8 First Date Ideas: China Edition
Looking for a new or unique first date experience in China?
Here are a few date ideas you should try!
1. Expat Bar Date
Ah the classic. Going to an expat bar you’re both familiar with ensures you’re both comfortable and relaxed. It's nothing too crazy, but it’s an easy, low-key date choice.
Beijing: For a few great bar recommendations, check out our list of the Top 10 Bars in Beijing for a 1st Date.
2. The Street Food Date
Stroll through a local neighborhood or popular pedestrian street in your city for a casual walking date! As you walk you can try some of the local street food - check out the jianbing or jiaozi!
Beijing: Walk around the Gulou area where you’ll find plenty of hutongs and local Chinese shops.
3. The KTV Date
The KTV date is great for sussing out how boisterous your potential mate is and seeing if they groove well with your friend group (and your musical taste!) It’s the perfect mix of music, conversation, and alcohol.
4. Chinese Cultural Date
Is your date a lover of Chinese cultural activities? Take a stroll around a local temple, watch a Chinese Kungfu show, or attend a tea ceremony. These cultural events are sure to provoke stimulating conversations!
Beijing: Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and Houhai Lake are great Chinese park areas to walk around with a mix of temples and scenic areas to see.
5. Live Music Bar or Concert
Try a live music bar for a fun night out! It doesn't matter if the band is foreign or Chinese - with the right person, both will be fun. Music provides a lively atmosphere for chatting, dancing, and whispering witty lines to each other as you do some people watching.
6. Club Night
We’re not really sure who chooses to take a first date to a club, but hey we’re not judging. Ideal if you don’t want to chat.
7. The 2 AM Date (Where You End Up Drinking With Chinese Guys)
Any evening date could transform into this kind of date quickly. One minute you’re walking home past some Chinese BBQ restaurants, the next you’re being invited to drink with a friendly and loud group of Chinese men.
We all know these guys: very generous with their cigarettes and beer. If you're an expat this is an opportunity to really impress your date with your Chinese language skill level - especially if you know more than ganbei.
Beijing: Ghost Street (Gui Jie) is a great place to make Chinese friends at 2AM.
8. Weekend Trip Date
Ready to jump right into a big date experience? Book a high-speed train ticket to another city for a weekend getaway. It could be wildly romantic and bring you closer together! ...Hopefully you don’t get tired of each other after 2 days together.
Beijing: From Beijing you can easily take a weekend trip to Shanghai. If you want to stay closer to Beijing, try Gubei Water Town.
Have another first date experience in China you'd recommend?
Let us know!
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