Marwinda ZHANG

Student of The University of New South Wales, Australia
Exchange to The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China

Before I went to the University of Nottingham Ningbo Campus, I thought I knew China quite well, as I have been to Guangzhou China almost every year. Even though I assumed every part of China would look like Guangzhou I was wrong. Ningbo, unlike Guangzhou, is not as developed as the city centre itself only has three main districts. Within the city, situates the famous Foreigner's Bay (Lao Wai Tan), the historical (Tian Yi Ge) and the famous shopping district called Tian Yi Square. Every week people usually go for a drink at Lao Wai Tan or have dinner at Tian Yi Square and have a shopping spree.

The transportation facilities are very basic. The main transportation around the city is buses. Unlike Shanghai the metro lines is limited to line 1 and line 2, which does not stop at the university. However, buses will get you back to the university. For most students they heavily rely on uber or the taxi to get around. Uber is much more efficient and cost less than taxi, and as a bonus on the trip back home you get to make a friend and learn more about the area. For travelling, Ningbo is right in the middle of all the famous spots around China. It only takes around 30 minute to go to Ninghai which is the third most famous hot springs in the nation. Around 55 minutes takes you to Yu Yao which is famous for its historical relicts and around 80 minutes to Hangzhou, famous for it's food and the mystical west lake. After 2 hours later you experience the modern economic centre of China, Shanghai. Other cities also include Nanjing, Suzhou and many renowned spots are all easily accessible from Ningbo.

There are many famous food and crafts skills in Ningbo. Ningbo Tang Yuan (glutinous rice balls) is famous nationwide. This delicacy is a dessert which represent family unity and is usually eaten on the morning of Chinese New Year. Other foods also include You Zhan Zi, which is a twisted fried dough that comes as savoury and sweet. Other delicacy can also be easily tasted at the famous food street of Nan Tang Lao Jie. As for craft skills, Ningbo is famous for it's embroidery and clay work. I had a chance to experience such craft at events held at the Ningbo University library near the University. Traditional water painting classes are also taught at the library every week on level five. All classes are free of charge.

Lastly, the full exchange experience truly can be summed up as an unforgettable travel experience, where I developed strong friendship with people around the world. For me, this experience was more than just a trip to China, it was an experience to truly appreciate its culture through the people I met.

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