Tag: Nanjing

02/18/13

Dispatches from China – Nanjing: An Introduction

Ever considered studying in China? If so, I highly recommend Nanjing.

Although Nanjing often seems to play second fiddle to the better-known cities of Beijing and Shanghai, Nanjing is still a gem of a city, owing to its rich history. Nanjing translates as “Southern capital” – a fitting name considering that the city was the historic capital for various Chinese governments, political movements, and dynasties such as the Taiping Tianguo, the Republic of China, the Six Dynasties, and the Southern Tang and Ming dynasties.

Nanjing is also home to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s resting place. (For those who may not be as familiar with Chinese history, Dr. Sun is considered the founding father of modern China – I’ll speak more on this topic in a future post).

However, take note that Nanjing’s weather is particularly extreme. Nanjing is unofficially known as one of the “oven cities” in China. Oven cities are located in southern China, where summers are particularly and unbearably hot and temperatures consistently peak above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Nanjing is also notorious for freezing cold weather – something I experienced firsthand while living and studying in the city. I would recommend bringing lots of warm clothing. If you go in the spring, the start of the semester will be freezing, and if you go in the fall, the end of the semester will be extremely chilly!  Either way, you’re certain to have a refreshing experience!

Please stay tuned for the next article in this series!

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06/26/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Cultural Differences: Appearance)

A fellow classmate recently came to me very upset after being called “too chubby” by a Chinese native. Long story short, the value of physical appearance is very much rooted into the Chinese culture. While the younger generations in China are trying to overcome the existing biases permeating throughout the society, others may still hold appearance in high regards.

Aside from weight, Chinese will sometimes judge a person based on the clothing that he or she might wear. Some Chinese may look down upon those wearing clothes that are ripped or have holes (the torn jean look is not very popular in China!) and favor those who wear scholarly or business attire (a suit and a pair of glasses wouldn’t hurt!).

Appearance expectations for women is particularly strict. Some Chinese women feel that they must maintain white colored skin (an outlook that likely diffused into China from western culture). Thus, women often wear layers or long pants and shirts even in scorching summer weather. Some women also tote umbrellas and parasols to block out the harsh rays of the sun, a personal choice which they believe will keep their skin young and free from blemishes. The desire to appear ‘pale’ has also spawned a fad of using a myriad of beauty products such as skin whitening creams.

Generally speaking, Chinese in larger cities are usually more tolerant of ‘foreign’ dress styles, while those who live in villages outside the city may have more conservative expectations. That said, one will not have to change their sense of style to survive in China. However, if blending in better is a goal, utilize the wisdom of the ancients: “when in Rome do as the Romans do” or as the Chinese expression goes “rùxiāngsuísú”. Something that tends to work for me is to first research what the policies and customs are for the places that I will visit to ensure smooth sailing. Also, it should go without saying that one should try to respect and understand the social environment.

As for the rare rude remark you get from the occasional native speaker, one should also pay note to the tone of the comment. Sometimes, comments about appearance are used to tease and poke fun, or may be an unfortunate communication gaffe.

Anyway, I hope this sheds light on the issue of appearance. See you next time! 再見!

06/12/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (Modernization and the Environmental Impact)

In China’s ever continuing quest to modernize, many cities – especially ones undergoing rapid development – have become increasingly polluted. This is especially true in Nanjing, as the city continues to work simultaneously on several large-scale projects – the largest of which would arguably be the construction of various commuter subway lines. The Nanjing Metro system currently operates two main lines but anticipates the opening of a third line within two years, another six lines within three years, and a total of 17 lines by 2030. Moreover, many shopping complexes and buildings are in construction or renovation in and around the city’s center (Xinjiekou) as of publication of this article. These projects are all efforts to further Nanjing as an economic power in China.

The accumulation of the many construction projects in Nanjing has many residents worried about the air quality. The presence of PM2.5 is an issue many local Chinese residents grapple with. The EPA defines Fine particle pollution or PM2.5 as “particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller – 1/30th the diameter of a human hair.” Wang Jian, a professor at Nanjing University notes, “The PM2.5 levels for each city in China change daily, and even by the hour. There are websites that monitor where each city ranks in terms of air quality.”

PM2.5 became a notorious topic last October, after Beijing’s weather forecast station and the US embassy in Beijing released conflicting air quality reports. Since then, the Chinese government has begun monitoring air quality levels in various provinces and cities across the nation including Beijing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

The EPA also notes that “Fine particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases and have been linked to effects such as: cardiovascular symptoms; cardiac arrhythmias; heart attacks; respiratory symptoms; asthma attacks; and bronchitis.” PM2.5 is also correlated to cancer and metal poisoning. It is believed that PM2.5 levels are higher in areas where construction work is present.

Of course, students studying abroad in China need not worry too much about the air quality. However, it should go without saying that those with asthma or allergies should bring appropriate medication and prepare as needed.

That’s all for now. 再見!

05/30/12

Baodao 報道: Dispatches from China (First Impressions)

Greetings from Nanjing!  It’s a pleasure to be reporting from China, while I am studying abroad here.

It didn’t take too long to adjust to the new environment upon arrival in China, but this is likely because I have had some instruction in Mandarin back in the States and and travel experience from my study abroad in Italy.  However, I noticed that a few of my program-mates have gone through periods of culture shock and homesickness, which is completely understandable (as China’s culture is in some respects quite different than that of the United States).

One thing that I did have to get accustomed to was to be constantly alert when crossing busy streets.  There is a constant flow of motorists and a lack of traffic lights in Nanjing, and motorists aren’t afraid to honk at you if you are perceived as “being in the way”.  I don’t know how many times an overzealous motorist has attempted to run me over even though I had the right of way.

Another topic of note is that the Chinese perception of politeness differs from that in America.  We are used to saying ‘please’ (qǐng) and ‘thank you’ (xièxie) for daily interactions.  In China, these phrases are often reserved for times when very strong displays of politeness and emotion are required.  Saying “thank you” to a cashier when you are getting your change may sometimes result in a strange look from the opposite end – somewhere between a look of disbelief and a look of discomfort.  (In China, the common outlook is that customers “give” their patronage and money to a store, so there is no need for the customer to say thank you in such transactions.)

Likewise, the term ‘sorry (duìbuqǐ)’ is usually also reserved for extremely impolite situations.  Thus, if someone bumps into you on a crowded subway (and this is bound to happen every time one takes the subway), one learns that an apology from the offending party is a rare occurrence indeed.

Nonetheless, China is changing everyday.  In particular, the youth generation in China is picking up more western habits, and starting to incorporate more polite colloquialisms into daily speech.  Thus, if inclined to do so, one should feel free to use qǐng, xièxie, and duìbuqǐ.

Anyway, these cultural differences allow one to gain perspective whilst being in a new land and do not hold one back from the study abroad experience.  There are seemingly countless sights, eats, and experiences available in China.  I’ll update with more cultural tidbits and interesting places to visit in China within the next few weeks or so.  I hope you’ll look forward to my column!

Until then – zai4jian4 (再見)!

Johnson is currently studying Chinese at Nanjing University through CSI’s intensive Chinese language program.  His studies are generously funded by the CV Starr fellowship.  He is pleased to serve as WCIB’s first overseas Foreign Affairs Correspondent.