When exploring options for studying in China, most international students immediately think of Shanghai or Beijing. These megacities are known for their prestigious universities, bustling urban life, and significant international communities. However, China offers many amazing educational opportunities beyond these well-trodden paths.
For those looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while pursuing their academic goals, many smaller cities offer quality education, fantastic cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and amazing food. Here are Discovery Hub’s top five picks for international students who want to look beyond Beijing or Shanghai.
1. Chengdu: The Cultural Heart of Sichuan
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene. But beyond the teahouses and panda sanctuaries, Chengdu is a burgeoning educational hub. Sichuan University and Southwest Jiaotong University are just two of the city’s prestigious institutions, offering a wide range of programs from engineering to Chinese language studies. Chengdu’s smaller international community allows students to take a deeper dive into Chinese culture and language, while still enjoying all the amenities of a major city. (And the incredible street food is a reason to visit Chengdu in itself.)
Chengdu’s famous street food
2. Nanjing: A Blend of Old and New
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, offers a unique combination of historical significance and modern development. As a former capital of several Chinese dynasties, the city has a wealth of historical sites, such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Dynasty city walls. Meanwhile, Nanjing University and Southeast University are among the top-rated in the country, known for their strong programs in Chinese language and literature and engineering respectively. Nanjing is also the home of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, the first China-US collaborative higher education institution, and a highly prestigious option for graduate study in international affairs.
Nanjing’s historic city wall
3. Hangzhou: Innovation Amidst Natural Beauty
Hangzhou’s picturesque landscapes and stunning hiking trails are not the only draw for students; it’s also a leading city for innovation and entrepreneurship, thanks to the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Alibaba. Zhejiang University, one of China’s oldest and most well-respected institutions, offers strong programs in computer science and engineering. This, coupled with Hangzhou’s dynamic business environment and cutting-edge research opportunities, make it an ideal choice for students interested in technology and innovation.
Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake
4. Guangzhou: A Cosmopolitan Gateway
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is a sprawling, busy metropolis and a longstanding commercial and cultural gateway between China and the world. Its educational landscape is robust, with Sun Yat-sen University leading a list of prestigious institutions. Like Hangzhou, Guangzhou also has a dynamic business environment, and is a great choice for entrepreneurial students looking to better understand the Chinese market, in particular in international trade. Much more affordable than Beijing or Shanghai, Guangzhou is also an excellent option for students looking for the first-tier city experience on a budget.
Guangzhou: a global trading hub
5. Suzhou: Ancient Chinese Elegance Meets World-Class International Education
Suzhou, famed for its classical gardens, historical architecture, and quaint canals, is also a prominent educational and high-tech research center. As well as being home to Soochow University, a top 50 school in China, Suzhou also hosts leading China-international joint venture institutions such as Duke Kunshan University (located in Kunshan, a satellite city of Suzhou) and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Suzhou’s close proximity to Shanghai by high-speed rail also makes it a great option for students who don’t want to miss out on the networking and professional opportunities available in Shanghai, but are looking for the more local lifestyle on offer in a smaller city.
Suzhou’s quaint canals
How to Choose Your Education Destination in China
China’s educational landscape is as diverse and vast as the country itself, and the best choice for each student depends on their individual goals, strengths, and circumstances. Discovery Hub’s key piece of advice is to invest time and energy into researching different options, and make decisions based on your personal development priorities. (For some, that might be career, for others it could be academic rigor, or cultural immersion opportunities). Ultimately, what matters is that you make the right choice for you, rather than following the crowd.
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