Local Activities for Foreigners in Beijing

Beijing's rapid transformation into a major international city means the Chinese capital now contains around 150,000 foreign citizens, 70,000 of whom are registered as long-term residents.

I'm from America…Brazil… we're from Germany…I'm from Panama…Austria…I'm from Slovenia, in Europe. Yeah!

For most foreigners, settling down in this new city can be intimidating, especially for those that don't speak Chinese. Most of people living here have little time to truly master the language, and that can create barriers with local people.

"Sometimes it's a bit difficult… I started learning Chinese when I first got here, but since I have to work and look after my son in the evenings, I just don't have enough time."

It is exactly for this reason that many organisations in Beijing are holding social gatherings for foreigners, to help them meet and interact with locals, and give them a taste of the city's 5000 years of history.

Wang Jian is an event organizer for the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. He's been working on building friendships between foreigners and locals in Beijing for decades now. His organization helps foreigners adjust to the local life style. One annually long-walk activity entitled "I have a home in Beijing" is one of his most successful events.

This year is Wang Jian's 9th straight year orgnising the Long walk. Speaking beside Kunming Lake in Beijing's Summer Palace Wang Jian explains more about his aims.

"Our main goal is to help our foreign friends feel at home here in Beijing, to exercise by taking long walks, and simply enjoy life here in the capital with local people. Those who took part in previous walks have been asking us about the next one because they love it. This year we have around 800 people participating. It's going to be another success, I'm sure."

The event is mainly targeted at foreign students and diplomats living in Beijing. Wang Jian says the coolness of Beijing's deep autumn weather and the view of the once Royal Garden will give them a taste of "traditional Beijing."

"It's a nice experience you know, to meet people, new people. It's a good opportunity to meet locals so we can practice our Chinese and learn more… Very much, China has a lot to offer, especially living here in Beijing with its culture, we really enjoy living here."

From China Drive, I'm Huang Rui.