Who needs more WeChat groups in their life? Don't respond to that – we already know you do!
Sure, you might not actually require so many groups, but what you truly need are well-managed groups with a specific theme. By engaging in niche groups and leaving behind the vaguely defined ones, you'll avoid the hassle of sifting through countless irrelevant messages daily.
At the Beijinger, we can attest to the groups listed below – as we personally moderate them to keep them free from spam and clutter. Our groups are entirely free to join, unlike those strange “TubeMedia” accounts, because our goal is to serve the community, not to commercialize it.
Before we proceed, let's review some ground rules:
WeChat Group Etiquette
Mute the Group: It’s advisable to mute notifications for groups larger than around twelve members; otherwise, you'll be bombarded with notifications.
Read the Group Rules First: Before posting what you *think* is pertinent, familiarize yourself with the rules. It's simply a matter of courtesy.
Engage, Don’t Overwhelm: While lurkers who find value in the group but have nothing to contribute are welcome, avoid being the person who re-posts something that’s already been discussed multiple times.
Be Mindful of Group Size: In a large group, most members are silent but appreciate the content. Lengthy exchanges between two users can be unproductive for others seeking valuable information.
Avoid Spamming: There’s always someone who joins every group and spams unrelated ads. Hence our straightforward rule: spam in one group, and you'll be banned from all.
No Repeat Posting: Don’t repeatedly post the same event; nobody wants to see the same thing constantly.
Avoid Voice Messages: Just don’t. Ever. Period.
How to Join:
All these groups currently have over 200 members, meaning you cannot join by scanning a QR code (those are the rules, not ours). Instead, you need to add me, TBJButler (WeChat ID: TBJButler), and request membership.
Follow these instructions:
1. Add me with a message specifying which groups (up to 3) you wish to join and your reasons.
Requests to join more than three groups will be disregarded, so choose wisely. You can ask to join more later!
Introducing our newest group:
Art Attack: Stay updated on all artistic events in Beijing, from exhibitions to craft workshops and more. Scan the QR code below to join (if the group is full, follow the previous instructions to add TBJButler and request to be added).
Foodie Groups:
Beijing Bars & Booze: Discuss cocktails, bar hopping, new openings, and nightlife.
The Beijinger Foodies Group: General foodie chats not tied to specific cuisines.
Taco Lovers: Dedicated to fans of tacos.
Beijing Expat Promos: Food and drink promotions targeted at foreigners in Beijing.
Beijing Craft Beer Lovers: For enthusiasts of local brews (and craft beers available here).
Beijing Spicy Food Lovers: Restaurant suggestions, recipes, and more for spice enthusiasts.
Beijing Burger Lovers: Focused solely on burgers.
Beijing Pizza Lovers: All about pizza in the capital.
Sausage Lovers: Everything related to sausage and hot dogs in Beijing.
Cheap Eats in Beijing: Recommendations for meals that cost under RMB 50 per person.
New Restaurants in Beijing: Insights and reviews on places that opened in the past few months.
Beijing Caffeine Addicts: For coffee lovers in Beijing.
Family Groups:
Third Culture Kid Parenting: For parents raising children in a culture different from their own.
Jingkids Parenting in Beijing: A general forum for parents in Beijing.
Beijing Family Friendly Eats: Tips for kid-friendly dining.
Beijing Dads Group: A space for Beijing fathers (and their various concerns).
Kid & Family Events in Beijing: Events that cater exclusively to families.
Assorted Other Groups:
New Englanders in Beijing: Bostonians, Massholes, New Englanders, Mainers, New Hampshirites, and even a few from CT living east of Hartford. Whether you’re a native, adopted, or reminiscing about your college days there, you’re welcome.
Expat Investment: Insights into investing as an expat.
The Beijinger Book Group: A Beijing-focused book club for avid readers.
Best of Beijing in Photos: A space for photographers to showcase their images of Beijing.
Lifelong Learning in Beijing: A general group for adult education and learning opportunities in Beijing.
Mandarin Learners: For those looking to improve their language skills, from beginners to advanced learners.
WeChat Tips & Tricks: All about the features of the app that dominates our lives.
Just Jokes: Light-hearted content for stress relief!
Only Stickers: Exclusively WeChat stickers. Nothing else.
Peking Pups & Other Pets: A group for pet owners to share resources and cute pet photos.
Sanlitun
Looking to join more WeChat groups? Here’s a list of some beneficial ones.