Leaving China can be a significant transition, especially if you’ve built strong relationships and connections during your time there.
Whether you’re returning home or moving to a new country, staying connected with friends, colleagues, and the culture of China can help you maintain those valuable ties.
This guide provides practical tips, tools, and resources to help you stay connected.
1. Utilizing Social Media and Messaging Apps
Social media and messaging apps are essential tools for staying in touch with friends and colleagues in China.
Here’s how to make the most of them:
Popular Platforms
- WeChat: The most widely used app in China for messaging, voice and video calls, and social networking. Ensure you have WeChat installed and stay active to maintain connections. Download WeChat.
- QQ: Another popular messaging app in China, offering chat, voice calls, and video calls. It’s a great alternative if your contacts prefer QQ. Learn more about QQ.
- WhatsApp: While not as popular in China, WhatsApp is widely used globally. Encourage your Chinese contacts to use WhatsApp for seamless communication. Download WhatsApp.
- Facebook: If your Chinese friends use Facebook, it’s a great way to stay updated on their lives. Note that Facebook is blocked in China, so your contacts will need a VPN to access it. Visit Facebook.
Tips for Staying Connected
- VPN Access: If you’re outside China, ensure you have a reliable VPN to access apps like WeChat or QQ if they face restrictions in your new location.
- Backup Contacts: Export and save your contact list from WeChat or QQ to ensure you don’t lose connections.
2. Maintaining Professional Connections
Staying connected with professional contacts in China is crucial for career and business opportunities.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
Platforms to Use
- LinkedIn: Connect with your Chinese colleagues and keep your profile updated with your latest achievements. Join China-related LinkedIn groups to stay informed about industry trends. Visit LinkedIn.
- Email: Ensure you have the email addresses of your professional contacts. Use email to share updates, industry news, or potential collaboration opportunities.
- WeChat Work: If you used WeChat Work for professional communication, continue using it to stay connected with colleagues and business partners. Learn about WeChat Work.
Tips for Networking
- Join professional organizations or alumni networks related to your field.
- Attend virtual conferences or webinars focused on China-related topics.
3. Staying Updated on Chinese News and Culture
Keeping up with Chinese news and culture can help you stay connected with the country and its people.
Here are some resources:
News Websites
- China Daily: Visit China Daily
- Global Times: Visit Global Times
- Xinhua News: Visit Xinhua
Social Media and Blogs
- Follow Chinese influencers, bloggers, and media outlets on platforms like Weibo and Douyin (TikTok).
- Listen to podcasts like the Sinica Podcast (Listen here) or ChinaTalk (Visit ChinaTalk).
Cultural Engagement
- Celebrate Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival in your new location.
- Join local Chinese cultural organizations or language exchange programs.
4. Joining Expat and China-Related Communities
Being part of expat and China-related communities can provide valuable support and help you stay connected with others who share similar experiences.
Ways to Get Involved
- Expat Groups: Join expat groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit. Popular forums include Internations and Expat.com.
- China Alumni Networks: If you studied or worked in China, join alumni networks to stay connected with fellow alumni and attend events.
- Language Exchange Programs: Use platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk to practice Mandarin and connect with native Chinese speakers.
5. Using Technology to Bridge the Distance
Technology can help bridge the distance and make staying connected easier.
Here are some tools to consider:
Tools and Platforms
- Video Calls: Use platforms like Zoom (Visit Zoom), Skype (Visit Skype), or Google Meet (Visit Google Meet) for face-to-face conversations.
- Virtual Events: Attend virtual events, webinars, and online workshops focused on China-related topics.
- Cloud Storage: Use services like Google Drive (Visit Google Drive), Dropbox (Visit Dropbox), or OneDrive (Visit OneDrive) to share documents and collaborate on projects.
Tips for Effective Communication
- Schedule regular video calls with friends and colleagues to maintain a sense of closeness.
- Use collaborative tools like Trello or Slack for ongoing projects.
6. Visiting China
If circumstances allow, plan visits to China to reconnect with friends, colleagues, and the culture.
Planning Your Visit
- Travel Plans: Plan your visit during holidays or special occasions like Chinese New Year to maximize your time with contacts.
- Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements and apply well in advance. Learn about China visas.
- Travel Apps: Use apps like Ctrip (Trip.com), Fliggy, and China Train Booking to book flights, accommodation, and transportation.
7. Reflecting on Your Experience in China
Take time to reflect on your experiences in China and how they have shaped you.
Ways to Cherish Memories
- Journaling: Write about your experiences, challenges, and achievements during your time in China.
- Photo Albums: Create digital or physical photo albums to preserve your memories.
- Sharing Your Story: Share your experiences through blogs, social media, or podcasts to inspire others and keep your memories alive.
Conclusion
Staying connected after leaving China is essential for maintaining relationships, professional connections, and cultural ties.
By utilizing social media, maintaining professional networks, staying updated on Chinese news and culture, joining expat communities, using technology, planning visits, and reflecting on your experiences, you can ensure a seamless transition and keep the bonds you’ve built in China strong.
Embrace the opportunities to stay connected and cherish the memories of your time in this remarkable country.
