Editor’s note

Welcome to Gen Z Weekly, our new column dedicated to showcasing the voices and experiences of Generation Z in Shenzhen and beyond. We’ve created this space to share authentic, youth-driven narratives that reflect the energy and perspectives of today’s young people. Through Gen Z Weekly, expect to hear directly from international students and Chinese youth about their campus lives, personal journeys, and thoughtful insights.

Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

FOR Bernadette Adila Hutani, who goes by Adette, arriving in China was more than a journey abroad — it was a homecoming to a land she had never set foot in.

Her deep, familial bond with the country traces back to her paternal grandparents, who both emigrated from China’s Fujian Province. Though she grew up in Indonesia, Adette always felt a quiet, inherited connection to her roots.

It was this sense of return that drew her to Shenzhen — a city that resonated with her personally and aesthetically. “Shenzhen in particular is a modern city that suits my preferences better,” said Adette.

Currently a fourth-year statistics major at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), Adette said her vision of the future took shape through her academic path.

Intrigued by actuarial science and risk management in high school, Adette discovered that dedicated actuarial programs were rare. After learning that many actuaries come from quantitative backgrounds like statistics, she chose to major in statistics at CUHK-Shenzhen, viewing it as the perfect foundation for a career in risk management.

Diverse cultural interactions at CUHK-SZ

According to Adette, she chose CUHK-Shenzhen because the university offers a mixed Chinese-Western education system. “The meticulousness of Chinese education mixed with the experimental nature of Western education is the university’s main charm for me,” said Adette.

The university’s diverse student body allows students to easily engage in cross-cultural interactions, and this aspect of the university has been important to Adette. “I have met countless new friends with their own unique stories and backgrounds, which has opened up my view of the world,” she shared.

“Once, I worked as a student helper to welcome exchange students, and from that moment, I made friends with some students from different countries, with whom I am still close today. I am grateful that my university provided me with the platform and opportunity to experience this unique intercultural interaction firsthand,” said Adette.

SZ, convenient living for foreigners

Adette described Shenzhen as a modern city which exudes a vibrant glow, making it feel lively — from the city lights to the diverse backgrounds of its people. In Adette’s eyes, modernity is only one aspect that makes Shenzhen a suitable Chinese city for foreigners to live in.

Before coming to Shenzhen, Adette was aware that the city is industrialized, boasts countless skyscrapers that offer a beautiful city view at night, and is very welcoming to expats and foreign-invested companies.

After arriving in the city, Adette said the city is cooler than she had ever imagined. “There is no particular change of impression once I arrived in Shenzhen, but witnessing the city in real life actually exceeded my expectations. I think the city is very suitable for international students like me to live in and study here,” said Adette.

She also believes it is the perfect place for foreigners to learn Chinese. “Since Shenzhen is also a home to locals from other cities and provinces with their own dialects, people here tend to speak standard Chinese without dialects to ensure they understand each other. This way, it will be easier for foreigners to blend in and learn Chinese, applying what they have learned from books without having to worry about local dialects,” added Adette.

Last but not least, Adette sees Shenzhen as a fast-paced city that is always moving forward, full of energy and potential for future development.

Exploring Shenzhen

During her first three years in the city, Adette traveled across the city and visited various tourist spots like Dameisha Beach and Nantou Ancient Town, a historic site with a rich cultural heritage dating back nearly 1,700 years.

Adette enjoyed traveling to these places and said she is looking forward to exploring more culturally rich parts of the city. She also wants to explore more of the coastal areas of Shenzhen, such as the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory.

Speaking of her future plans, Adette said she would consider staying in Shenzhen if there’s an opportunity because she has fully adapted to living in the city. “Shenzhen has become my second home and a safe place where I will be happy to start my career after graduation,” said Adette.