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Oh, and trust me Ray, my street cred in these parts amounts to being “that white guy who drinks too much.” If you knew how pathetic my life really is….! haha
I have nothing against the foreign establishments in the south. Mike’s, the Pug, etc. those are all great, I just don’t go. It’s the chinese places around there that rip you off. (36 yuan for a bowl of noodles and 2 luke-warm beers… :/ )
I live in the west, though much more (north) west than you. Tongzilin and Yulin repulse me. Overcharging people for normal shit seems to be their M.O. If you wanna drink some brews or pao jiu sometime message me. ;p
My brother has a buddy in Afghanistan. The buddy really likes asian girls. He’s white and really honest and smart. I think he’s about 36. He doesn’t waste time because he knows within a few minutes of meeting someone whether or not he will copulate. Sometimes he just has to look at a photo. I can get his number for you if you want.
I like your tips, though I do think they apply to pretty much anywhere in the world. They’re all pretty general subjects to photograph. For street photography in China, I think we’re all lucky. Most Chinese don’t lose their cool at a camera, yet they still do change their composure. Avoiding this is the real challenge.
Pretty much anyone local to Sichuan will understand a Chongqing dialect (accent). Hubei and Guizhou folk also are quite close.
In Sichuan there’s a saying. Ya’an is nicer than Chengdu, Luding is nicer than Ya’an, and Kangding is nicer than Luding. But Kangding is not as nice as Zigong.
Just kidding. That makes no sense.
Mugecuo lake and valley with snowcapped peaks and whatnot is an hour or so north of Kangding. Rides should be easy to find, though – best through a hostel. Beware a ticket cost at the entrance.
I’ve never stayed at Zhilam hostel, but there are several low-priced hotels in the city center that accept lao wai. There are some fun bars downtown while the Paoma mountain is a ripoff, which asks you to pay ticket price after you’ve already climbed the mountain. Hills to the southwest of the city are free and pretty accessible for a good view of the “three rivers four mountains”. Might have to brave angry dogs and wild pigs.
I agree with Miro that renting a furnished apartment near the University itself is far preferable to a luxury service apartment.
@Kim and Hise – My comment on Tibetan Religion (which truly should be specified – thanks Miro – between their ancient religion, and the Buddhism which we find there today) was a bit trollish, but also tongue-in-cheek like most comments I make on this site. The proper thing to do was for me to start a new thread on the subject of Tibetan Buddhism; however, I don’t think I have the interest to contribute nor battle the Tibetan camp of pseudo-religious profiteers. Kim, you are definitely right about the wealth of such “monks”. Going to Seda was one of the most depressing trips I’ve taken in a long time. And yes, I’ve been to Beijing.
Fraser Suites I’ve heard many times are the best service apartments in the city. Though probably much more pricy than Somerset, which is also highly rated.
Tibetan religion? As in twirling a spool or pacing around a stupa 10,000 times to erase your evils in able to commit evil again? How can that require graduate study? I think a couple months (weeks) in Tibet would suffice.
I assume you’re aware of the deserted “world park” in Xipu. It’s been written up before on these sites. A defunct theme park with a bunch of fake european architecture – now overgrown with vines and walled in. 10-15 minute walk straight-on past Xipu station on the metro. left side.
Though last time I went by, it looked like they were in the process of taking it down… brick… by…. brick….
I don’t even think the soil itself in China is “vegan”. Until the wealthy classes of this country start trending on the luxurious “vegan” concept (which will require a logo), you’re gonna have to DIY or buy imports at 300% cost. Trying to eat “Halal” in this city is equally ridiculous.
Have you considered Portland, Oregon?
I’m thinking of moving to Saudi Arabia myself. I’d like to have a bacon-bloody mary every morning and a pork chop with whiskey/beers every night.
I wish you the best in the next province, Maz.
There are differences throughout the country. Chengdu has its charms and ghouls like everywhere. The recent popularity of the city has brought on a lot of attitude, money and pricks – in all areas. I’m well fed up with a lot of it. But hey, it’s all about progress, and progress is called becoming NYC or some such money pit.
Street cleaners +++
Dujiangyan (and all other cities outside the haze) ++++
The food + (only one because Chengdu is merely an average example of the cuisine in the province)
Grandparents letting the babies shit absolutely everywhere (like in entrance gates, metro platforms and on the metro itself) ——–
Chengdu folks’ complete lack of spacial recognition. Running into fixed objects (people) all around the city whether walking, driving or e-biking. Not bad drivers, just plain stupid. ——————– (not a China-wide characteristic)
Good luck on the next chapter!
Definitely get your use out of the 3-month visa. The legality of teaching/working in this country has always been a grey area (a polluted, gassy, grey ether). Different provinces have different rules and attitudes at the visa bureau. Sichuan is considered one of the better places for attaining work visas – but hey, this is China. Could change tomorrow. If you can find a decent employer within the three months, and they like your style and (key point) you like theirs, they’ll get you a work visa. It may take one or two trips to Hong Kong, but you’ll be on the right path.
Like Miro said, be a bit careful. There are a number of shady schools who don’t care what your legal status is as long as you’re putting rich parents’ money into the boss man’s bank account. This is why on your 3-month visa, don’t be afraid to walk away from anyone at the first sign of monkey business. Be tough with them. They need you more than you need them. Don’t give them your passport, just photocopies. Mum is the word on your visa.
Ray’s advice above is priceless. “Come with an open mind and realistic expectations… Bring a sense of humor…” All three will be tested. Personally, I think I lost my sense of humor in this country.
@Charlie: But I go to Lanzhou for fun! ;D Trust me I’ll have the first ticket on the new train when it opens in 2027.I encourage you whole-heartedly to get over here to China and check it out. Chengdu would be a nice choice for various reasons. Here are some thoughts I’ve had based on your post:
Working in schools should be no problem, TESOL or not. Just decide whether you want to teach little children or middle-school and above. Night and day difference between those two jobs. Any TEFL site with the key word Chengdu will get you listings.
But I’d seriously recommend looking into service industry jobs here. Apply at international hotel websites for jobs in hotel kitchens/or service industry management (China-wide, for sure. Don’t be afraid to take a good job anywhere in the country). There are also a number of quality restaurants opening up in Chengdu like Element Fresh and Blue Frog. Check into these places because I’ve seen that they’ve been hiring people with experience. The Chinese are getting hungry for serious western food.
I don’t know which part of the service industry you’ve been working in, but Chengdu is the best place to take courses in Sichuan Cuisine. You’d be amazed at the technical depth of what “stir-fry” in Sichuan requires.
Chinese language courses are taught at many universities and colleges around the city. If you have cash, take 6-12 months to study full time (visa provided), while teaching/odd jobs part time. This will give you an excellent edge on handling the basics of the language.
Chengdu itself is a very average city. It’s flat, grey and a bit boring. If you put it in the national context though, it is comfortable, cheap with good salaries and the people are friendly, despite them being the worst drivers on the entire Asian continent. As in blind.
Chengdu is joining the club of cities with a touch of international flair. You can fly to nearly any Asian capital for cheap, plus a handful of european/american cities direct. You can get good western food/nightlife with ease here. If you’re looking for more of a raw China experience, I’d suggest looking into other cities. Chongqing, Lanzhou, Guiyang, Changsha, Wuhan, Shenyang and other places which don’t get foreign celebrity treatment and actually have parks, hills and rivers.
Cheers and good luck!
Honestly, I’ve experienced “mental health care professionalism” in a couple of “developed” countries. You’re better off just getting a dog. That’s not a joke.
Excellent! I just might have to make a trip to Oklahoma next time I’m back home. Sadly I’ve only driven through a few times (on the I-35 and then in Kansas get massively confused on how to continue northeast to Minnesota).
Eating a real-deal bacon-cheeseburger and listening to something like “the song remains the same” sounds like a religious experience to me. Especially if coleslaw is a topping!
I’ll surely try to come in on a Thurs. or Fri. for the music.
Thanks ! 😉
Other than your own, what establishment has served you the best burger to your memory? In other words, what’s you guys’ favorite restaurant burger, respectively?
Also, do you like fast-food burgers? (I miss Whataburger)
Finally, it’s pretty general knowledge that Mike (pizza man) loves Elvis. Is there that special performer/musician that might grace me once I have my chance to eat at Redbeard’s?
Thanks
Sounds like Sunny’s English and their ilk are up to their old antics as usual! First, tell them that no genuine hard-copy of the contract in your hand means no contract at all. Goodbye! No month-notice, no discussion. Goodbye.
Like Deven asked, what visa are you on? If you’ve already got a work permit (highly unlikely) then things will be difficult when trying to get a new job. Plus, you will be linked through the school to the PSB and the school could probably report you on it.
Tourist or Student visa would mean that you’re not even “legal” to work anyways and are free to walk away and find something else.
