My Chengdu stories

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Yin Seng comes from Cambodian. He is now studying Computer Science in Chengdu.

My first living abroad experience is in China, Sichuan Chengdu. I got the scholarship from China Scholarship Court to study Master Degree of Computer Science. The main purpose for me coming to China is to study, but it has been much more than that by the time I took my first step in Chengdu. Living in Chengdu is a tempting opportunity for me that could lead to gain a lot of useful experiences and valuable knowledge.

This country was new for me and the weather was new for me. I came from the tropical area which has the sunny day and hot weather all over the year. I was a thrill for my first winter season. I loved my winter fluffy big coat and my other winter accessory. Because it was my first time get into the winter fashion. For the spring season, I can say it is my travel season. I love the flower along the road and everywhere have the flower. Spring is the most beautiful time here. In autumn, Gingko tree is my favorite. UESTC, my university has so many Gingko trees all the long the road inside the university. The beautiful leave fell all over the grass and I could see the yellowish golden ground. It is really amazing.

Chengdu is a big city. I always see crowd almost everywhere. In here, people seem to be individual. I started learning the traditions and new rules about how people live here. In order to be able to live surrounding with the Chinese people, I have had to move forward and be accustomed to their way of life. I have few Chinese friends. After getting close to them, I can say that they are really great. They are very helpful and friendly. In terms of the language barrier, my Chinese friends help me to improve my Chinese language that has allowed me to create a bond with the Chinese people in China. Also, I can use Chinese language and Chinese map’s application to travel without any problem.

I enjoyed traveling. I did it with my Chinese friends, teachers, Cambodian friends, and travel agency. Chengdu has so many historical places to visit. I’ve been to Jinli, Wenshu Yan, Panda research center, Hunglongxi, People Park, Tofu Cottage, Chunxi Road, Global Center Plaza and Tianfu Square. Chunxi Road is my most favorite place here. I go there almost every week because I really love shopping and I love the food over there. I also travel to Guangzhou, Kunming, Chongqing, Qingcheng Mountain,Bamboo sea, and Jiuzhaigou. The views of the mountains are breathtaking, and the colorful lakes in Jiuzhaigou are the best. I never see any lake that is clear and fresh as Jiuzhaigou. I have 7 months for my school year here, and I will travel more before my graduation. There are more places here I have visited such as Chengdu Aquarium, Dujiangyan and Emey Mountain.

I can eat almost all Chinese food. At the first month here it was really hard with spicy and oily food, but in few months, I get used to it. Some of the Chinese dishes has already become my favorite such as Gungpao Chicken, Wuntun, Charsiu, Jiaozi, Chowmian and Peking roast duck. I lost few kilos of my weight. It doesn’t because of the food that I can’t eat much but due to my study pressure, travel and exercise. I changed my lifestyle and being more active. I think I am much healthier in here than living in Cambodia.

In conclusion, living Chengdu is one of the most valuable experiences to me. I am right now very enjoying and get used to with everything in here. Being an independent and adapted to the new living environment is so important to me. I am happy that I can spend enough time to become comfortable with a culture much different from my own. I am sure that I will miss Chengdu because Chengdu has left its mark on me. If I have a chance, I will come to Chengdu again.

The opinions expressed do not represent the views of the China Daily website.

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