How to Make Friends in China

Making friends in China expands your knowledge of the culture and lifestyle there.

Whether you are moving to China, living there now or simply interested in the culture, making friends in China is not always easy. The language barrier is something most people will struggle with and finding individuals to introduce you to new friends may be difficult. Luckily the Internet has helped shrink the world and make it easier to find potential new friends and there are plenty of "real life" ways to make connections as well. When you use a combination of cyber searches and real life social opportunities you begin to build your network of friends in "the Middle Kingdom."

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Language teachers
• Translation device
• Chinese language classes
• Hotel access
• Hostel access
• Access to Church or ministry

Instructions

While in the United States

1. 

   The internet allows you to meet people from all over the world.

   Use introduction websites like "Meetup" or a world travel discussion forum to make connections with people in China.

2. 

   A language teaching exchange is a useful way to make friends overseas.

   Join a pen pal connection site like MyLanguageExchange.com to begin friendships with people in China who want to learn English.

3. 

   Meet a wide range of people on social networking sites.

   Search out people who live in China on your favorite social network like MySpace and Facebook. "Friend" them and begin a conversation.

4. Talk to language teachers or friends who may travel to China and ask for an introduction to some of their friends overseas.

5. 

   Make friends by sharing your interests.

   Focus on your other hobbies and then search online for people who share your interests in China. For example, if you like to take photos, search on Flickr for Chinese photo enthusiasts and contact them.

While in China

1. 

   Use a translation book or electronic translator to help you communicate.

   Use a translator device to make conversing with locals easier and more fluent. Be friendly towards shopkeepers you visit regularly.

2. 

   Learn simple words in Chinese to start.

   Study the language. Take a class to learn the Chinese language and learn more about the culture. This will help you blend in and impress Chinese friends with your efforts.

3. 

   Many hotels in China have bars where you can socialize.

   Stay at hotels where social evenings are planned. Look for hotels with a mix of Chinese and English speaking guests so you can meet new friends from near and far.

4. Find the Expatriate areas of China. Browse through Expatriate websites and blogs for the area of China you will reside in then begin to network. Start a discussion to make some friends before you go.

5. Volunteer through a ministry or other organization to teach English or other languages to locals. This will give you a chance to meet Chinese people and learn about their lifestyle.

6. 

   Hostels offer an inexpensive place to rest while traveling.

   Stay at hostels. You'll meet plenty of other travelers there as well as those who are trying to settle in China.

7. Visit a church. Attending church services regularly helps break the ice with other parishioners and provides a way to socialize in a safe environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Read through travel websites and travel reviews of the areas you'll be staying or traveling too. This will help you gauge the safety of the area as well as put you in touch with people who may be able to introduce you to people living there.

• Be alert and wary of some Chinese people who approach you on the street in China. They may be trying to sell you something or be assessing your valuables for robbery.

References

• Transitions Abroad: Expatriate Websites
• Interpals: International Penpals
• Amity Foundation: Building Relationships and Making Friends in China by Don Snow, June 1996
• Beijing Scene: Making Friends With Chinese People

Resources

• Expat Exchange: Living in China
• My Language Exchange: Chinese or Mandarin Pen Pals