Best Events, Meetups, and Networking Opportunities in Shanghai (2025 Guide)
When I first joined and organized international meetups in Shanghai, I wasn’t thinking about “building a brand” or “starting a business.”
I just wanted to meet people.
Talk.
Share food.
Learn about the city through other people’s eyes.
One night, I led a small walk through the French Concession and ended up in a hidden speakeasy. We had locals, new expats, a guy who landed in Shanghai that morning, and someone visiting from Germany.
By the end of the night, everyone was swapping WeChats, sharing work opportunities, and planning the next adventure together.
That’s when I realized: Shanghai isn’t just a city—it’s a global crossroads.
The Communities That Made It Happen
Over the years, I’ve hosted, joined, or supported all kinds of events here:
🌱 Sustainable living talks with people from 30+ countries
🥟 Mandarin mixers where learners and locals help each other
🍸 Bar crawls & hidden bar hunts with real conversations, not just drinking
🍜 Foodie group events discovering dumpling shops & noodle stalls
🎤 Toastmasters storytelling nights (great for public speaking practice)
👩💼 Professional women’s circles with leadership & career sharing
🤝 Chamber of commerce mixers blending business, culture, and networking
🎨 Creative community nights with art, music, and connection
🥾 Hiking clubs (from city trails to epic mountains)
⚽ Football/soccer clubs for casual or league play
🚴 Cycling clubs exploring the city & countryside
🏃 Running groups for all paces
Some were mine, some by friends, some by amazing organizers I met along the way. But the common thread? Real people, real conversations.
My Favorite Moments
A newcomer making their first friend in Shanghai
A shy speaker telling their story for the first time
A noodle walk turning into an accidental business brainstorm
Someone landing a new job from a chamber mixer
Bar crawl conversations in 5 different languages in one night
Why I Still Do It
Now, these experiences inspire everything I work on:
Real-life Mandarin coaching (for life & business)
Custom Shanghai tours (hidden gems, history, modern life)
Business visits & networking tours (company visits, industry meetups, market insights)
Whether you’re here for a few days or a few years, I help people connect with the real Shanghai.
It’s about people, not just places.
If You’re Coming to Shanghai…
Here’s how to join in:
📅 DM me to join an event or arrange a Mandarin experience
💼 Ask about business connection tours
🥟 Come for a dumpling walk or hidden bar crawl
🤝 Partner to host something together
I’m always happy to share what’s happening in the city, connect you with people, or help you make your first friend here.
I’m NanNan – business Mandarin coach, events executive, hiking leader, meetup organizer, and private tour guide in Shanghai.
Been here for 17+ years, still in love with the city.
If you’re curious about Shanghai meetups, business networking, Mandarin practice, or hidden spots, just ask or feel free to reach out!
