WeChat groups are a vital resource for Beijing’s international community, not only providing information, but bringing together people with shared interests. Each week we’ll be highlighting a thriving group chat, so whether you’re new to town or just looking to expand your networks, you can find your people.
The pace of life in the Jing can be frantic, so it’s no surprise that so many in the international community turn to yoga and meditation, to find balance, calm, and well-being. One of them is Lisa Qin, who came to China to work for UNICEF, and has been in Beijing for four years. We talked to her to find out more about her group, Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Beijing.
Tell us about yourself, and how you came to be admin of this group.
I’m passionate about community-building and cross-cultural communication from growing up ethnically Chinese in Australia. I’ve always loved technology and coded websites as a kid, made friends through online blogging, and have been doing yoga since I was a teenager. So starting the group seemed like a natural intersection of all these interests.
My goal was to create a place where we could “keep it real” and have community for our whole selves, to support our practices with values of respect, empathy, and compassion. The group is also a place to connect with others who are seeking growth and holistic health living in Beijing, as well as find out about events and opportunities you may not otherwise hear about amongst the plethora of activities here.
Who’s in the group and what do you talk about?
The group reflects the diversity of people living in Beijing, from locals, expats, teachers and students of yoga, tai chi, movement, dance, therapists, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, and others who are interested in holistic well-being practices.
We discuss all things related to wellness, relaxation and healing, which includes yoga and meditation, and share events on Sundays. We’ve expanded to groups in Shanghai and Shenzhen too.
Given that wellness is such a huge industry now, and yoga is increasingly commercialized and packaged only as exercise when it is so much more, we also have some forthright and critical discussions about these trends taking place.
Do you meet in real life?
We have occasional official offline group meetings, and people have met up through the other events shared in the group.
To join, add the group manager Tang Zhe by searching for his ID tandio, or scan the QR code below. Community is important to the group, so please ensure you read the guidelines and introduce yourself on joining.
Photos: courtesy of Lisa Qin
