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China is a country that has so much to offer! Whether it’s the county’s unique culture and language, the food or the energetic and bustling nature of day to day life, there’s something for everyone in the Middle Kingdom. Our resident Blogger in Shenyang, Melissa, shares the 5 things she’ll miss most about China as she nears the end of her China adventure.  

I’m coming to the end of my year in China. It’s honestly been such an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone! As I start to pack and say goodbye I reminisce and think about what I’m going to miss about living and working in this wonderful country.

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1. My Friends

Number 1 has to, of course, be my friends!

I’ve met some amazing people both Chinese and foreign in the past year. We’ve had some fantastic experiences both in and out of the classroom, with plenty of day trips within China and further afield.

It will definitely be these friends I’ll miss the most. Having said that, the friends I’ve made in China will be friends for life so ‘goodbye’ hopefully won’t be for the last time!

2. Being surprised by things walking down the street..

I don’t think you’ll fully understand this until you have moved to China!

I’m still surprised by the little things. Walking around and seeing people standing in the back of trucks, a little old lady selling bags of goldfish, 4 people riding on the same moped and none wearing helmets! China is full of surprises and it’s a constant chaos and energy that I don’t think can be matched anywhere else in the world.

3. The students and teaching

I’m really going to miss teaching and my students. They’re all amazing and it’s going to be really hard to say goodbye to them all when I go!!

I also really enjoy teaching; it’s such a rewarding job where I can see the benefits I’m having to the children’s learning almost immediately. The hours aren’t bad either..

4. The friendliness of the Chinese

The friendliness of the Chinese people is something that has really surprised me. I grew up near London where people keep to themselves and only speak to strangers if they have to. Here, it is completely different!

People are so friendly and willing to help you. I walk home and if the shop owner hasn’t seen me he will ask how I’ve been or what I’ve been up to. The security guard at the gate says hello to me every time I leave or go into my apartment complex. People speak to me in the street and elevators asking where I’m from or what I’m doing in China. It’s really nice and gives you a sense of belonging which has made living here so much easier!

5. How affordable everything is

Going out to eat is so cheap here. I could afford to go out for dinner every night with my co-workers if I wanted to! Dinner is usually 30-50yuan if you eat Chinese food. Western food is a bit more expensive though.. Clothes are super inexpensive  here too, especially if you buy them online- you can get a t-shirt for 30yuan or less if you’re thrifty (meaning it’s great for buying people presents..).

To give you a bit of an idea, a nice big bowl of thick noodles and soup at a restaurant, like the one below, will only set you back about $1.50..a bargain!