If I Could Do China Again

Thursday, December 13th, 2007



If I could do China again, I’d probably…

1. get a Chinese tutor-I took the intermediate Chinese class here and I didn’t learn anything. We had class twice a week and at least one of those days we would be watching a movie. The movies were good, but we didn’t seem to have any structure to our class.
2. hang out with more international and local students-I was pretty diverse with the people I met but for the most part I hung out with students from UC. I’ve met some great people from Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, Korea, Australia and other countries as well that I hope to keep in touch with. But I wish I hung out with them more. Hopefully one day we’ll see each other again!
3. be more involved in student activities-I wanted to join the foreign students volunteer program but our times didn’t seem to match up. The international students here at Fudan went to a migrant worker village and taught the students there English and planned activities with them. I know a lot of people that were in the program and they said they had a great experience, I wish I had that experience as well.
4. Get a job or internship-It would have been a great experience. I’m not sure if it would be legal or not, but it’s worth a try, whether it’s paid or not, it would have been a great experience.

That’s all I can think of right now. Maybe more to come later.

Things I would recommend doing while in Shanghai.

Places to go to and things to do:

1. Yuyuan Gardens-and try the xiaolongbao! Apparently they’re the best in Shanghai.
2. the aquarium-I like water…but I thought it was magnificent! You get to glide through the tunnel and watch all the fishes and sharks and everything go over your head. I loved it!
3. Nanjing lu-went there a million times in the beginning of the semester, it’s pretty nice except for all the people trying to sell you their crap.
4. the Bund-magnificent view of the river
5. KTV-they are all over! We go to the one at wujiaochang a lot. The one next to Wal-mart but there’s a lot. Definitely a lot of fun, singing Chinese and English.
6. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall-it’s actually quite impressive and I believe it’s the third floor where have a model of shanghai that takes up the whole floor, definitely something worth checking out.
7. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum-I went there for a scholarship trip for my program but I liked it. Some say it’s catered for kids, but hey I like learning in that kind of environment and sometimes it’s even more fun!
8. Fabric Market-get suits and jackets tailored to you. If you don’t want to bargain, go to store 383 on the third floor. Tell them you know me, how to tell them? Just describe how I look I guess…glasses…tall…from the US…or just bring a picture. Tell them I’m good friends with them cause I brought them at least 4 guys there to make suits. Or tell them, I brought them the really crazy American there who went crazy in the store and then bought 3 suits and 5 shirts. Whatever they tell you, you should be getting your suits for 400rmb there, no more. The address is No. 399 LuJiaBang Rd

Traveling wise…I’ve traveled China before so I’ve seen a bunch of these places before but I’ll jot them down anyway along with the ones I traveled to this semester…

1. Suzhou
2. Hangzhou
3. Huangshan-never got a chance to go there because our schedules never clashed but I looked at pictures and their magnificent if you like scenery. Climb the mountain and watch the sunrise!
4. Nanjing
5. Sichuan-we flew there and spent 5 days there going to Chengdu, Le Shan, Jiuzhaigou. I think this may be one of my most favorite places in China, it was just too beautiful.
6. Guilin and Yangshuo-we spent about 7 days here for National Week, definitely a great trip
7. Beijing

Places to eat at:

Around Fudan…

1. Muslim Noodles-they are a must! Hand pulled noodles right in front of your eyes! We go there a lot after class. It’s cheap and good. Located on Handan lu right next to the intersection where the Brazilian buffet restaurant is.
2. No. 8-right outside the gate to the right across the street. They’re known for their hot pot but I go there for their friend rice. I really like it.
3. Skewers-down Korean street. If you make a left out the gate and go to the intersection, cross the street and then make a left. Do down til you see Korean street on your right and turn in. The skewer place is on the left. The lamb skewers are delicious!
4. Fat Brothers-it’s in the same plaza as No. 8. When we first came, their service was horrible and so was everything else but after National Week they got a new owner and since then, we’ve really liked it. Eat family style and it’s pretty cheap. Or get their specials which are the menus under the glass tables.
5. Teppanyaki’s-it’s in Wujiaochang. Japanese all you can eat and drink for 150rmb. Enough said.
6. Ciao Café-if you’re looking for American food like pizza, sandwiches and pasta, Ciao is pretty good. I’ve had their tuna sandwich, chicken sandwich, and a few of their pizza’s. They deliver too so when you don’t feel like leaving the dorms.
7. GiGi Wonton’s-I think that’s what it’s called. If you make a right turn right out of the gate and walk down for a little, it’s a little wonton shop. I like their wonton noodles.
8. Street food-comes out about around 10pm every night. It’s literally right outside the gate. I like everything out there for the most part. The fried rice, noodles, Chinese hamburgers, squid, soup, chicken, potatoes, dumplings, dan bing
9. Dim Sum-there’s an all you can eat dim sum place for 30rmb out my crown plaza if you’re heading out towards building 6. if you know where club 173, it’s right in front of there.
10. ING-Korean food, I don’t eat there much, but they deliver til 5am

In Shanghai…

1. Simply Thai-never made it there but I heard it’s a great restaurant to go to, especially on Monday nights when everything is half off. Why would you go any other night?
2. City Diner-it’s American food, so if you’re craving it, they have a pretty good selection
3. Indian Kitchen-it’s in the French Concession

Clubs to Hit

1. Attica-there’s a cover on the weekend but if you know people you can get in free, just ask around in the dorms. From the small hip hop room there’s a great view out. There’s always a lot of people there. Paris Hilton went there when she was here and Next Top Model was filmed there too I believe.
2. Guandii-I like their selection of music, usually no cover
3. Park 97-nice but has a small dance floor, usually no cover
4. Zapata’s-mexican bar, free tequila on ladies night
5. I love Shanghai-never been there but heard it’s decent
6. Muse-pretty good music and plenty of room to dance

I’m not done yet but this is what I have so far. Hope it helps!