Nerina's Erasmus Experience in Beijing (Peking), China

Why did you choose to go to Beijing, China?

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I chose Beijing because I am studying Chinese at university, and with it being the capital city, it had so much to offer. Also, the Chinese that they speak out and about on the streets of Beijing is very similar to the one that we were learning in class, which meant that practising it here was ideal.

How long does the grant last for? How much money do you receive as support?

My grant, specifically, lasted for 5 months, and I received 600€ as support for travel costs from the University of Granada.

What is student life like in Beijing?

Although it is a densely populated city and the students here can go a bit unnoticed, it has so many things to offer, especially to foreigners, and their behaviour towards us is exceptional.

Would you recommend the city and Peking University to other students?

I would recommend it without a shadow of a doubt. You learn a lot and you have the opportunity to practise Chinese and improve your language skills quite a bit. The city is magnificent, aside from some problems with pollution, it has so much culture and many monuments that are worth seeing.

What is the food like in China?

The food is, in my opinion, the best thing about the country: there is great variety, it has many textures, has very distinct flavours and even has foods that we have never seen before in our lives. It is in no way related to the Chinese food that we have in Spain - it's the tastiest food I have ever tried in my life, and I don't know anybody who doesn't miss it.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Beijing?

Very. Finding accommodation was one of my biggest setbacks here. There aren't so many flats on offer, and those that are, are in horrible condition and/or very expensive. Normally, the flats are very old and are quite bad, besides the fact that they have a lot of accumulated dirt. Also, the conditions of payment are very different: you usually pay 3, 4 or 5 months of the rent in one payment, and they normally will not rent flats to more than 2 students who want to be together or for less than one year. Sometimes, they would offer you one for less than a year, but these were subject to penalties. In the end, I ended up in a student residence, which is honestly what I recommend to all of you who want to study in Beijing.

How much does it cost to live in Beijing?

Life there isn't expensive. Aside from rent payments, which can vary, on average, at around 3000 yuan a month (approximately 450€), the food is really cheap and you can eat, on average, for around 30 yuan a day (a little more than 3€). Western products (chocolate, milk, cheese, olive oil, etc. ) are quite expensive. Books and writing materials for university, generally, are incredibly cheap, costing sometimes a tenth of their price in Europe. Besides, the Chinese practise the art of bargaining, which means that they can get anything they want for less than the original price (although, sure, many things are fake imitations). Nightlife, for Western people, is often free, thanks to the fascination that the Chinese have with us.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

My classes at the university were all taught in Chinese. I improved lots, not only in terms of my vocabulary, but also with my fluency and ability to speak in public and express myself in the language.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Beijing from your city?

By plane. Normally, they are companies or websites that you can use to find low-cost flights. My return ticket fluctuated in price at around 800€ (because I bought the two tickets separately), but I know people who bought return tickets for 400€. It's all about searching properly.

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Beijing?

Sanlitun and Wudaokou are the best places. Sanlitun has the best nightclubs (and the most impressive ones, for sure) and they normally have a guest list. If you manage to get in at one of these, they often have a free bar. Wudaokou is for a more "relaxed" night out - although it has nightclubs, it's normally frequented more for having casual beers, eating and hanging out with friends. Then, although it's not a full-on party, I also wholeheartedly recommend visiting the karaoke bars. You'll always have a great time there with friends and enjoy yourself - it's something that you 100% have to experience for yourself if you go to Beijing.

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And eating out in Beijing? Can you name your favourite places?

I couldn't say that I have a favourite place to eat out at. Any Chinese restaurant would always have delicious food (based on my experience, the places where the food seems to be more homemade, but the place looks a little dirty and run-down, are the best places). Hamburgers at Lush, and any food from Steps or Bamba are also highly recommended, and they also have offers and discounts throughout the week.

And cultural hotspots?

Everything. I was there for 5 months and I tried to avoid spending a single weekend not seeing at least something. The city is so big and has so many sites to see:

• Summer Palace
• Xiangshan Park (Fragrant Hills Park) - beautiful in Autumn
• Temple of Heaven



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• Beihai Park (at night, this area is incredible)
• Lama (Yonghe) Temple and the Beijing Temple of Confucius
• Yuanming Yuan (Old Summer Palace)



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• the Olympic Park
• the art district
• and, the Hutongs - a type of narrow street or alley commonly associated with northern Chinese cities.

And I am sure that I have left something out, but, in all honestly, everything is worth seeing.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Beijing?

It's going to be one of the best experiences of your life.