Beijing Language and Culture University Social #1: Beijing Weather

Before I start this post, I want to prep it by saying that this is going to be the first in a series of posts discussing BLCU related media from around the Internet. As you can see from the title of this post, I have decided to call the series BLCU Social, and each time I will try to focus on a different topic. My main focus is going to be on content shared via Twitter, but I may also use images and conversations from other websites, blogs, forums and social networks (Facebook, for example).

Why am I doing this? The main reason is that I am looking for ways to keep this blog ticking. As I have not been a student of BLCU since January 2011, there is not a lot of new stuff left for me to share from my own personal experiences. However, that does not mean I can't share and comment on the experiences of others (many of whom are either planning on going to BLCU in the near future or are currently studying Chinese there now).

So, without further adieu, let's look at the topic I have chosen for BLCU Social #1: Beijing Weather.

@mathwz tweeted this great photo of the BLCU campus, clearly taken after a bit of snowfall as you can see the road is still white. The trees are bare or covered in brown leaves, suggesting Autumn Winter. This image really captures the feeling of BLCU at this time of year and I thought it would be great to share here on the blog.

In winter, temperatures at BLCU and in Beijing can drop to below -20°C. When I studied there between 2010-2011, the temperature fell below -20°C through the winter period and then climbed to nearly 40°C in the summer. In fact, that year (2010) China suffered one of the worst heat waves it has seen in decades, as reported by state media at the time. Many were affected, especially in areas where drought was a problem. An unfortunate few even lost their lives.

So, although the climate in Beijing can produce some gorgeous photographs (as you will no doubt come to appreciate during your time at BLCU), you would do well to remember that precautions are always a good idea.

For example, during summer be sure to have plenty of sunscreen and moisturiser at hand. Chapsticks may also be a good idea if you are prone to dry skin and chapped lips. In fact, this is not only necessary during summer, but can also be a problem in the colder months. Beijing is famous for having a very dry climate and as such you can find yourself suffering from related symptoms all year round!

Continuing along this weather theme, sandstorms and powerful winds will become part of your daily life at BLCU during certain times of the year. These are mainly blown over from Inner Mongolia and can make travelling to class each morning a real nightmare! This is especially true if you live off campus and travel in by bike, in which case you need to watch out that you're not blown clean off it by the wind!

Due to these sandstorms, as well as the bad air quality and high level of pollution in Beijing, it would be a good idea to buy some sort of face mask similar to what you see many of the locals wearing. Failing that, you can always wrap a scarf round your face (which is what me and my girlfriend used to do). Be sure to chain your bike up securely so that a) it doesn't get stolen, and b) it doesn't get blown away!

Spring, for all its beauty, is unfortunately the shortest month in Beijing. I remember my BLCU teachers lamenting the fact that it is so fleeting. And I understand why! In Spring, the climate and temperature is just wonderful. It's not too hot nor too cold, the perfect balance between Winter's icy gales and Summer's scorching sun. My advice to you: enjoy it while it lasts and be sure to take plenty of photos! It's a spectacular time to be in the region and if you're planning a trip to Beijing (or China in general), Spring is the time to go. Likewise, if you can only afford to study Chinese at BLCU for a short period of time, try to arrange for it to be around the Spring period.

Returning now to the photo briefly, it shows the central road that runs East to West through the BLCU campus. It is very crowded at peak times of the day such as morning and midday, sometimes to the point that it becomes difficult to ride your bike or scooter through the bustling masses without constantly ringing your bell to let others know of your presence!

On the left hand side sits the BLCU campus library and on the right is the new canteen building where most students will eat each day. There is a great variety of food on three different levels (if I remember correctly). Head straight on and you will come to the main teaching buildings, including Building 1 that is the iconic image of BLCU: the famous rock sitting in front of the East gate. Turn backwards (from the perspective of the photo) and you will find the campus gym and sports grounds, including tennis, basketball and badminton courts, as well as a running track and football field. Dorm 17 is also this way.

So, thanks again to @mathwz for sharing the photo via Twitter and creating the inspiration for this post and the beginning of this new series in which I'll be discussing all things BLCU. Please be sure to keep the conversation going in the comments section, or if you have any questions don't hesitate to leave them there too!

One last thing...

Access blocked websites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and more from BLCU and China with PureVPN!

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