exemplary moral
behaviour from a teacher. Thus, calling your lecturers
by their first name (given
name following the surname)
would be seen as offensive
and highly disrespectful.
Always address a lecturer
by his/her surname with an
honorific title, for example:
Li Laoshi (Lecturer Li); Wang
Jiaoshou (Professor Wang).
employment. If their performance is outstanding, or
if they have influential parents, the company may
choose to keep them on after they graduate.
Classes in most Chinese universities are arranged
from early morning, usually 8am, to late evening.
Students can select their own courses and classes
with an emphasis on their major. It is quite common for
an undergraduate to undertake seven or eight classes
per semester. Classes generally fall into the following
categories:
THE STUDENT-LECTURER RELATIONSHIP
EXAMS AND GRADING
Exams take place at the end of each semester with
short tests throughout each semester. The grading
scale is from 0 to 100. Highest on scale is 90-100;
pass level is 60; fail level is 0-59.
Information on UQ partner universities in China:
www.uq.edu.au/uqabroad/china
(shi-dao-zun-yan). It refers to the dignity of the
teaching profession and indicates that teachers
must be respected.
&
FACULTIES AND SUBJECTS:
Agriculture - nong-ye (农业)
Arts/Humanities- wen-ke (文科)
Business - shang-wu (商务)
Chemistry - hua-xue (化学)
Chinese Culture - zhong-guo wen-hua (中国文
化)
Economics - jing-ji (经济)
Education - jiao-yu (教育)
Engineering - gong-cheng (工程)
Fine Arts - yi-shu (艺术)
Foreign Languages - wai-yu (外语)
Information Technology - xin-xi ke-ji (信息科技)
Law - fa-lu (法律)
Mathematics - shu-xue (数学)
Medicine - yi-xue (医学)
Philosophy - zhe-xue (哲学)
Psychology - xin-li-xue (心理学)
Physics - wu-li (物理)
Science - li-ke (理科)
Social Sciences - she-hui xue (社会学)
27
UNIVERSITY LIFE
FOREIGN STUDENTS
China has become one of the fastest growing education
markets for international students. According to
statistics released by China’s Ministry of Education,
in 2010 a total of 265,090 foreign students from
194 countries came to study at China’s universities,
research institutes and educational institutions. South
Korea sent the largest group, followed by the United
States, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia,
India, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. China plans to use
cooperative educational programs to draw 500,000
foreign students to China by 2020.
WHAT DO CHINESE STUDENTS DO WITH THEIR
FREE TIME?
STUDENT JOBS
Many Chinese students work while studying, either
throughout the semester or during the holiday break.
Students usually find jobs in hospitality, retail, tourism,
and tutoring. It is also common for students to work in
a job related to their field of study.
USEFUL LINKS FOR STUDYING IN CHINA
CUCAS
- www.cucas.edu.cn
According to the rules on the admission of foreign
students issued by the Ministry of Education, foreign
students are not allowed to take full-time jobs or engage
in business activities during their study in China. They
can, however, take part-time employment according to
relevant rules and stipulations set out by the college
and university they are studying in. English tutoring is
a popular employment option for Australian students.
If you wish to take a part-time job while studying in
China, you should consult your school authority.
Tips on finding student jobs in China:
http://news.at0086.com/China-university/Useful-Tips-for-Foreign-Students-to-Find-Part-time-Job-in-China.html
28
LEISURE
Provides information for International students
on applying and preparing to study in China, with
tips on topics ranging from choosing a university
and admission requirements to scholarships and
study costs. Also includes a degree program
finder and school finder to search for universities
in specific regions or with specific strengths.
China Education Center
- www.chinaeducenter.com/en/
There isn’t a clubbing and drinking culture among most
Chinese students. Furthermore, student societies
and associations are not as popular in Chinese
higher-learning institutions as they are in Australian
institutions. However, Chinese students are definitely
not less active: they enjoy partying, watching movies,
dining at restaurants, travelling, playing sports, singing
Karaoke, shopping and many other activities.
Information for International students on studying
in China. Includes information on universities and
university rankings, degree programs, Chinese
language study and living in China.
The most popular sports among Chinese students are
basketball (篮球 lanqiu), volleyball (排球 paiqiu) and
table tennis (乒乓球 pingpang qiu). Without a doubt
the number one activity is computer games.
Information on studying in China, study tours,
living in China, Chinese culture, tourist attractions,
and study options.
Study in China
- www.study-in-china.org
29
UNIVERSITY LIFE
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
Almost all institutions provide food and boarding for
students on campus. A typical Chinese student would
live in a dormitory room with 4 to 8 people and eat in
the dining halls on campus (the food is usually cheaper
than elsewhere). As a result, Chinese students often
form close friendships. International students in China
can choose to live on campus, or off campus with the
permission of the school.
Campus dormitories usually have a range of facilities,
including lockers, bedding, air conditioning, TV sets,
inexpensive or free Internet access, toilet, shower, etc.
Many universities in the north provide heaters in winter.
P Each institution normally has a Student Union,
but there are hardly any student-run facilities (such as
bars, concert halls, political/religious associations).
However, in recent years volunteer groups and
spontaneous student actions of a charitable nature
have emerged and developed quickly.
30
In dormitories, one bedroom is generally shared
between two students. A small bathroom is usually
included, and sometimes there is a shared kitchen
on each floor. Rooms do not usually come with a
refrigerator, but do normally include a television.
P Foreign students usually have their own dormitories
and apartments separate from Chinese students. You
can request to be in the same dormitory or apartment
as another foreign student (e.g. a friend of yours).
Some schools have on-campus apartments, which
are similar to off-campus apartments. They are more
expensive than dormitories, and utilities may or may
not be included in the rent.
OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
Renting and utility costs for off-campus apartments
vary from city to city. The most common way of finding
an apartment is to visit real estate agencies near your
school. English service is usually available in areas
with a high foreign population; if not, you can bring a
Chinese friend or classmate to help you.
Home stay (where you stay with a Chinese person
or family and pay them in return for a room and food)
is another off-campus option. Host families often do
this to make money and practise English, but it’s also
common that host families speak little or no English.
&
GLOSSARY
Apartment - gong-yu (公寓)
Cafeteria - shi-tang (食堂)
Campus - xiao-yuan (校园)
Classmate - tong-xue (同学)
Computer - dian-nao (电脑)
Dormitory - xue-sheng su-she (学生宿舍)
Home stay - zhu zai dang-di ren jia-li (住在当地
人家里)
Host family - zhu-ren jia-ting (主人家庭)
Library - tu-shu-guan (图书馆)
Roommate - tong-wu (同屋)
Student card - xue-sheng zheng (学生证)
Student union - xue-sheng hui (学生会)
Textbook - jiao-ke-shu (教科书)
To finish class - xia-ke (下课)
To have a class / go to class - shang-ke (上课)
Utilities - gong-yong shi-ye (公用事业)
(to) Rent - zu fang (租房)
Real estate agency - fang-wu zhong-jie (房屋中
介)
31
GOING OUT
CHINESE FOOD
CHOOSING A RESTAURANT
Food has significant meaning to the Chinese people.
“Have you eaten already?” is more common than “how
are you?” as a popular greeting among the Chinese.
The diversity of geography, climate and agricultural
produce has led to distinctive cooking styles in
different regions. Colour, aroma and flavour are the
key elements in Chinese cooking, while a healthy
nutritional balance is always considered.
Tips for finding quality, affordable restaurants:
There are generally eight regional cuisines: Hui 徽
(Anhui region), Yue 粤 (Guangdong, also Cantonese),
Min 闽 (Fijian region), Xiang 湘 (Hunan region), Su 苏
(Jiangsu region), Lu 鲁 (Shandong region), Chuan 川
(Sichuan region) and Zhe 浙 (Zhejiang region). Many
restaurants use the name of regional cuisine in their
shop sign for people to know their cooking style.
For detailed descriptions of the 8 regional cuisines:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine
32
• Restaurants in high-end hotels should be the last
choice for students on a budget.
• Generally speaking, the better the interior decoration
is, the more expensive the dishes are.
• Moderately-decorated but clean-looking restaurants
of a small scale, preferably with table cloths and an
English menu, usually provide good service and
satisfying food at reasonable prices (especially for
foreigners who enjoy the advantage of currency
exchange).
• Chain restaurants that provide snack food rather
than chaocai 炒菜 (stir-fried dishes that need more
time and ingredients to prepare) are an affordable
choice and great for sampling local tastes.
• Try to avoid those very cheap restaurants where 10
-20 Yuan is enough for one full meal. The quality
of food and the level of hygiene in these kinds of
restaurants is not guaranteed.
• It is best to go with a local to an unfamiliar restaurant.
WHAT TO ORDER
There are three kinds
of main staple foods
to choose from:
PSteamed
rice goes better
with chaocai 炒菜 (stir-fried
meat or vegetable dishes)
P
POPULAR DISHES AMONG FOREIGNERS
• Mapo Dofu (麻婆豆腐): ‘mapo tofu’ - spicy
Sichuan-style dish with tofu and minced pork
• Gong Bao Ji Ding (宫保鸡丁): ‘kung pao
chicken’ - diced chicken with dry red peppers
and peanuts or cashew nuts
• Rice (steamed or stir-fried, usually with eggs and
• Kao Ya (北京烤鸭): ‘Peking duck’ - roasted
duck wrapped in plain pancakes with spring
onion and sweet bean sauce
• Noodles (with soup or fried with meat & vegetables)
• Tang Cu Liji (糖醋里脊): sweet and sour pork
tenderloin
vegetables)
• Dumplings, of which there are two kinds: Hundun
馄饨 (southern-style dumpling soup); and Jiaozi 饺
子 (boiled or pan-fried northern style dumplings)
P There is a well known Chinese saying: “the Chinese
eat everything with four legs, except tables, and
everything that flies, except aeroplanes.” Find out for
yourself if this is true!
• Chao Xiaren (炒虾仁): stir-fried shrimps,
sometimes cooked with cashew nuts
• Chunjuan (春卷): spring rolls, served as an
appetizer and usually filled with pork and
vegetables
• Huoguo (火锅): ‘Chinese hot pot’ - any meats
or vegetables of your choice, cooked in a spicy
or mild soup base with your favourite sauce
33
GOING OUT
special cultural events and
tours for international students.
SIGHT-SEEING / GOING OUT
It is impossible to see and enjoy everything in
China during your stay there.You should focus on
what you can do within your specified time frame
that interests you.
Take the opportunity to try local Chinese dishes
and visit attractions in your area, and consider
doing tours to different parts of the country in your
leisure time. There are various tours available:
group or private tours, sports tours, theme tours,
season tours, food tours, martial arts tours and
many more.
Each city should have a local event guide online
which will give you tips on what to see and do in
the area. Usually your host university will organise
34
Local cinemas, concerts,
theatres, gaming arcades,
karaoke cabarets and sporting
events are fun places to
spend an evening or weekend.
Chinese cinemas screen
films in English with Chinese
subtitles and also films dubbed
into Chinese. Screenings
alternate between the two so be sure to check which
screening you are attending.
WESTERN FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
If you feel homesick and would like to have some
Western food, you could go to those bars or clubs that
cater to international visitors. There are many options
to suit all tastes in food and entertainment.
Some helpful websites with tourist information:
www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294211Activities-China/html
www.lonelyplanet.com/china/things-to-do
&
P Chinese beers are much cheaper than imported beers,
but as tasty as the latter. However, the famous Tsingtao
beer could be more expensive than other local beers.
!
The literal translation of “white wine” in Chinese
(Bai jiu 白酒) actually means “spirits”. If you would
like white wine, the Chinese term is “bai putao jiu”
白葡萄酒 (white grape wine).
However, be careful not to spend all your time in
China with foreigners. Your study abroad trip gives
you a unique
opportunity to
learn
about
and experience
the
culture,
customs and
diversity of this
vast country.
GLOSSARY
Western food - xi can (西餐)
Chinese food - zhong can (中餐)
Bar - jiu-ba (酒吧)
Cinema - dian-ying-yuan (电影院)
Club - ju-le-bu (俱乐部)
Restaurant - fan-guan / fan-dian (饭馆/饭店)
Karaoke - ka-la OK (卡拉OK)
Martial Arts - wu-shu (武术)
Tour - lu-you (旅游)
Travel agency - lu-xing-she (旅行社)
English subtitles - ying-wen zi-mu (英文字幕)
Red wine - hong pu-tao-jiu (红葡萄酒)
White wine - bai pu-tao-jiu (白葡萄酒)
Beer - pi-jiu (啤酒)
Cheers! (Toasting drinks, literally means ‘dry up
your cup’) - Gan-bei (干杯！)
That’s excellent! (literally means ‘too good’) - Tai
hao le ! (太好了!)
That was delicious! - Zhen hao chi! (真好吃！)
I like it very much - Wo hen xi-huan (我很喜欢)
35
LANGUAGE
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE
DIALECTS
P About one-fifth of the world’s
Chinese language,
population speak some variety
which belongs to
of Chinese, the most prevalent
the Sino-Tibetan
being Mandarin.
language group,
has many dialects.
Mandarin, which is based on the Beijing dialect, is
the standard official language in Mainland China
and Taiwan. It is also one of the official languages of
Singapore and the United Nations.
TONES
All Chinese dialects are tonal. Different tones
distinguish meanings of words that are pronounced
For online translation of Chinese pinyin
or characters, try Google Translate:
http://translate.google.com
36
identically. Mandarin has 4 tones. Some other Chinese
dialects have up to 10 tones.
MANDARIN
Mandarin has different names in different areas.
Putohua (“Common Language”) is the term used in
Mainland China. Taiwan uses Guoyu (“the National
Language”). In Singapore and Malaysia it is called
Huayu (“Chinese Language”), while for Chinese
language learners it is often referred as Hanyu
(“Chinese Han-Race Language”).
P The name “Mandarin” was originally used by the
Portuguese to describe the magistrates of the Imperial
Chinese Court and the language they spoke.
WRITTEN CHINESE
P
CHINESE NAMES: IS HER SURNAME LIN
OR FANG?
Chinese characters are the written form of Mandarin,
and have a history of more than 2000 years. The early
forms of Chinese characters were pictographs, but
gradually characters became more ideographic. Every
character has a square appearance.
Chinese names are normally formed with two or
three characters. The surname always precedes
the given name. In the example “Lin Fang”, the
surname is Lin and the given name is Fang.
There are two forms of Chinese characters. Mainland
Chinese use the simplified characters adopted by the
Chinese government in the 1950s. The traditional
characters are maintained in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Surnames are generally one syllable/character
(there are a few surnames of two syllables/
characters), and given names usually contain
one or two syllables/characters.
Pinyin (literally “to combine sounds”) is the official
system to transcribe Chinese characters into the
Roman alphabet. People learning Mandarin often use
Pinyin in place of characters as an easier way to begin
learning the spoken language.
In Chinese a person can be referred to by his or
her surname followed by a title, for example, Lin
Xiaojie (Miss Lin); or by his or her full name (i.e.
surname + given name) followed by a title, for
example, Lin Fang Xiaojie (Miss Lin Fang). Both
ways are polite and formal.
The use of given names suggests a much closer
relationship between the speaker and the person
being addressed than in English. If someone’s
given name contains only one syllable/character,
like “Fang”, its use is even more intimate. Even
Lin Fang’s parents would most likely call her “Lin
Fang” at home rather than just “Fang”.
37
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09/01/2012)
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide forms part of the language and culture pack project, an initiative of the Institute of Modern
Languages, The University of Queensland.
Project Director: Georgiana Poulter
Writer / Researcher: Xin Wang
Editor and Graphic Designer: Nicola Alter
Special thanks to:
Jan McCreary and the UQ Abroad Staff
© The University of Queensland 2012
This booklet has been designed to assist students of The
University of Queensland who are planning to go on
exchange to China through the UQ Abroad program.
It contains practical, cultural and language-related
information that is relevant to students.
© The University of Queensland 2012