How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Xiangyang, Shaanxi, China

1. Xiangyang Foreign Language School

Join language classes to meet locals and expats who share your interest in learning or improving Mandarin.

Language Learning Opportunity: Learn the local dialect, Hanyang dialect, along with Mandarin.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Chinese culture and customs through classroom activities.
Social Networking: Make friends that can guide you around Xiangyang.

Visit the university to meet students from various backgrounds and make connections.

Student Exchange: Meet international students who can introduce you to their culture.
Campus Activities: Participate in university events and activities.
Cultural Understanding: Discover China's rich educational history.

Join a sports club to engage with locals who share your interests.

Visit the museum to appreciate local arts and engage with artists.

Art Appreciation: Understand the history and significance of Xiangyang's folk arts.
Local Engagement: Meet local artists and artisans who can share their craft.
Cultural Preservation: Support the preservation of Xiangyang's unique cultural heritage.

Explore the night market for local food and shopping, and connect with vendors and other visitors.

Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Xiangyang street food.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about local customs and traditions through market activities.
Shopping Experience: Purchase unique, locally made souvenirs.

Go on a biking tour to explore the city and meet fellow cyclists.

Physical Activity: Stay active while sightseeing.
Local Guides: Be guided by local cyclists who can share their city's history and secrets.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Xiangyang's rich history and natural beauty.

Join a volunteer program to give back to the community while connecting with locals.

Community Service: Help make a positive impact on Xiangyang.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about local traditions and customs through your service.
Networking Opportunity: Meet like-minded individuals who share your values.

Learn to cook local dishes and meet locals who share your interest in food.

Visit a karaoke bar to bond with locals over music.

Relax in a tea house to chat with locals and enjoy traditional Chinese teas.

Leisure Time Activity: Take a break from sightseeing and relax.
Cultural Experience: Learn about the art of tea brewing and appreciation.
Socializing Opportunity: Make friends while enjoying a traditional Chinese experience.

Spend time in a park to meet locals who are also enjoying the outdoors.

Nature Appreciation: Enjoy the beauty of Xiangyang's parks and green spaces.
Socializing Opportunity: Make friends with fellow park goers.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about local traditions and customs through park activities.

Join a dance studio to learn traditional Chinese dances and make friends.

Physical Activity: Stay active while learning a new skill.
Cultural Understanding: Discover the history and significance of traditional Chinese dances.
Socializing Opportunity: Make friends with fellow dance enthusiasts.

Join a book club to discuss literature and connect with locals who share your interest.

Intellectual Stimulation: Engage in thought-provoking discussions about literature.
Cultural Understanding: Discover Chinese authors and perspectives.
Socializing Opportunity: Make friends with fellow book lovers.

Learn to play traditional Chinese instruments and meet local musicians.

Musical Skills Development: Master the art of playing traditional Chinese instruments.
Cultural Understanding: Discover the history and significance of traditional Chinese music.
Socializing Opportunity: Make friends with fellow musicians.

Watch street performances to appreciate local talent and connect with performers.