Beijing has been my home for 25 years, having arrived in 2000 to begin the company that eventually became the Beijinger and our associated brand, Jingkids. This duration has allowed me to witness the evolution of the city's international community, which has transformed and redefined itself countless times. Some years felt vibrant, teeming with newcomers, fresh ideas, and new business ventures. In contrast, the last six years have been more subdued due to the pandemic and economic downturn. As Beijing transitioned into the thriving metropolis it is today, more areas became livable, and individuals who once naturally encountered each other in places like Sanlitun found themselves dispersed throughout the city. This has made me realize how much we crave a space where we can spontaneously meet again.
This thought has lingered in my mind for six years, originating during the pandemic when many of us were confined to our homes and felt the oddity of not seeing familiar faces. It became evident that community is not just enjoyable; it's essential.
For the past 15 years, we at the Beijinger have been dedicated to creating opportunities for people to connect. We've hosted major international school expos, food festivals, burger festivals, and more. While these events were enjoyable and successful, they also revealed something unexpected. People came to seek new schools for their children or taste the best tacos in the city, but they lingered to converse with someone they just met in line, to share insights about neighborhoods, to laugh about the unique aspects of life here. They chose to stay because it felt good to take a break from the usual rush.
At our festivals today, I frequently encounter young couples accompanied by their adorable toddlers. "Hey Mike — we met six years ago at your Burger Fest!" These moments bring me the most joy.
That brings us to Culturopolis. We aimed to create more than just another food festival or a narrowly focused school fair. We envisioned a space that you might have wished for upon your arrival in Beijing — or one that you're still hoping for.
To clarify, this event is not just for foreigners; it's for Beijing's international community, which also includes local Chinese.
I've never been fond of the terminology "expat" or "foreigner" — it creates a divide that doesn't reflect the Beijing I know.
Our audience has consistently included a significant number of local Chinese residents, and at our festivals, over half of the attendees are typically Chinese. When we reference the international community, we are talking about a broader and more accurate representation: not only foreigners but also internationally-minded Chinese residents, returnees, employees of multinational corporations, embassy personnel, families who have lived abroad, travelers, and anyone who feels at home in a global context.
They all contribute to the tapestry of Beijing's international community and are all part of Culturopolis.
Here's what we are creating: a community hub at Langyuan Station on January 31 and February 1.
You will discover trusted services, leading international schools, diverse global cuisine, handmade crafts, government resources, health and wellness options, and local sports groups.
However, the booths are merely a means to an end. The true focus is the connections and conversations that occur amidst them.
Whether you're a student in Haidian, an executive in Yizhuang, a family in Shunyi, or a diplomat in the CBD, we aim to make this the spot where the city feels a bit smaller and warmer.
This is our initial endeavor of this kind, and we would love to have you join us — either as an exhibitor or simply as a visitor. Our aspiration is to make this a yearly or even seasonal event: a dependable gathering space where individuals can reconnect, unearth something new, and foster a sense of belonging in Beijing.
Please consider this a heartfelt invitation. Join us. Let’s take one weekend to assemble in the same location and create the community we've all been longing for.
Culturopolis: The International Lifestyle Expo will be held at Langyuan Station's Central Station from January 31 to February 1. Admission to Culturopolis is free with advance registration before January 15, or RMB 20 thereafter. You can register now by scanning the QR code on the poster above.
Langyuan Station Central Station 朗园Station 中央车站53 Banjieta Lu, Chaoyang District朝阳区半截塔路53号
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Images: the Beijingers
The community will come together from January 31 to February 1, and we look forward to seeing you there.