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Okay damn I was hoping I could just ride some train around and check out more of china and maybe even surrounding countries.
Any thoughts on the train that goes from China to Europe? Super off topic question because I doubt I would do that but it sounds interesting.
I assume this is trolling?
You can still take the train. I know from Xian to Nanjing it is an overnight train, so it would probably only take about that long to get to Shanghai from Chengdu. I'm not sure of any countries that would be easy to visit from China, especially since Chengdu is pretty much in the middle of the country. Xian is close to Chengdu, and I don't imagine it would take longer than a few hours to visit, if you feel the need to go to other parts of China.
You can take the train from Beijing through Mongolia to get on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, which is what I assume you are talking about. I expect it is very expensive, and you would have to at least get to Beijing. I imagine it would be a great trip, but it might be hard for a college student.
Just curious what part of china you live in Kangrui. Are you originally from the US?
The trans-siberian sounds like an epic journey, i've been looking into it.
I don't live in China, though I have previous experience there. I was in Beijing, Xi'an, and Guangzhou. I also spent a very short amount of time in Hong Kong. And yes, I was born in American Fork, Utah. Are you not American?
I've heard the Trans-Siberian Railway is amazing. A trip of a lifetime, though you could say that for China too.
Yes, I am American. I was just curious if you were an American now living in China. I hear Chinese people spit a lot and budge in front of you in lines. Yeah this will be the only time i'm in China most likely, so maybe i'll have to make the most of it.
How common is English there? I'm assuming not very much
How fun is it compared to Shanghai?
I just say english is more and more popular in China including Chengdu, most of youg people can say a little english, especially colleague or university graduates can say more english. So, I think communication there is not a key problem to you and chinese people are glad to help any foreigner. you can take it easy!
As for Shanghai & Chengdu, I think they have respective characteristic.
Shanghai is positioned as a international city in its development with modern sense and fast-paced lives. while Chengdu is a tourist city with long history and famouse figures and sights etc. Hence, whichever is more fun up to your preference.
How common is English there? I'm assuming not very much
How fun is it compared to Shanghai?
Not much English, but just a little to get by. Expats still end up living in these places even with very little Chinese, etc.
Basically, expect there to be very very little English. But you'll see it enough when you really need it. In short, don't expect English everywhere, but you won't starve and die because you don't know Chinese.
You'll also learn little techniques. Key words or phrases written in Chinese. Always put your address of hotel or apartment in Chinese, etc.
How fun is Chengdu compared to Shanghai. Chengdu is not that huge. It's kind of like comparing Sacramento to Los Angeles. They are both large enough cities to have things, but one is just on another scale altogether.
Chengdu is a nicer town than Beijing or Shanghai. Because it's off the usual tourist route there won't be so many scammers and touts as you'll find in the big cities and people are friendlier. Definitely make time to take the bus to Jojaigo--the valley with all the waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful scenery in China.
Visit Beijing if you get the chance. Xian, if you want. It's not such an exciting place, IMO.
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