New to Beijing (or Just Want to Expand Your Horizons)? Here Are Some WeChat Groups to Join

Welcome to Beijing! You’re going to love living here!

Moving to a brand new city (or country for some of you) can be a daunting experience. But, there are plenty of people with similar backgrounds and who share common interests as you. You’ve just got to find them.

To get you started, here are the must-join WeChat groups for all you Beijing newbies.

For the foodies:

Food X

Food X is great for group discussions about food. Members share photos, location pins, and their experiences from cool restaurants in Beijing. The rules are pretty straightforward. If you’re there, you’re probably a foodie. Just don’t be creepy, spam the group, or trash talk restaurants without approaching the owner first. There are hundreds of people in the group, so chances are the restaurant owner is among them.

To join: Add PROMETHEUS2828 on WeChat

Foodies in Beijing

Run by Beijing’s own Foodie Queen Ana Lourenco, this is another group for food lovers. The rules are that you need to stay on topic and be respectful of others and their opinions in the group. Constructive criticisms are allowed, but don’t be rude and definitely don’t spam the group.

To join: Add ana_linanxin on WeChat.

FamFriendlyEats

This one is specifically for foodie parents. As we know, not all family-friendly restaurants are suitable for kids of every age so this group is where you can ask for recommendations based on your unique family make-up. Like with other WeChat groups, the rules are simple – be respectful of others’ opinions and don’t spam the group.

To join: Add Wilhelmina87 on WeChat.

Sweet Cravings

There are multiple Sweet Cravings groups by now. Camilla started it as a way for local bakers to share their goods with Beijing’s dessert-loving community. There are daily posts of cakes, cookies, brownies, baklava, and basically anything your sweet tooth is craving. What makes this group different than a visit to your local bakery is that you’re able to ask questions, and find less common desserts that might be come to come by like chiffon pandan cakes!

To join: Add Camkon on WeChat.

For the parents

Beijing Parenting and Beyond

Truly one of the more useful groups on WeChat. Admins are long-term Beijing residents and you can find all you need from pet supplies to medical referrals to location pins.

How: Add WeChat ID Shareehebert and ask to join BP&B

Family Events Only Jingkids

Although many groups are a combination of events and advice, this group is run by our founder Mike Wester and sticks strictly to events that kids can attend. This way you don’t have to comb through event posters and decipher via Google Translate if that tea tasting requires a babysitter or you can take the kids.

How: WeChat mwinchina and ask to join the Events group

Beijing Dads Group

Don’t forget the Dads! Although all parents are welcome into most of these groups, it must be nice to have a spot where Dads can let loose. From what I hear, it’s a lot of memes but also quite good discussions and help when needed.

How: WeChat mwinchina and ask to join the Dads group

There's more to this story! This article was originally published on our sister site, Jingkids International.

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READ: Find Your Beijing Tribe With These WeChat Groups

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