Find Your Tribe in These 5 Lesser-Known Beijing Hobby Groups

As a city of over 24 million, and China's cultural and political center Beijing may be many things, but it is never boring. There’s always some interesting event or absorbing hobby to help make life more enjoyable and chances are, there are plenty you have never considered before. Here are 5 lesser-known groups in Beijing that have been gaining momentum recently:

Super Smash Brothers

Who hasn’t heard of the incredible Nintendo game Super Smash Brothers? Whether you’re new to competitive gaming or have fond memories of playing it when you were a kid, you’re always welcome to come along to this group’s weekly Thursday and biweekly Sunday events. Members can be found crowding around the TVs and consoles at bars like The Great Outdoors, The Local, or Geek Hall. A few times a year these Beijingers also invite people from similar groups in other Chinese cities to compete in the huge competition known as “Smash Dynasty.” 

WeChat ID: 北京SmashBros
 

Yu-Gi-Oh

Another awesome game with roots in Japan, Yu-Gi-Oh is one of the largest trading card games in the world and a local group has been working hard recently to make its presence felt in Beijing. Whether you have your own deck or would like to rent a deck for the evening, this collection of guys and gals meet every Friday and Monday at Beijing Drum Tower Youth Hostel.

WeChat ID: CFelder
 

Beijing Foodie Club

It’s easy to meet people from all over the world in Beijing. With such diversity. there also comes the opportunity to try cuisine from countless cultures. The aim of this club is to provide Beijingers with an outlet to experience different restaurants with varying styles of food.

WeChat ID: BeijingFoodieClub
 

Beijing Rock Climbing Club            

On the app Meetup, this group’s tagline reads “it’s a little-known fact that Beijing has a lot to offer the climbing enthusiast from mid-week nights at the gym to weekend trips into the mountains.” Sound like your cup of tea? Check the club out at beijingclimbingclub.com.
 

Toastmasters Club

Interested in improving your communication or leadership skills? Wanting to become better at public speaking? Whether you are looking to boost your prospects at work or simply to become more confident, these guys can help.

WeChat ID: SupernovasTMC

Rather get outside for a hike? Try out these Beijing hiking clubs.

Pictures: Max Pixel, polygon.com, encinitastoastmasters.org, goop.com, dailydot.com