Need to break out of your mundane routine going to the same bar, drinking the same drinks, with the same people? Or are you interested in taking on a new hobby and making new friends while you're at it? If you've answered "yes" to any of the questions above, then this article is for you. Read on to find out what cultural, sports and personal interest clubs are available in Suzhou.

 

1) Suzhou Chess Club

Chess is more than just a game; it's a work-out for your brain! It's a known fact that regularly playing chess helps improve memory, concentration, decision making skills and efficiency in working under stress. And if that's not enough, joining a chess club is a great way to get to know new people. The Suzhou Chess Club meets every Tuesday at 19:00 at Jack's Home Restaurant in Singa Plaza, SIP. There is a second meeting every Friday at 19:00 at the Bookworm on Shiquan Jie. For more info, contact David at lemon_marangotang@yahoo.com.

2) Huxi Expats Overseas Residents' Network

This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month on the second floor of 165 Xinghai Jie in the Shihui Shopping Mall, across from the Four Seasons Park residential complex gate. The group discusses a different topic each month with guest speakers, Q&A and plenty of time for socialising and making new contacts, too! They are very welcoming and it is a good place to make local and foreign friends. Contact Angela at huxiexpats@163.com.

3) Toastmasters Club

The Toastmasters Club is part of Toastmasters International and the Suzhou chapter is a lively group of English speaking locals and expats. It conducts its meeting in English and provides a mutually supportive learning environment for developing presentation skills and meeting new people. They meet on the ground floor of the Culture and Science Center on Jinji Lake. You can get more information at www.toastmasters.org. or call Herman at 1350613 4388 or e-mail: hermannchou@gmail.com.

 

Photo: flickr.com
4) Suzhou Photography Club

If you like to express yourself through the lens of a camera this club is for you. The club organises bi-monthly excursions to photogenic sites and the members share costs. You can register on the website at http://www.szphoto.com/bbs/ or just e-mail admin@szphoto.com.

5) Tank 4x4 Offroad Club

Got a 4X4 that is itching to show its stuff? Join the Tank 4x4 club and get off the road! Members meet every other month for an excursion and to "talk tanks" with fellow enthusiasts.  Register on the website http://www.tank4x4.com/ to join the club.

6) Badminton Club

Want to smash a birdie? Send it flying with The Badminton Club. They meet every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at the Sanxiang Lu Sports Centre in the SND. Costs are 15 RMB per person for 2.5hours. Contact: QQ 51915934 or call 1391 317 6849 for more details. Sanxiang Lu Sports Centre, 183 Sanxiang Lu, Suzhou, SND.

7) Dushu Lake Sports Club

The new Education Town's Dushu Lake Higher Education District Sports Development Center's basketball, football, squash, badminton and table tennis clubs are all looking for new members. The centre is in the SIP on Jinjihu Dadao. Get off the bus at Chexie Lu and walk south or call Mr. Chen (speaks English) at 1391 278 4411 or e-mail yr@sipedi.cn for details.

8) Coffee Club Morning

Meet new friends at the "Meet and Greet Coffee" for newcomers. This is usually held once a month from 10:30am to noon and is sponsored by the Suzhou Expat Association. Cost is 35 RMB for members with EAS card and 50 RMB for non-members for tea, coffee and snacks. Newcomers and veterans are all welcome. Sign up at easmembership@gmail.com.

9) Magic Iron Horse Cycling Club View In Map

This cycling club is organized by the TREK Bicycle shop located in the neighbourhood center at the corner of Xinghai Street and Modern Avenue. It is in the back of the centre by the basketball courts. There is a map on the website along with all the top grade equipment they sell with prices. It is a good club to join if you want to practice your Chinese; at the same time you get some exercise and see different parts of the city and environs.

Add: 158 Park Avenue Building, Modern Neighbourhood Center, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou

地址：苏州市工业园区现代大道158号新城邻里中心

Tel: 0512 62 576 236 or 629 693 38 and ask for Mr. Zhang.

10) Hash House Harriers Running Club

If you want to discover interesting spots in and around Suzhou on foot then check out the happenings of the Suzhou chapter of the Hash House Harriers by contacting them at Suzhouh3@gmail.com. They meet up every other Saturday usually at 12:45 at the Blue Marlin on Jinji Hu Road and head out to the venue by foot, bus or taxi. All expenses are shared. Walkers and runners are all welcome and the trail is usually between six and eight kilometres for walkers and up to 15 for runners. The run is followed by some tom-foolery and a beer or two. There is an optional meal somewhere afterwards. It is a great place to mix with locals and expats and good fun is had by all.

11) Breast Feeding Support Group View In Map

For new mothers Suzhou has a very active breast feeding support group called La Leche League of Suzhou. They usually meet in the mornings between 10:00 -12:00 at the Suzhou Singapore International School.  First time visitors should contact Andrea at andrea.seelbach@yahoo.com to confirm time, date and room number.

Singapore International School

Add: SSIS, 208 Zhongnan Jie, Suzhou SIP

地址：苏州园区钟南街208号新加坡国际学校小学部 

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Keywords: Expat clubs Suzhou photography club Suzhou cultural clubs Suzhou chess club Suzhou