City Guide for Non-Tourist Activities

Last activity 29 March 2019 by GuestPoster898

818 Views

5 replies

Post new topic

GuestPoster898Guest23 March 2019 09:23:41

214245

Hi all!

I'm visiting Beijing next month and would like to find an English-speaking Beijinger in their twenties/university to show me the life of a well-educated, hip local. Ideally, they would be someone who attends university or is a recent grad working in fashion/arts/tech.

I am excited to learn about the mindset of the young Chinese generation and would like to visit the fashionable shopping boutiques, cool cafes, art galleries, bars, and lounges. I am not looking to see traditional tourist sites.

Does anyone here happen to know someone who may be a good match to be my guide? If not, would you have any recommendations for any website/forum/marketplace I may go to inquire about such a service? I've looked on Airbnb and Tripadvisor but have found the listings to be professional tour guides who are not "industry insiders" so to speak.

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

-Rush

VANNROXChina expert23 March 2019 10:41:09

632

I wish you well, and there is a good chance that you will be able to find some folk to hang around with.

Firstly, I would suggest you tell people about yourself and what your interests are. A person who is interested in bars and clubbing might not be interested in a person who like hang-gliding and skate boarding.

Secondly, I would suggest you say your age, gender and where you come from. Many local Chinese would love to get to know you and practice their English with you. Promote yourself.

Finally, understand that the world can be a dangerous place. Not just for you being in a strange land, but for a local person who opens up to you. Please be careful. Aside from that, though... have fun and welcome to China.

GuestPoster898Guest23 March 2019 12:26:49

214245

Thank you for the well-articulated reply.

What you say makes a lot of sense, and I agree I should introduce/promote myself.

Are these forums a good place for intro-ing and reaching such local chinese? Are there any other sites/mediums you would recommend?

Many thanks!

VANNROXChina expert24 March 2019 10:39:13

632

@rush117

You need to get Wechat as that is the preferred way of communicating in China. As well as doing just about everything else.

Get a QQ account That is pretty must expected. everyone from grandmothers to newborns has a QQ account.

Expat.com is a great forum for meeting expats To meet local Chinese, I would suggest that you be open friendly and meet people face to face.

jaden goodMember29 March 2019 02:44:28

I am a recent graduate working in tech. However, I would not consider myself hip local.
I really don't have a good taste for art and music. I can go to some cafes, art galleries, bars, and lounges with you if you like.

GuestPoster898Guest29 March 2019 06:40:18

214245

@jaden good

Thanks for the reply, I just sent you a message.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Beijing

Beijing in 3 Days
Must-see places in Beijing
So, now if you’re visiting in one of the national holidays (like I visited during the Tomb Sweeping Days), ...
Nightlife In Qingdao
Qingdao, a coastal city east of China is one of the fastest growing cities. With its lovely beaches and its ...
Sports in China
Whether you are a fan of watching sports or enjoy an active lifestyle, China has everything one needs to keep fit ...
Why you should visit Xingping
Reasons why you should visit :
Leisure activities in China
China is an East Asian country you will enjoy exploring. From stunning natural landscapes and UNESCO World ...
Food in China
Chinese cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and its dishes frequently make the list of the ...
Learning Chinese as an expat in China
When considering a move to a foreign country, the question of whether you should learn the language comes up and, ...