Events & Meetups for Expats in China (2025–2026)
Stay2CN Guide | Culture & Lifestyle — Events & Meetups | Updated May 2026From language exchanges to hiking clubs, here's how to build your social circle in China.
Types of Expat Events
Language Exchanges:
• Free or low-cost meetups where Chinese practice English and vice versa
• Popular apps: HelloTalk, Tandem, Meetup.com
• Usually held at cafes or bars
Hiking & Outdoor Clubs:
• China has incredible hiking — Great Wall sections, Huangshan, Zhangjiajie
• Groups organize weekend trips with transport included
• Great way to meet active, adventurous people
Startup & Business Networking:
• Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen have vibrant startup scenes
• Events: TechCrunch China, Slush, local startup weekends
• WeWork, naked Hub, and local coworking spaces host regular events
Food & Drink Events:
• Wine tastings, craft beer festivals, restaurant weeks
• Shanghai and Beijing have the most variety
Holiday Parties:
• Christmas, Halloween, and New Year's parties at expat bars
• Chinese New Year temple fairs — immersive cultural experience
Where to Find Events
• Meetup.com: Active in major cities
• Facebook groups: Search "Expats in "
• WeChat groups: Ask around — most event info spreads here
• TheBeijinger / SmartShanghai: City-specific event listings
• Eventbrite: Some international events listed
Tips for Making Friends
• Join at least 2–3 groups/activities
• Be consistent — show up regularly
• Learn some Chinese — locals really appreciate the effort
• Say yes to invitations — even if it's outside your comfort zone
Cultural Events Worth Attending
• Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) — dragon dances, fireworks, red envelopes
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep/Oct) — mooncakes, lantern displays
• Dragon Boat Festival (May/Jun) — races, zongzi rice dumplings
• Singles' Day (Nov 11) — shopping festival, but also parties!
Know a great event or group? Share it below!
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