Welcome to Beijing, Newbie! You’re going to love your new life in this wonderful city. You’re already reading jingkids, so you’re off to a good start. It’s time to start building your own social network and meet some amazing people who also call this city home. Beijing’s International Newcomer’s Network (INN) is a great place to start. It’s where you can get to know some local businesses and meet people who’ve dedicated their free time to welcoming newbies, just like yourselves, to Beijing.

INN is a non-registered, non-profit, non-political, non-governmental, non-denominational organization established in 1994 by a group of expatriates living in Beijing, and contrary to its name, it’s not just for newcomers! INN is a resource for newcomers, returnees and long-term residents of all nationalities to obtain information about living in Beijing. It offers a support network for those facing the challenges of getting settled in Beijing and provides an opportunity to meet new friends and connect with those who have similar interests. It also supports approved charity organizations, approved social groups, and non-profit sports clubs and groups.

Now, let’s meet the two ladies leading INN.

Hi, everyone! I’m Rebecca Carter. I am a mum of two boys (and two corgis) who has lived in Beijing since October 2023. I found INN in November 2023 as two of its final three members left Beijing – Mary was desperate for help. I was new in the city, had no job, and knew no one, so I offered to volunteer and have been since. I love volunteering for INN as it has helped me connect with so many fantastic people.

Hello! I am Mary Peng and I am from the USA. I moved to Shanghai in 1991 and then to Beijing in 1992. I joined INN in 2004 as a volunteer when I was considering leaving the corporate world and wanted to meet more people in the community. In 2005, I founded the International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) and am the CEO. INN helped me make the transition to a new life as an entrepreneur with many friends who were loving and supportive. INN has given me a tremendous sense of purpose and has deeply enriched my life.

What kind of events or services does INN offer to newcomers in Beijing?

INN holds many monthly social gatherings, and we invite all members of the community to come along and join us.

Which of these look fun to you? Get in touch with us, we want to meet you!

• Social Gatherings
• Lunch/Bunch
• Trekkies & Market Visits
• Beer Night
• Quiz Night
• Coffee Mornings (1-2 times every month)

INN also hosts five BIG events each year:

• Beijing Love Your Pet Day – late March
• Beijing Earth Day – mid to late April
• INN Arrival Survival (welcomes newcomers and returnees and this year will be on Aug 16, 2025)
• INN Halloween Fun Party – end of October
• INN Christmas Party – mid-December

How large is your community, and what kinds of expats typically join?

We have a loose network of over 1,000 INN members who subscribe to our WeChat groups and social media. People from all walks of life, backgrounds and nationalities join INN. Many of the expats are working full time and have spouses or significant others and kids. Ages range from newborn babies to 60+ years. Attendees are usually women, though we really hope more men will join us as well. Many single individuals also join INN events. As expats, it is so important to have Chinese friends. INN provides opportunities for these global friendships.

How can new arrivals get involved with your network?

Contact INN on WeChat and join our groups (WeChat ID: innbeijing1994). We have specific groups for our events: Newbies, Shunyi, Haidian etc. Join and come to an INN meet-up or big event!

In your opinion, as seasoned INN volunteers…

What are the biggest challenges expats face when moving to Beijing, and how does INN help?

Rebecca:

As I moved to Beijing recently, my biggest challenge was meeting people and getting a community, especially for my son. I also think [it’s a challenge] knowing where to buy things/access services, such as which hairdressers, drinking water, western food/good quality meat or bread, or desserts, clothes, and the list goes on. I’ve been here 21 months, and I’m still finding things.

For newcomers who are new to China, it’s probably that a lot of apps are only in Chinese, so getting advice and tips from other expats is very helpful.

Mary:

The initial honeymoon period for new expats is usually three to six months. Everything is great and interesting and exciting. But once you get settled and the kids are in school and your spouse is at work, you can find yourself alone and without a lot of friends. This is when life becomes more challenging as you have to figure out the day-to-day aspects of living in China (e.g. buying electricity, paying water and gas bills, dealing with the bank, mailing packages, shopping online with mainly Chinese apps etc.) and you are often doing this on your own. This is also the time when culture shock sets in, and you may not understand why things are happening and how to work out these challenges. INN is filled with seasoned expats and newbies who can share knowledge and advice and experiences to meet these challenges.

What advice would you give to someone who just arrived in Beijing to adjust to life here?

Rebecca:

1) Accept that TIC (This is China) is an acceptable response
2) Learn basic Chinese
3) Practice using the Chinese apps and learn which buttons you need to press to fulfil your basic needs. You don’t need to be able to read; you just need to know that the button on the bottom left is “buy”
4) Join INN events, obviously

Mary:

Just show up! Come to the INN events that fit your schedule. The antidote to loneliness and culture shock (and to saying goodbye to your friends as they leave every year) is to get involved and to just show up at events! INN welcomes everyone, and most of our events are no-cost or very low-cost (e.g. just buy your own food and drink at Coffee Mornings and other events).

Are there any common cultural misunderstandings expats should be aware of?

Many! For example, when Chinese people make a mistake or find themselves in an embarrassing situation, the default response is to laugh. But foreigners may take this as rude to laugh in a difficult situation. And it is very common to have Chinese friends or colleagues make comments about physical appearance or body weight. No disrespect is meant by this, as it is often someone just engaging in small talk.

What’s the most rewarding part of being in INN?

Rebecca:

All the friends I’ve made. I met Mary and we’ve become best friends. She even came to my son’s birth and stayed with me in the hospital overnight to help.

Mary:

The incredible group of good friends from around the world. I met Rebecca in October 2023, when our last two other INN volunteers were leaving China. I was the only INN volunteer left. Rebecca was a godsend. She has become my best friend and has also given me the gift of an extended family with her boys and husband, Dan. INN friendships have lasted decades, and the pleasure of keeping in touch with all the friends I have made, following their lives and seeing them again when we find ourselves in the same country, is one of the greatest joys in life.

Do you have a favorite success story of someone your organization has helped?

Rebecca:

A recent one where a mum was complaining about how difficult it was to use Didi taxi, and we asked her why she didn’t just use the English version. Her face was an absolute picture. She’d been struggling for months and would have been for longer. We helped her set it up, and she was so grateful.

Mary :

Yes! INN members are often career guys and gals who came to China as trailing spouses. We had a doctor from Europe who was told she could not work here due to not having the local medical licenses. Through our network of INN friends at the international hospitals, she was able to find a wonderful hospital to sponsor her to work legally in Beijing, and she was hired locally! She was so happy to be able to practice medicine in Beijing.

The next INN event will be at Panorama on Aug 5 at 11am. Get in touch via WeChat to join. Are you INN?

INN has also set a date for their upcoming “Arrival Survival”!  This is a great place to meet new people and make new friends. Connect with more than 30 organizations, including hospitals, dentists, spas, hair care,  beauty salons, jewelry designers, travel agents, language schools, relocation experts, animal hospitals, organic farms, yoga studios, bakeries and more!

Entry Fee:
Early Bird (before Aug 8): RMB 25/person
After Aug 8: RMB 50/person
Kids under 12 are FREE!

RSVP to INN on WeChat by Aug 8: Innbeijing1994

Date: Sat, Aug 16, 2025
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: Beijing Guoyihui TCM Center
Tel. for directions: 13488870059

Find it:
Beijing Guoyihui TCM Center
16 Liangma He Nanlu, Chaoyang District
北京国医汇中医
朝阳区亮马河南路16号

Images: Rebecca Carter

Looking for engaging, informative, and fun videos for families in Beijing? Did you know that jingkids International also has a thriving WeChat Channel where you can find everything from local events and kid-friendly activities to dining recommendations and community news?

Check out our latest videos and be sure to follow the account.

Simply scan the QR code below to follow our channel and never miss an update.

Images: Freepik, jingkids

Even though it has been said ad nauseam it bears repeating; we all had a rough 2020! It is hard to believe that we are now less than two weeks away from a new year, with all the hopes and terrors contained therein. Looking back, however, it is important to note the important lessons and takeaways from this year. I personally was shocked to learn just how little I knew about the people behind all my favorite Beijing eateries and haunts. But as the COVID-19 shutdown drew on, causing quite a few of these places to shut down temporarily if not permanently, word began to spread about all of the international families struggling to keep their respective businesses afloat. That is how the “Happy Home, Happy Business” series was born – as a way to introduce Beijing families to those among them responsible for the places we hold so near and dear to our hearts.

As part of our new Gratitude series, we have decided to look back on some of these interviews, and include words of hope and encouragement from these business owners and expat families, that kept us all going through the worst of the global pandemic. 

Putting Quarantine Woes Into Perspective with Dave Hansen of Dave Studios 

Dave Hansen and his adorable sons having a blast! And let’s not forget the cute kitty!

“As I see the global news, and the COVID-19 virus spread, I can’t help but feel I’m lucky to be living in probably the safest city in the world right now with my family. It sucks having to be under quarantine, but let’s all try to look at the bright side by enjoying the time with our families.”

The Art of Starting Anew With Fredric Lampron, Owner of Little Scholars Preschool  

The Lampron family fussing over their newborn baby born right before the COVID-19 crisis at its epicenter in Wuhan, China

“To business owners I’d say, do your best to hold on through the crisis. Little Scholars has gone through two other financial/logistic crises during its nine years of existence, each one was more serious than the current one. If the worst happens and the business fails, learn from it, and try again. If you make it through the storm, learn from it, and be better prepared next time.”

What Doesn’t Kill Us…..With  Benjamin Devos, owner of Comtpoirs De France 

The Devos family at one of their stores in Beijing

“I am certain that this challenge will make all of us stronger. Stronger in our family ties, stronger in our relationships with our friends and with our community. Now that things are much more controlled, don’t wait and stay at home, go outside and enjoy. We only live once!”

A Quote From Bruce Lee Goes a Long Way with Chris Carline, owner and General Manager of UpperCut Boxing and Muay Thai Gym 

The Carline family are the portrait of family bliss

“I’m optimistic things will work out, but the reality is there’s a lot of uncertainty now. I find it’s best to take it one day at a time and not spend too much time worrying over imaginary future scenarios. It takes so much time, and then you have to re-do them all again the next day as things change!

I like the following quote by Bruce Lee, a master of martial arts who was inspired by Taoism:

‘The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature take its course, and your tools will strike at the right moment’.”

Who encouraged you through the pandemic? Share their inspiration below!

KEEP READING: Can COVID-19 Stop the Christmas Magic?

Photos: courtesy of families

If you’re like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with WeChat groups. It is a shock to anyone moving to China to realize just how pervasive and unavoidable they are. There are groups for work, going from friends to departments to the entire company, and the groups that pop up for certain projects. There are groups for friends, special interesting, sports, organizing events, buying and selling, tracking local news, for different language groups, for flash sales… the list goes and on. Just the other day, our housing agent let us know that in most building complexes, there is not only a WeChat group for the compound, but one for each building, and at times, one for each floor if there are enough houses. It can be exhausting to keep track of them, and for that, we tend to mute most of them.

But we would be lying if we said WeChat groups weren’t also a lifeline. Just within the last few months, certain groups saw us through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, providing up to date statistics, announcements from the government or even just quick status updates from group members to let everyone know what the situation was like in their corners of the city, and how they were coping.

To put it simply, now more than ever, Wechat groups are essential. With fears of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, navigating the Beijing landscape will heavily rely on your group network and what information it can provide for you. If you don’t know where to start, here are some groups you might need or might just be interested in joining.

Groups for breaking news and safety

Safe and Sane Beijing
Started and curated by True Run Media’s own General Manager, Mike Wester, Safe and Sane quickly became the go-to group for most Beijing expats as they tried to find accurate information about the pandemic. It has since grown from one to numerous groups, still providing relevant information, from the closing of schools to the latest information about new infection cases and safety precautions being implemented by the government. As far as groups go, this is an essential one to have.

Request to join via WeChat ID: mwinchina

Beijing Parenting and Beyond
To survive as a parent in Beijing, you need to continually be kept in the loop of all that’s happening, and it might affect your child. The last couple of months have been a reminder of that, with schools and the ministry of education releasing a torrent of information in short periods. This is a great group to keep you up to speed on the latest in the world of schools and parenting in Beijing. You can compare notes with other Beijing parents and exchange tips on how best to get through this period.

Request to join via WeChat ID: becstarnz

Beijing Expat Network
Started by a Beijing mom and dental professional, Beijing Expat Network has grown to see a large number of new and seasoned expats join. During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, it served as an essential source of information, where members shared and forwarded news updates from other platforms. It is also a great source of essential contacts, from the best place to get your nails done to info about who makes the best pizza around the city. It’s a fun and diverse bunch mix of foreigners and locals alike, which is well worth having on your list.

Request to join via WeChat ID: jnjmama

Groups for moving and living

Moving Sale and Buy 北京
There is absolutely no reason why you should panic if you’re planning a hasty retreat from Beijing. This group allows you an opportunity to ‘offload’ some of the things you have no use for any longer. And if you’re a deal hunter like me, and sick of Taobao, it might be a great place to score some excellent deals. I recently got a practically new exercise bike for next to nothing.

Request to join via WeChat ID: chxwzgg

Wellhome| Decluttering
A consequence of living is that you accumulate baggage. Be it in the form of old baby clothes and toys, clothes that used to fit pre-baby or paraphernalia you bought under the misguided notion of cultivating a new hobby, finding storage spaces for all this stuff can be challenging, and the resultant clutter could negatively impact your quality of life. Enter Astra Holmes, Beijing mom and Decluttering expert who helps Beijing families put their lives in order – quite literally – with weekly challenges and lessons aimed at tackling the mess in your house, one manageable project at a time.

Request to join via WeChat ID: becstarnz

WellWomen
Welcome to an entire Wechat universe specially reserved for women – sorry guys! The Well-Women platform has all you need from a second-hand group Beijing Clothing Auction Network, for those all-important clothes swaps to WellParent, a group for parents to share relevant info about being parenting in Beijing to offering each other support and advice.  WellStyle, WellFitness complete with 21-day challenges and WellPlanet for sustainable living are just a few more of the groups available in the expansive WellWomen universe.

Request to join via WeChat ID: becstarnz

Apartments For Rent Beijing
This is a particularly important group for those without sufficient Chinese or patience to deal with housing agents in Beijing. Members always give great leads for available apartments or flats available to be taken over for short or long-term leases, and all without the pesky middle-men. That isn’t to say there are no housing agents in the group. But the group’s community rules ensure you don’t have to worry about constant spamming from agents.

Request to join via WeChat ID: lin_jakub

Food, health and everything in between

Beauty and healthy Beijing
Ever been disappointed by your manicurist, or had your hairstylist cancel on you at the very last minute? Ever wonder where to find the best masseuses or even acupuncturists? Or also get to find out what hospitals are offering special offers on certain services? Well, this is the group you need to be a part of.

Request to join via WeChat ID: jnjmama

Family Events Only Beijingkids
Curated by our very own team of editors and contributors, this group only includes events appropriate for excellent family fun. Each week, we curate the best activities to attend throughout the city. If you find yourself usually stumped for ideas, then this is one you want to have in your back pocket.

Request to join via WeChat ID: mwinchina

京 Expat Activities and Classes
As part of the greater GloberWeb.com family, this group offers an extensive list of activities for families and individuals who are trying to make their weekends or evenings count. Once things open up yet again, it will be an invaluable resource for us Beijingers to try and recapture our lost summer.

Request to join via WeChat ID: TanyaBG

Mental Health| CandleX
With all that’s been happening lately in our lives, it is important to give our minds the tune-up they deserve. It has been a period of enormous emotional upheaval, and it still no shows no sign of letting up. Mental Health| CandleX offers supports its members through the emotionally and psychologically straining times we are currently living in.

Request to join via WeChat ID: lbinfield

KEEP READING: Promote Your Business via Our Social Media Platforms

Photos: Unsplash

At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

We talked to Seda Sakaoglu, General Manager of Café Zarah in Gulou, and her husband Deniz Sakaoglu, Co-Owner of Q Mex about their COVID-19 experiences as business owners in the capital.

Seda Sakaoglu with her husband, Deniz Sakaoglu

How long have your businesses been in operation?

Zarah first opened in 2007 as a small coffee place. In 2014 after renovation it became the Zarah that you know today with an outdoor courtyard and second floor.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

I came to China exactly 10 years ago in April 2010. Deniz, my now husband came to China six months before me in 2009. So I would say that a combination of career ambition and romance made me move to China.

I had just finished my International Marketing studies when the economic crisis hit Europe in 2009. It was difficult to find a job in Germany during that time. So, I decided to fly to China to gain some work experience first and started a six-month Management Traineeship at the Commune by the Great Wall Hotel in Badaling and then kept extending my stay every year. That’s how I have spent one-third of my life in Beijing without realizing it. Of course, the fact that Deniz was also somewhere in China played an important role in my decision and made me choose Beijing over Istanbul for example where I already had a job offer which I turned down. Anyway, our paths cross passed again, and we got married seven years later!

“A combination of career ambition and romance made me move to China”

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

We started to get worried when the Wuhan lockdown was announced, followed by airlines canceling their flights and so forth. I remember there was one morning we were still in bed when we read the news that Germany was sending a plane to fly out its citizens from Wuhan followed by messages from the German Embassy advising German citizens to leave China, in the face of the increasing restrictions in movement. That morning we realized that we had to make a decision before it was too late: to either leave China as the situation and the involved restrictions were increasing; or stay here regardless of what happens. We chose the second option because neither of us was ready to leave their team and business behind which we had created with a lot of effort and love over the years. And also because China is home to us! Instead, we decided to stay here, and face all difficulties together with our teams and make a lot of hard decisions to find ways to ensure our businesses and teams would survive the crisis.

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business?

I had expected there to be special measures and new regulations to control the spread of the epidemic such as temperature checks and the mandatory use of masks in public areas. I also expected that some airlines would cancel their routes to and from Beijing and a few countries might close their borders.

Fort Zarah, I had the feeling that we might be closed for a couple of weeks, and that even after the re-opening we might face a lot of restrictions since we are located in the old hood of Beijing which is usually more sensitive than other areas. But I thought that things might go back to normal by April and that’s it!

“I had the feeling that we might be closed for a couple of weeks”

What has been the reality for you and your family during the virus?

The situation was unfortunately more serious and worse than I initially thought. Most of my friends had left China, our families back home were constantly calling us because they were very worried about our health as well as our financial situation.

Zarah was closed for over two months, much longer than I had expected. That was a very depressing period. I was at home and did not know, when, whether, and how we would re-open, what would happen to our team, and whether everyone was safe. We would have regular WeChat calls with our team and also discussions with the owners of Zarah to evaluate the situation weekly. But since the circumstances were still unstable and the outbreak not under control yet, we told our employees to stay in their hometowns where most of them spent CNY.

Another big problem was that everything we needed to re-open Zarah, to protect ourselves as a family at home and to run Q Mex which has never closed during the outbreak, was sold out: no masks, no hand sanitizers, no thermometer, no disinfectant cleaning supplies!

Luckily, we had some masks and sanitizers shipped by our families and friends from Germany and Cambodia to get us at least past the peak of the virus.

Q Mex was also hit heavily like all other restaurants in Beijing, sales collapsed by 80%. Deniz was more worried than me since Q Mex had many more employees to feed and overall fixed costs to cover. So, on the other side, during those two months, when Zarah was closed I could at least support him and my family because I had the time and I was at home.

“Q Mex had many more employees to feed and overall fixed costs to cover”

How has your business been affected by the current situation?

We re-opened Zarah on April 1^st and are operating on limited opening hours from 11am – 10pm. All Zarah events including our popular Sunday Brunch buffets are canceled until further notice. We are not allowed to host any events involving big groups which include customer events. This is a big loss for Zarah since a big percentage of our revenue comes from events. Therefore, unfortunately, the whole Zarah team including our management is facing salary cuts to help Zarah survive this crisis.

Q Mex has similar issues and is only allowed to run at limited capacity with restrictions on guest numbers. For each location, the rules are different and constantly changing which is very confusing.

What form of support have you received from the expat community?

We have appreciated the Wechat group Safe & Sane which fed us with valuable and reliable information during the peak of the virus until now.

Also, when Zarah was closed I received a lot of beautiful, motivating messages from customers including expats who were checking on us, and promising their support once we were back open!

Do you believe the current situation will permanently change the face of business in Beijing?

Yes, definitely! For example, even after the outbreak, I believe that hygiene and sanitation will still play an important role for customers and the Government like never before which will force Beijing businesses to maintain high hygiene standards. This will lead inevitably to an upgrade of the Beijing F&B scene in terms of quality, service, training and so forth.

In the long run, I think there will be even bigger changes such as in customers’ habits and perceptions caused by the re-discovery of the preciousness of our health. I believe that this will influence the food choices in the future leading to more health-conscious and mindful consumerism.

As the city returns to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business?

Well, that is difficult for Zarah! Maybe to save all the masks, hand sanitizers and disinfectant cleaning supplies we can get until the next epidemic outbreak hits us? I joke of course, but more to the point,  I think bigger groups should take into consideration running their businesses with cash reserves of up to 3 months’ operating expenses. Of course, that slows down a company’s growth, which seems to be the top priority for many F&B groups in our times but on the other hand, it can save a company during this kind of unexpected revenue collapse.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Patience, calmness, and a positive attitude which also gives hope and strength to your team. If you are strong, hopeful, and positive, your team will follow and go through this situation together with you. So, your attitude is the key and will reflect upon your team!

“A positive attitude also gives hope and strength to your team!”

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

“Together we are strong!”

I have learned the importance of emotional support which I received and gave back to my family that helped me to be strong and go through the crisis.

Has the current situation deterred you from Beijing or are you here to stay?

Of course not – I am here to stay!

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

We have survived the worst part and better days are going to come soon. So, my advice is trying to stay calm and patient which probably sounds sarcastic to businesses that don’t have the time to be patient anymore, because they are on the brink of bankruptcy. Businesses can for example check whether they are entitled to get a loan with reduced lending rates which are currently being offered by many Chinese banks to support coronavirus-hit businesses in Beijing.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

Showing support by frequenting our businesses, by respecting the COVID-19-related regulations which we have to implement, by being nice to our staff, by being more understanding instead of angry, in instances when we cannot serve certain items from our menus or cannot seat you due to limited capacity for example.  Stay safe and kind!

KEEP READING: How the Third Culture Kids Stuck Abroad are Coping 

Images courtesy of Seda Sakaoglu

At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

The hospitality industry is in constant ebb and flow. But these last couple of months, hotels across the world have seen little to no business as countries closed their borders and imposed severe lockdown measures. Holidaymakers have had to turn to staycations in place of the all-important annual vacation abroad. It’s the stuff of nightmares for the likes of Christian Kronast, the General Manager at East Beijing, who saw the occupancy rate at East drop from 85% to 2% almost overnight. Kronast has had to put his motivational hat on to try and boost his team’s morale. He’s also done a lot of reflecting on how Beijing has changed from the cosmopolitan city he and his family so wanted to live in, to the city it is now in a post-COVID-19 world. But despite the challenges, he’s also found time to reconnect with the underrated joys of housework and the supreme joy of them all: time with one’s family.

How long has EAST been in operation?

EAST was established eight years ago.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

We have been living in Beijing since October 2019. Our aim was to live in the capital of China, a big, vibrant and exciting city. We have also previously lived in the Middle East.

EAST Beijing

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

Shock, sadness, and hope. A mixture of emotions, shall we say.

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

As this situation was new to almost everyone, we had no expectations, it was more important to ensure we stuck to any regulations which would help and support a quick and positive outcome.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

The family mostly stayed at home, calling friends and other families. I went to work daily to ensure our team was in good spirits and that the business was looked after. Socially it was and still is not as open and still rather restricted.

How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?

We started the year off with one of the best starts since the hotel was opened. Then, the occupancy rate went from over 85 % down to 2%. The effect is tremendous and it will take a long time to recover financially.

What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s wellbeing?

I received a lot of support from the team that I work with here. They are fantastic and always positive, which is fantastic given that in our team there are only two expats, including me.

FEAST at East Beijing

Do you believe the current situation will change the face of business in Beijing? If so, why and how? If not, then why?

People will be more cautious when going out and meeting in a crowd. So in general mass events might, in the future, be hosted in new and different ways. Home delivers will monopolize the market in all ways from simple shopping to food delivery to grocery delivery, which are currently all at their peak and will remain there for a while.

As the city returns to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?

Well, during this special period, we have been utilizing social media more often to keep up with our clients. That not only helps us to keep our guests up to date on our operation news and promotions but also helps get us more followers by posting signature recipes and cooking tutorials. It’s our effort towards staying connected while social distancing.

Internally, we had several online training courses aimed at boosting our team’s morale and boosting our knowledge, to keep our brains busy and ready for when business returns to normal.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

If there’s anything I have learned, it is how important it is to have a great team and ensuring everyone’s spirits are high. If everyone makes certain concessions then the current global situation will be solved sooner rather than later. I am blessed to have the team that I do and I know that this situation could have been far worse. So I am thankful – very thankful to work with the people I am with.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in future?

House chores can be organized like a business!

Has the current situation deterred you from being part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

I love Beijing. The people I work with are amazing and when the weather is nice it is priceless. We are planning to stay here for a while. We are eager to see what the future holds.

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

I would say that at this particular moment, it is important to have a small community to share with and learn from, most especially when it comes to planning for the future. We are all much stronger when working together.

KEEP READING: International Flight Restrictions to Continue Until October

Photos: East Hotel, Swirehotel.com, booking.com 

The last few years have seen the world’s fashion elites fall in love with the everything Africana. From colorful Kente fabric prints, to bold West African headpieces, African fashion and accessories have firmly taken center stage in the global fashion industry. This shift has been slower to impact the Chinese market in particular, where big western brands are still prized, and gold is still an accessory king, but one just has to walk down the Sanlitun high street to see trendy youths, both local and foreign, spotting afro-fusion pieces.

Gumbu sources many of her pieces from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Ghana

Entrepreneurs like Polina Gumbu are partially responsible for this injection of African art and fashion into China’s fashion-obsessed market. Gumbu, originally from Kazakhstan, has been in the business of sourcing and supplying beautiful pieces for several years, mainly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Ghana. But her pieces aren’t your average gaudy statement pieces or tourist tat sold on African beaches. “The jewelry I sell is mostly made of wood or stone. I am trying to include different regions of Africa and different jewelry making techniques, such as weaving, woodcraft, stone craft, beading,” explains Gumbu, who used her Zimbabwean husband’s already established arts and crafts trading network to get a foot into the world of African accessories.

Like most who are drawn to African art and fashion, Gumbu is the first to admit that she was first attracted by the boldness and authenticity infused in each creation. “I have always loved jewelry, but my main goal was to get affordable jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. African culture and colors always inspired me, and getting into that culture has shown me that many people are unaware of the beauty of African inspired jewelry and crafts. It is always vibrant, loud, and makes a statement, so I wanted to bring that to the Chinese market.”

“Look for jewelry that tells a story and makes a statement.”

It’s however not easy being a mom and running an import business that demands time, dedication, and tons of planning. “Sometimes it’s really hard to do business and be a mom, but with the help of my husband we always find a way to work around parenting and building a business,” Gumbu says. She has been in Beijing for fifteen years now, which she credits to giving her an understanding of not only how the Chinese market works, but also how to leverage herself and her unique products. Key to this success is also a sound understanding of the people behind the pieces she sells, as well as the materials they use. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the adverse effects of the jewelry industry on the environment, ethical fashion is no longer just a buzz word or marketing gimmick but a minimum requirement for many a consumer. And the idea of ethical fashion stretches beyond the materials used and how they are harvested, to showcasing cultures with authenticity rather than culturally appropriating aspects of said cultures for the end goal of fashion. When done right, Gumbu says “ethical fashion and jewelry is an amazing way to educate people about various cultures while showcasing customs and traditions.”

“many people are unaware of the beauty of African inspired jewelry and crafts”

Gumbu’s passion for African jewelry extends to the artisans themselves though women empowerment initiatives, as she strives to work with young women in these source countries, intending to expose them to the Chinese and global markets. And for those looking for advice on how to find the right statement piece for themselves or even break into Gumbu’s industry, she says “Look for jewelry that tells a story and makes a statement.”

To get in touch with Gumbu, scan the QR code below:

KEEP READING: Nani’s African-Inspired Jewelry and Accessories in Beijing

Photos: Polina Gumbu 

At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

If you have lived in a region for long enough, it is easy to believe you have seen all there is to see, and nothing is ever really new. But for those who have called Asia and indeed China home for years on end, the events of the last couple of months were a rude shock. For Adam Myott, General Manager at Grand Hyatt Beijing, it would have been hard to imagine anything other than business trips keeping him away from his family, yet once China and its neighbors closed their borders, they also closed the door on the possibility that he could reunite with his daughter and wife, who are currently stuck in Korea. Yet despite it all, Myott still supports any efforts to keep the world safe. For him, these months of inconvenience and separation are a small price to pay for the world going back to a relative state of normalcy as soon as possible.

Mr. Adam Myott

How long has the business been in operation?

Since October 2001.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

My family and I moved to Beijing from Korea last April (last month was my first anniversary working and living in Beijing.) My career path included Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Malaysia as my first international posting. I was also the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in Thailand. Before moving to Beijing, I was at Grand Hyatt Incheon, South Korea for over three years. So I have spent quite a few years in Asia.

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

We were initially worried about potential exposure to our family and our children getting sick, but we are glad to see all the measures taken to protect the public have been so effective. People have been strictly following the guidelines put forth. We feel safe and happy to be living here.

“We are very proud to continue supporting the local guidelines”

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

I didn’t realize that it spread so quickly and gone all over the world in a matter of weeks. I hope everything will be back to normal as soon as possible.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

At that time, my daughter had been finishing up her studies in Korea and my wife was with her. Due to the travel restrictions, neither were unable to return as Korea has restrictions on those wishing to travel abroad. Thankfully, the school took very good care of them.

How has your business been affected by the current situation?

Our business has been affected, but we are very proud to continue supporting the local guidelines to ensure all our guests and members of staff continue to be protected. This is the only way to make sure this situation is quickly resolved for all concerned.

“There will be a higher expectation of the utmost standards of hygiene and quality”

Do you believe the current situation will change the face of business in Beijing?

I believe customer behavior has changed. After this, there will be a higher expectation of the utmost standards of hygiene and quality. These have long since been our hotel’s driving principles and we hope to keep delivering them and ensuring the wellbeing of our clients as it is of the highest importance to us.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

My biggest takeaway has been to not take things for granted. Nothing lasts forever and it is important to plan for any eventuality. You always need a good plan for the future.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

It is always important to prioritize time with the family. This is something I wish to instill in my children. They need to understand that life is not always easy and that making plans is the best way to avoid some of life’s difficulties.

Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

I feel very safe and secure in this environment. We look forward to working closely with the local community in the future.

“My biggest takeaway has been to not take things for granted”

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

Use this time to prepare for the future. Consider what your customers want, and offer the right sorts of service.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

We should all use various networks to support each other. This not only goes for expat businesses but all other organizations which show they value good quality service provision, and give good value for money.

Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?

Stay positive. This will not last forever.

KEEP READING: National Art Museum of China Once Again Open to Foreigners

Photos: Grand Hyatt Beijing 

A parent’s job is never done. Even when kids are all grown up, parents still a large amount of time worrying about their children’s safety and future. Ask any empty-Nester and they will tell you. The dynamic also shifts slightly where the children take a parental role, taking care of their parents now advancing in age and unable to do all they were able to do in the past. For a lucky few empty-nesters, quiet retirement can be staved off by pursuing passion projects. Some continue to work well into old age, meaning their children worry less about them and their financial security. But what happens when such passion projects in the way of businesses are affected by an unexpected global pandemic?

For Mr. Kim Loh and his wife Mrs. Ping Ping Loh, operators of Nyonya Kitchen, the silence of their empty-Nester lives were balanced out by the bustling nature of running a popular restaurant in the heart of Beijing. But when COVID-19 struck, it shook the confidence of these Beijing veterans who also lived through the SARS outbreak of 2003. At a time when businesses are facing mass closures despite Beijing slowly returning to normal, Mr. and Mrs. Loh contend with the lasting damage inflicted on Beijing’s expat entrepreneurs, forcing them to reevaluate, re-strategize and even contemplate closing what has now become a mainstay in Beijing’s restaurant scene. Mr. and Mrs. Loh stand as testaments to just how far entrepreneurs are willing to go to salvage what is left of their businesses even when the odds are stacked up against them.

How long has the business been in operation?

Our most recent restaurant opened on 31st March 2017. Our first restaurant started in December of 2004 in GaoJiaYuan, near Lido Hotel, Chaoyang District.

 How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this Far East?

We came here in September 1991 after Kim Loh was seconded here by KFC Malaysia to operate their three joint ventures in China as their Chief of Finance. Our boys were 6, 4, and 1 years old.

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

All our three boys are now married and living in different parts of the world. Our eldest son is living in Lausanne, Switzerland, our second son in Dallas, Texas, and our youngest son in Melbourne, Australia. When COVID 19 first hit China, we had just returned from Melbourne, Australia after visiting with our youngest son’s family over Christmas and New Year.

Initially, we were not too worried as we had gone through the SARS Epidemic in Beijing. As the news from China went out on the seriousness of the Virus, our three sons were rather worried for us. Initially, we were asked to get out and return to Melbourne to live with our youngest son there. However as time went on with flights being canceled and Australia’s restriction on all travelers from China, this plan has to be put on hold.

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

We expect that business will be very badly affected and many will close permanently as people will get used to social distancing and working from home. As the economy goes into recessions, people will have less money to spend and will not be going out to restaurants for meals as much as before. There will be a lot more meals on deliveries and take away.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

As our restaurant was closed during the peak of the virus, we had no income and have had to live on our savings and spend as little as possible. We planned to close the restaurant and leave Beijing as we were not sure how long this situation would last.

How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?

It has been very bad for our business as we were closed for two months and when we reopen sales have dropped to about 30% of our normal takings.

What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s well-being?

As we were planning to close the restaurant, an expat investor offered to take over the operation of the business as he felt it will be such a shame to close down the Nyonya Kitchen which has been serving authentic Malaysian cuisines for so many years in Beijing. When we reopened many expat customers came to patronize our restaurant and we are thankful for their support.

 Do you believe the current situation will permanently change the face of business in Beijing?

We do not think it will permanently change the business situation but it will take a long time to return to normal as before.

As the city continues to return to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?

We have found an investor to take over the operation of our restaurant business as we plan to move to Melbourne to be with our family.

As a business owner/ professional, what has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Our one take-away is that we cannot assume things will continue as expected and we need to be prepared for changes at any moment and therefore always have sufficient reserves and be adaptable to the new situation.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

As always a relationship with family members is of utmost importance more than business or career etc. as these can end at any sudden moment. Therefore take time to spend with family members wherever they may be.

Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

At this stage of our lives, we were already planning to retire from active engagement in our business and this current COVID-19 made us more resolved on this and to spend time with our children and their families.

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

Hang in there, be creative and adaptable, negotiate with your landlord and staff to reduce costs, and be prepared for the business to return.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

In our case, come and support our restaurant business either at our restaurant or order deliveries.

Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?

We still see a bright future for businesses in Beijing, given the size of the market and the Chinese resilience to endure and overcome difficult situations like this.

KEEP READING: Happy Home, Happy Business: ‘The Winter has Passed’

Photos: Mrs. Ping Ping Loh