Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis, offers international students an enriching environment to experience Chinese culture outside the classroom.

Explore this guide to uncover the wide array of extracurricular activities the city has to offer. To enhance your experience, here are some Chinese words related to these activities:

1. 社团活动 (shè tuán huó dòng, club activities)

Joining a 学生社团 (xué shēng shè tuán, student club) not only cultivates your interests but also helps you meet like-minded people. Whether your passion lies in music, sports, or cultural exchange, you’ll find a club that suits you.

2. 汉语角 (hàn yǔ jiǎo, Chinese language corner)

Many universities in Shanghai host Chinese language corner activities. Partner with a 当地学生 (dāng dì xué shēng, local student) for a language exchange. You'll have the opportunity to practice 普通话 (pǔ tōng huà, Mandarin) while helping them with English or another language you speak.

3. 志愿者服务 (zhì yuàn zhě fú wù, volunteer service)

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the 社区 (shè qū, community) while building connections with local residents. Many organizations in Shanghai welcome international volunteers for various projects, ranging from 环境保护 (huán jìng bǎo hù, environmental protection) to 特殊儿童教育 (tè shū ér tóng jiào yù, special education for children with unique needs).

4. 国际学生比赛 (guó jì xué shēng bǐ sài, international student competitions)

Engage in competitions tailored to international students, such as those focused on 科技创新 (kē jì chuàng xīn, science and technology innovation), 中文诗歌 (zhōng wén shī gē, Chinese poetry), or 才艺表演 (cái yì biǎo yǎn, talent shows). These events provide a fantastic platform to showcase your skills and connect with peers from around the globe.

5. 户外体育活动 (hù wài tǐ yù huó dòng, outdoor sports activities)

Take advantage of Shanghai's parks and recreational areas by participating in outdoor sports activities like 骑行 (qí xíng, cycling), 徒步 (tú bù, hiking), or 慢跑 (màn pǎo, jogging). These activities not only promote physical well-being but also offer a healthy way to explore the picturesque city.

6. 艺术表演 (yì shù biǎo yǎn, art performances)

Attend or partake in local performances, such as 戏剧 (xì jù, theater), 音乐会 (yīn yuè huì, music concerts), and 中国戏曲 (zhōng guó xì qǔ, Chinese opera). These events provide a deep dive into Shanghai's rich culture and allow you to experience the city's artistic vibrancy firsthand.