Turning up in a new city where you know no one, nor speak the language, can be scary. We all need friends. No man is an island. So how do you go about finding comrades in Shanghai? Well, there are many strategies. Here are just a few options that should send you on the right path – away from solitude.

Hostels
Unless you’ve been sent to Shanghai by your boss, and therefore have a fully furnished apartment at your disposal from day zero, you will probably need some interim accommodation between landing and finding a place of your own. Some people go to hotels. I say go to a youth hostel instead. Firstly, it’s cheap. This means that you can save your money for worthier pursuits, like drinking copious amounts of alcohol at one of Shanghai’s many bars or clubs. Secondly, a lot of newcomers go to hostels with the very aim of making friends who may also be looking for future room-mates.

Networking Events
Although networking events can often just mean a room full of pushy corporate types with pocketfuls of business cards, they can be quite interesting and useful too. In a country where having connections is the name of the game, even if you’re not the usual type to go to these things; it’s a wise move to change your attitude in China. Even if you’ve already got a job, going to a networking event is a great way to get to know other people, whether for business or friendship. Read this article for more advice on how to network in Shanghai.

Hobby Groups
Joining a group is the sort of thing that people advise you to do when you are lonely/depressed/newly single, but it truly is one of the best ways to meet people who like the stuff that you like. For an idea of what cultural groups are out there, read this article; and if exercising activities are more up your alley find out about Shanghai’s various sports clubs here.

Take a Language Lesson
The classroom is one of the best places to make friends. Most people sitting there are in the same situation as you and you already automatically share something in common; namely a desire to learn Chinese. From small chit chat at the start to after-class homework discussions and study get-togethers later, before you know it you’ll have found a new friend and/or developed the language skills to befriend one or more of the 1.3 billion people living in this country. More info on language schools here.

Random Efforts
This is mainly ‘meeting people in bars’. Not just sexually speaking. One of the main reasons people go to bars is to meet people. Being an expat gives you something to talk about - namely, being an expat. The same goes for cafés. By virtue of your very being there, you have something in common with your tablemate. And it’s not like England or the States, where an unsolicited conversation in a café can end with a restraining order. And there’s nothing wrong with going to bar alone either. If sitting alone at the bar table isn’t your thing however, one good way of going out solo yet blending in with the crowd is by catching a live rock gig. Jump onto the dance floor and start moshing with all the other music enthusiasts – before you know it you’ll have found a partner in crime! (Here’s a list of Shanghai’s top 10 live music venues).

Go out start making friends today!

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.

Keywords: win friends Shanghai How to make friends in Shanghai Shanghai society expat scene Shanghai