What is it like to live in Chengdu, China?

Question

I am a college student researching study abroad destinations in East Asia. Right now, I'm torn between Japan and Chengdu, China. If you have been to or preferably lived in Chengdu, what can you say about it? What are some great things about it? What, if any, are some bad things about it? Why should/shouldn't someone spend considerable time there? I look forward to your reply!

Answer 1

I'd have to go with Japan. You'll have alot of freedom there. Japan is very clean and modern.

  On the other hand, I've never heard of Chengdu, China. But any where in China can be a problem. It's not to do the the people, but their government. I'm sure most Chinese people are nice and friendly. But the government isn't. You don't have the right to speak your mind. Books, newspapers, and the internet are censored. You'd probably be watched every where you went. I was in Hong Kong for two weeks and the cops always gave me the evil eye. If you don't know Mandarin,language will be a problem.

Answer 2

Japan is way more modernized.

Answer 3

I have lived all over asia and I have been in China 7 years.  Do not move to Chengdu. Japan will be far better.  In Japan asa a student you will not have enough money to go to the bar, but you will hang out with cool people and do other things that are fun. In Chengdu you will have plenty of monney, but only losers to hang out with at some depressing bar.  Chengdu is dirty and all together a much less inviting place.

Answer 4

Chengdu is in the southeast of China. It is the capital of Sichuan province, which is also called “a paradise “. There is no hurry, no rush, and very pleasure to live in.  Sichuan dishes are famous home and aboard, especially the hot-pot. Chengdu is developing very fast recent years.



I read about a lady's life in Chengdu, maybe you can get something from it:http://www.foreignercn.com/index.php?opt...

Answer 5

If you like spicy food this is the place to be.

People are very pleasant, less stressful than some other Chinese cities.

Pollution is still an issue (no surprise there)

Not greatly affected by the earthquake.

Near some very nice scenery (though some of this has been affected by the earthquake of course), and Tibet.

Answer 6

Chengdu is a beautiful place.  It is a fairly large city without the HEAVY HEAVY pollution of Shanghai or Beijing.  (Nightlife isn't as good thoiugh)  You will have some difficulty finding people who speak English though.  Well, a bad thing is that the Sichuan earthquake affected Chengdu (It's in Sichuan province).  Also, if you don't have a tolerance for spicy food, you really won't be able to eat many local items.  (Sichuan/Chengdu is FAMOUS for it's SPICY SPICY cuisine.)  People are generally okay, but from what I hear, there is a lot of poor, uneducated people and the politicians are easily bribed.  (I know someone's whose "girlfriend/mistress" is from Chengdu and her uncle or something is some crooked politician who apparently holds quite a bit of power there.  She's dumb as dirt though.)  Also, there are some undergorund gambling places if that's what your into, although it may be difficult for a foreigner to get in.

Answer 7

Chengdu is not southeast, it is west, in Sichuan province, which borders Tibet. It is a much more laid back, friendly place. Although it may not be as modernized as Shanghai, it is also far less polluted. It is considered one of the cleanest large cities in China. It's more of a tourist spot for people who want to see landscapes, pandas, nature in general. People frequently travel to neighboring areas in Tibet to visit. They are modernizing rapidly though, with a subway in the works, and large shopping areas rapidly expanding. They are also known for their spicy foods, which you should definitely try if you can take it. I guess the only reasons I can think of for you not to spend time there is if you are looking for more Westernization, partying or really great nightlife.

Answer 8

I have lived in China two years. People are great kind and funny. Chengdu I have visited. Its nice but in the earthquake area though and few people speak english. But China people are excellent always.