China

At-a-Glance

Population (2025 est.): 1,416,096,094 (Worldometer mid-year est.).

Leader: Xi Jinping — in power since 2012 (CCP General Secretary; state president since 2013).

Ethnic groups: ~91.11% Han; ~8.89% minorities (Zhuang, Hui, Manchu, Uyghur, Tibetan, etc.).

Languages: Official: Standard Mandarin (Putonghua). Major varieties include Cantonese, Shanghainese, Min, Hakka. Minority languages include Tibetan, Uyghur, Zhuang, Mongolian, Korean.

Society & Culture

Chinese society blends tradition and modernity. Family influence remains strong. PDA is less common than in the West, though cities are more relaxed. Punctuality, neat dress, and courtesy matter. Safe topics: food, travel, culture. Avoid politics or sensitive history early on.

Dating & Relationships

Urban dating is app-driven:

• Tantan — Tinder-like swipe app, casual dates.
• Momo — Location-based, mixed quality.
• Soul — Personality-first, younger users.
• Jiayuan / Baihe — Marriage-oriented.
• WeChat — “People Nearby,” group chats, expat & nightlife groups.

Clubs in Beijing (Sanlitun), Shanghai (The Bund, Jing’an), Guangzhou (Party Pier), Shenzhen (Coco Park, Shekou) are popular meet-up zones. Some seek short-term fun, others serious ties—be transparent. Traditional pacing: meeting family = serious intent.

Where People Meet (Clubs/Bars)

Beijing: Sanlitun Bar Street; Lantern Club, Gongti Rd.; MEI Bar, Four Seasons.

Shanghai: Bar Rouge, Bund 18; Found 158, Julu Rd.

Guangzhou: Party Pier, Yuejiang West Rd.

Shenzhen: Coco Park, Futian; Sea World, Shekou.

What Locals & Expats Say

“Sanlitun is the place to go… lots of foreigners… girls often enter free.” — r/Beijing

“Shanghai club scene: table service, small dance floors, showy bottle culture.” — r/Shanghai

“Don’t just rely on clubs; meet via events, friends, talks.” — Chinese-Forums

Do’s & Don’ts

Do: Confirm adult consent; talk expectations; use protection; meet first in public; use WeChat for verification; respect hotel ID rules.

Don’t: Solicit/pay for sex (illegal); ignore consent laws; use drugs (severe penalties); pressure partners; assume English.

Legal note: Sex work is illegal; laws enforced with periodic crackdowns. Keep relationships consensual, adult, and private. Read legal details.

Travel Notes

China is generally safe, but laws are strict. Carry passport/visa. English limited outside major hubs. Transport is efficient; Didi app useful. Dress neatly; gift-giving is appreciated (avoid clocks, white flowers). Many Western apps are blocked—arrange communication in advance.