Anyone in Shijiazhuang?

[Antsa]

Hi everyone.

I applyed for a scholarship in hebei university of economics and business, and I would like to know how is it to live in Shijiazhuang? Cost of living? What are the main practical pros and cons of the city?

[ChTTay]

I had a quick look at the pollution index for the past 12 months and it didn't look that bad. Probably on a par with Beijing but perhaps the bad days that there are are really bad.

Generally, when pollution is bad in Beijing, it's insanely bad in Hebei. I've seen footage and photos from friends who've driven there on bad days (300+ In BJ) and you can't see over 50 meters in front of you in Hebei.

If you moved there most of the time you'd be fine pollution wise but still worth having an air purifier for some days.

[ZhangKaiRong]

Well, it could be a good environment for studying. But generally, cities in Hebei are quite... dull and uninteresting. I adapted to this kind of environment, and I treated it as a motivation for assimilation, however if you're an outgoing person (from the Western point of view), you will be bored like hell and will have a hard time to enjoy your stay.

I found people in Hebei are quite similar to Dongbei people, meaning that it's generally harder to socialize with them, they're kind of cold to outsiders, however if you're determined enough you can establish a good and stable relationship with them, actually one of my best Chinese friend is from Handan, also in Hebei.

 

The main pro is that it is quite close to Beijing, the 高铁 stops there, so it's very convenient to go to Beijing and other nearby cities.

[abcdefg]

What are the main practical pros and cons of the city?

 

Shijiazhuang always makes the top ten list of most polluted cities in China. Don't think I would want to live there.

 

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/mar/12/china-smog-pollution-beijing

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQk3vHK7kV0

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1JGGjAm42c

[Antsa]

Thank you for all your reply. I knew about the pollution but didn't knew it was that bad.some friends told me that last time they were in Shijiazhuang, it was not that bad. It was last summer though I guess it was a good day.

@ZhangKaiRong I don't mind the dullness I have some great skills when it comes to adaptation. So are you currently living in hebei province then?

[Antsa]

Main reason I choose the city is its proximity to beijing and the English taught program of the Uni.