InterNations — A Community for American Expats in Beijing

Hello to all Americans in Beijing! Are you interested in getting to know fellow expats in Beijing? Looking for advice from other Americans, e.g. wondering if there are any bars in Beijing which will be showing your favorite baseball or American football team’s upcoming match or where to go in town for stuffed turkey?

Although Beijing has lots to offer, you might be wondering where and how you can meet other Americans in the city. Luckily, InterNations is here to make this easier for you! You’re warmly invited to join the InterNations community. Within our international network in Beijing, there’s a vibrant circle of American expats from all regions of USA, including New York City, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Ole Jacobsen

Ole Jacobsen

Beijing has so much to offer for expats. InterNations helped me explore the international community and many close friends.

Farrah Thompson

Farrah Thompson

At one of the InterNations events here in Beijing I eventually met my French boyfriend, who is an expat just like me.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Why you'll love InterNations in Beijing

26,538
members in Beijing
3,529
American members
8
monthly events
2,549
interest-based groups

and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!

Why Americans move abroad … (and do they like it?)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

What our American members had to say about living in Beijing

We also get a lot of written feedback from the thousands of survey-participants each year. Let's see some of the most common positive quotes.

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What stands out positively about Beijing is that there are still plenty of opportunities in what continues to be a dynamic market. That’s part of what brought me here in the first place and still exists today. However, other aspects of daily life can be challenging — it’s a rat race in the purest sense and can be a stressful living environment. — US American expat in Beijing
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For me, one of the highlights of living in Beijing is its interesting in chinese history, culture and philosophy. — US American expat in Beijing
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What makes life in Beijing enjoyable for me is the convenience, the sense of safety, and the friendliness of the people. — US American expat in Beijing
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For me, one of the highlights of living in Beijing is learning about the culture and comparing it to what I experienced in the US. I find that people are skilled at adapting to economic adversity. I also really appreciate the convenience of public transportation and feel that Beijing is a very safe city. — US American expat in Beijing
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One thing I really appreciate about living in Beijing is the bicycle culture and the food. — US American expat in Beijing
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Now, lets see what Americans dislike about life in Beijing

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One thing I do not like about Beijing is internet censorship, which would be the most likely reason for me to leave. I love reading and researching, and it can be difficult when so many English-language publications are blocked. I also find ageism challenging, and while animal rights awareness is improving, I feel it still has a long way to go. — US American expat in Beijing
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What makes life in Beijing harder for me are some of the cultural differences and the lack of mental healthcare available in English. — US American expat in Beijing
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Personally, I dislike that international schools in Beijing are prohibitively expensive for us, so we have chosen to homeschool our daughter instead. — US American expat in Beijing
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What frustrates me about Beijing is the racism, rudeness, and unfriendliness I have experienced as a person of color. I’ve had people laugh, point, and openly talk about me, and I often feel that people can be unreceptive towards those who are not white. — US American expat in Beijing
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What I dislike about Beijing is the racism I’ve experienced because of my dark skin. I’ve had people move away from me on the subway, hold their noses or purses around me, and point and laugh at me. I’ve also encountered negative comments about Black people in articles and on WeChat. — US American expat in Beijing
Opinion

Connect at Our Events in Beijing

Attend our monthly events and join various interest-based groups to get to know like-minded expats and fellow Americans in Beijing. From sailing to spirituality, there is sure to be something for everyone! In most communities, there are also monthly Newcomers’ Events especially for those who have recently joined the American community in Beijing. Take this chance to mingle and meet other expats and global minds in Beijing.

InterNations Beijing Exclusive Night at GOAT  Lounge
YOU’RE INVITED! InterNations Beijing Presents: An Exclusive Night at GOAT Lounge Beijing’s hottest new Lounge destination is opening its doors for us! Join us on Friday, August 21st for an unforgettable evening of networking and great vibes at GOAT Lounge – the latest addition to Beijing’s top re
YOU’RE INVITED! InterNations Beijing Presents: An Exclusive Night at GOAT Lounge Beijing’s hottest new Lounge destination is opening its doors for us! Join us on Friday, August 21st for an unforgettable evening of networking and great vibes at GOAT Lounge – the latest addition to Beijing’s top re
InterNations Beijing Night Out at George’s Bar
InterNations Beijing Night Out at George’s Bar
Dear InterNations Members, You are cordially invited to an evening that beautifully blends business with pleasure. Join us at George’s Bar, inside the prestigious Eclat Hotel – ranked among the top 40 luxury hotels worldwide. This isn't just a networking event; it's an experience. The venue feels
Dear InterNations Members, You are cordially invited to an evening that beautifully blends business with pleasure. Join us at George’s Bar, inside the prestigious Eclat Hotel – ranked among the top 40 luxury hotels worldwide. This isn't just a networking event; it's an experience. The venue feels
InterNations Beijing Skyline Social
InterNations Beijing Skyline Social
You're Invited – An Exclusive InterNations Networking Night at TJ Restaurant &Bar! Dear InterNations Members, You are cordially invited to an unforgettable evening of connections, conversations, and city lights at Beijing’s most iconic revolving venue – TJ Bar on the 29th floor of the Kunlun Hote
You're Invited – An Exclusive InterNations Networking Night at TJ Restaurant &Bar! Dear InterNations Members, You are cordially invited to an unforgettable evening of connections, conversations, and city lights at Beijing’s most iconic revolving venue – TJ Bar on the 29th floor of the Kunlun Hote
InterNations Beijing @ Ophir- Chill & Connect
InterNations Beijing @ Ophir- Chill & Connect
Dear InterNations members, Summer is sizzling, and we’re turning up the cool! 🌞 Join us for an exclusive InterNations Networking Evening at the stunning Ophir Venue, where breathtaking views over the CBD meet the perfect vibe for meaningful connections. This isn’t just another networking event—it
Dear InterNations members, Summer is sizzling, and we’re turning up the cool! 🌞 Join us for an exclusive InterNations Networking Evening at the stunning Ophir Venue, where breathtaking views over the CBD meet the perfect vibe for meaningful connections. This isn’t just another networking event—it

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Find People Who Share Your Passions

Do you want to continue pursuing your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? You can do that easily in our InterNations Groups, which offer activities based on a wide range of interests. Groups are hosted by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month. They organize everything from dinners to sightseeing to board game nights. For example, you can enjoy nature with the Outdoors Group, share your love of music with the Jazz Group, or go on an adventure with the Boat Trips Group. There’s something for everyone!

Beijing Community Group
Beijing Community Group

Enjoy the International Experience with InterNations

  • Browse our network of members to get to know American expats in Beijing and connect with others.
  • Take part in our expat forums to get firsthand tips and information from fellow Americans in Beijing.
  • Meet other American expats and global minds at 600 monthly official events and share your interests at more than 4,600 monthly activities in Beijing and across the globe.

InterNations provides an easy, casual way to get to know expats from the USA and further afield in your local community. Sound good? Then let us welcome you into our Beijing Community today!

Mix and Mingle with Americans in Beijing at Our Events

Our Beijing community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Beijing’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow American expats to discover the snowy mountains of the Tibetan provinces. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from the United States of America in your local community and meet Americans in China in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Americans living in Beijing!