Having started as a messaging platform, WeChat has grown into a truly ubiquitous app in China, with over 900 million active users, including many in the expat community, thanks to its all-encompassing functions. The addition of public accounts, featuring updates on different subjects, makes it more than just a chatting platform, but also a great source of useful information.
Below is our roundup of public WeChat accounts recommended by our parent friends, on subjects ranging from health advice, to nutrition information, to details of family-friendly events happening in the capital.
Chinese language accounts
欧茜医生 (ID: drouxi)
This public account is run by Ou Qian, a professional doctor and dedicated mother. The posts give concise, to-the-point insights on common health concerns parents have about their loved little ones, as well as related advice.
童书出版妈妈三川玲 (ID: tongshuchubanmama)
This account has frequent updates on parenting issues with a strong focus on children’s books, giving recommendations of newly released or popular books with illustrated reviews. Her forward-thinking ideas about parenting have also won her many followers who share the same values.
English or bilingual accounts
Anyhelper (ID: anyhelper)
Anyhelper is geared toward helping expats new to China adapt to life here, and provides online consulting services ranging from Chinese learning, translation, and restaurant recommendations, to all kinds of communication issues. The WeChat account has volunteer workers online from 9am to 9pm daily to respond to messages.
Baopals (ID: baopals)
Yes, Baopals has a WeChat account! If you’re ever at a loss as to how to buy western-style stuff in China for you and for your family, Baopals is probably worth a look, because they help you find what you want in the Aladdin’s cave of online shopping site Taobao.
国际母乳会 (ID: LaLecheLeague_China)
This account is particularly useful for new moms, since the posts are heavily focused on useful tips for breastfeeding, shared by other moms.
MakeinChina (ID: gh_ba9e3c5245f3)
MakeinChina is an account that provides information about artists and artisans in Beijing, as well as up-to-date information about craft workshops catering to both little ones and adults.
Any others we’re missing out on this roundup? Please feel free to share with us via comments or email!
Photo: courtesy of Technode
