Set Up Your WeChat
No matter how you feel about social media, as long as you’re living in China, you’re going to be using WeChat. Whether you’re paying for goods, booking tickets at the park, setting up a playdate, or reading the latest hot gossip, it’s happening on WeChat. So for those of you who are new to China and those who somehow managed to get by for any length of time here without an account, we present a helpful step-by-step guide to setting up a profile.
Note: This guide is based on the Chinese system, however, you can always switch your phone’s language and follow the English instructions.
1. First and foremost, all WeChat accounts must be registered using a cell phone number, so go ahead and pop that in. Then add your username, phone number, password, and select the country or region in which your phone number is based.
2. Next, do what people in the 21st century do best and blindly click on the box that says, “I’ve read and agree to the WeChat Software License and Service Protocol” without reading a single word of it. Then click “Register.”
3. Next, to prove you’re not a malicious robot, you get to fit the last piece into a puzzle.
4. Again, blindly agree to something you haven’t read, i.e. “I’ve read and agree to the WeChat Privacy Protection Guidelines.”
5. Next, you’ll be asked to send a super-secret code (in this case, zc96) to a not-so-secret number, and then it’s off to the races!
6. And by races, we mean you get to enjoy the wonderful world of WeChat because your registration is complete! Pro tip: If you want to change the platform’s language, click Me – Settings – General – Language.
Why join a WeChat group?
Especially if you’re just moving to Beijing, it might seem like joining the groups is something you can handle once you get here. But even if you’re one of the expats with a company relocation firm behind you, they’re not as helpful with finding that brand of cereal your kids really want as they are in other areas.
What I’ve learned from these groups is that there is no stupid question when it comes to living in a new place. As long as you’ve tried to find the information by searching the group archives or the internet beforehand, it’s a more direct line when you’re in a group with people who can just shoot you a name card for the exact person who can help. In this way, I’ve gotten bunk beds neatly separated, found my favorite brand of toothpaste, learned how to use Meituan and Dianping, and even found one of my first friends in Beijing when I asked about a good coffee shop where a parent can work during school days.
Beijing Parenting and Beyond
Truly one of the more useful groups on WeChat. Admins are long-term Beijing residents and you can find all you need from pet supplies to medical referrals to location pins.
How: Add WeChat ID Shareehebert and ask to join
Family Events Only Jingkids
Although many groups are a combination of events and advice, this group is run by our founder Mike Wester and sticks strictly to events that kids can attend. This way you don’t have to comb through event posters and decipher via Google Translate if that tea tasting requires a babysitter or you can take the kids.
How: Add WeChat ID mwinchina and ask to join
Beijing Dads Group
Don’t forget the Dads! Although all parents are welcome into most of these groups, it must be nice to have a spot where Dads can let loose. From what I hear, it’s a lot of memes but also some pretty good discussions and help when needed.
How: Add WeChat ID mwinchina and ask to join
WellWomen
“We believe that each of us can make small choices each day towards a better self and a better planet.” The WellWomen group is part low-key therapy, part encouragement to make a better life, and part health challenges with your new favorite girlfriends.
How: Add WeChat ID becstarnz and ask to join
Family Fun in Beijing
This group is another helpful resource for family-related questions in Beijing, or to share your own helpful advice for anyone looking to navigate the city.
How: Add WeChat ID Amelie_Dali0318 and ask to join
Bumps2Babes Beijing
This group is for parents and soon-to-be parents where you can ask questions without judgment on anything baby-related. This group also has smaller sub-groups broken down by the age of your children. Ask the admin to be added to those.
How: Add WeChat ID liviahoffman and ask to join
FamFriendlyEats Jingkids
When you’re a parent, your criteria for restaurant recommendations become a bit different than when you were single. This group is for parents who love to eat! While there are plenty of great restaurants in Beijing, not all of them are suitable for children. In this group, you can ask other foodie parents for recommendations and share your experiences on great family friendly finds.
How: Add WeChat ID Wilhelmina87 and ask to join
This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 May issue
