Beijing is a megalopolis. One thing you don’t fully appreciate before you touch down at the airport is just how large the city is. For newcomers this can be daunting; not only to understand the logistics of finding your way around such a large city – which, with it’s simple ring road structure and comprehensive subway system is surprisingly easy – but finding like-minded people to extend the reach of your social network.

Luckily, the social road along which you travel can be smoothed by a number of means: clubs, societies and social events. After dipping into these arenas, people quickly become aware of two of Beijing’s qualities; one is that social Beijing is like a rabbit warren, everybody knows everybody else and there is seldom more than a couple of degrees of separation between any two foreigners in the city; the second is that there is a wealth of opportunities and possibilities to be found, should you dig a little deeper. 

 
Photo from Baidu

Getting started in Beijing

The rich variety of Beijing’s clubs and groups is such that there is even a group for newcomers, to support them in getting started in the capital. Holding regular events in the Bookworm in Sanlitun and O'Brien's in Shunyi, it is a great place to find and trade information on the general practicalities of living in Beijing. Want to find other people that have not long arrived in and are, like you, trying to make sense of understanding this great city? Want to share your best Beijing housekeeping and lifestyle tips with new friends? The International Newcomers Network may very well offer you the social opening that you are looking for. BINN meetings cost 40 RMB to attend per person and the group is family friendly, offering baby sitting services during meetings at the extra cost of 10 RMB per child

International New Comers’ NetworkView In Map
Add: 3/F Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Lu,
地址: 北京市朝阳区新源南路6号京城大厦京城俱乐部康乐中心3层
Tel: 010 8486 2225 ext. 136
Web: www.innbeijing.org

Career-wise

The chambers of commerce are a fantastic networking opportunity in Beijing. Each country has its own respective chamber of commerce. These groups are the social hubs of the city’s expat business people, and a means for members of the business community to promote dialogue and organise social gatherings.

The main beauty of the chamber of commerce is that anyone paying the membership fee can join the chamber of commerce of their native country, which is much cheaper and more accessible than doing so in your own country. The chambers allow people access to the opportunity of meeting China ‘hands’ (people with vast experience of life and business in China) as well as those working in a broad range of industries. Time spent getting involved in the chambers of commerce is a good way to direct one’s career away from an English language-based line of work. It gives you a better idea of the different fields of work which are possible in the city, as well as increasing the number of entries in your Rolodex.

Should you prefer a non-nationality specific career for expats, Shanghai- and Beijing-based FC Networking Clubs might have exactly what you are looking for. It is a great starting point for building that elusive guanxi, and also creating great opportunities for meeting local businessmen and entrepreneurs. 

Beijing FC Networking Club
Tel: 139 1109 8002
Web: www.fcclub.com
Email: fcclub.beijing@gmail.com 

Culture clubs

So far we have looked at dating and business. In addition, information on sporting clubs can be found elsewhere on the site. Still, these things are not everyone’s cup of tea. The cutthroat world of business, and the football field, is one that many don’t entertain any wish of delving further into. Don’t lose heart though, as there are plenty of ways to meet like-minded people through cultural groups and societies.


Performance groups
International Festival Chorus (IFC) Beijing, is an entrance-by-audition choral society that has groups for both adults and juniors. This is a perfect arena for meeting musical people – as long as you can hit the high notes.

For those budding thespians (beginners welcome), there is Beijing Playhouse, which puts on popular productions such ‘The Sound of Music’. Membership is not restricted by nationality, the only requirement is that you are willing to perform in English. This might be a perfect place for meeting outgoing locals with good spoken English skills and great for the sociable Beijing newcomer.

International Festival Chorus (IFC) Beijing国际节日合唱团
www.beijingifc.org

Beijing PlayhouseView In Map
Add: 38 Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址: 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路38号
137-1890-8922
www.beijingplayhouse.com

Groups for self cultivation
If you wish to experience new social circles, make new friends, and wish to gain something culturally but you’re shy about performing, fear not, there are other types of groups and societies which may help you on your quest for the company of like-minded individuals.

China Culture Centre offers resources for anyone wishing to learn more about China’s rich and glorious culture, as well as a chance to meet similar enthusiasts. On offer from the centre are guided tours and hikes in addition to children’s activities and trips around China. Many a new friendship is sure to have formed over fantastic views of China and blistered feet, the result of a hard and rewarding hike.

Foodies that are on the look out to meet like minded people might do well to check out Hutong Cuisine, a group that offers classes in many aspects of Chinese culinary styles. Lovers of gastronomy are likely to bond with new friends, taking an organised trip to a market or taking part in a cookery class on learning how to cook traditional Chinese dishes. Hutong Cuisine is a great combination of new faces, new foods and ideas.

For the sharp of mind, or just the naturally argumentative, very few activities are as rewarding as taking part in a structured debate. Beijing Debate Society offers participants an opportunity to form an argument as part of a group, then hone their powers of public speaking and sharpen their skills of rhetoric. Try participating in one of the group’s meetings – currently held in the pleasant environs of Danger Doyle’s bar, which offers happy hour prices on beers to debaters – and maybe you will find some people who enjoy putting the world to rights, and making displays of logical ‘muscle’ as much as you do.

China Culture CenterView In Map
Add: Kent Centre, 29 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing    
地址: 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路29号安家楼肯特中心院内
Tel: 010 6432 9341
Web: www.chinaculturecenter.org
Email: info@chinaculturecenter.org

Hutong Cuisine
Tel: 13426317097
Web: www.hutongcuisine.com
Email: zhouchunyi08@gmail.com

Beijing Debate Society
Events held Thursdays weekly
Web: www.beijingdebate.com

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