Life as an Indonesian Student in China: Culture, Food, and Adjusting

October 2, 2026 · CSCA Gateway Team

Culture shock in the early weeks of study is completely normal for any international student, Indonesians included. Differences in everyday spoken language (even after studying academic Mandarin, everyday conversational speech has its own learning curve), the fast pace of life in major Chinese cities, and an almost entirely cashless digital payment system all take a few weeks of adjustment.

On halal food: the good news is that major cities and cities with significant Muslim populations (especially in the northwest, like Xi'an, Lanzhou, or cities with Hui communities) generally have halal restaurants that are reasonably easy to find, usually marked with the "清真" (qīngzhēn) label. Many large universities with international students from majority-Muslim countries also offer halal canteen options on campus. In smaller cities, researching and asking senior Indonesian students at your target university beforehand helps a lot.

The Indonesian student community (often called PPI — Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia) exists in nearly every major Chinese city with a sizeable Indonesian student population. Joining this community early on makes a big difference in adjusting — from practical daily tips and halal food recommendations, to emotional support when homesickness hits.

One thing to keep in mind: everyone’s experience differs depending on the city and university. Tier-1 cities like Beijing/Shanghai tend to be more international and easier to navigate in English, while smaller cities offer a more authentic Chinese cultural experience but require better everyday Mandarin. Both have their own advantages — it’s not about which is "better," but which fits your style and goals better.