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Date Night China

Date Night China

By Nathan and Rachel

Exploring dating, relationships, and communities in China. Every week we bring on diverse guests for hilarious, insightful, and in-depth conversations about dating, mental health, intercultural relationships, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. This podcast is not just about dating – it’s also about having healthy relationships with yourself, your partner if you have one, as well as the other people in your social circles that make life meaningful in China.
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#6: Catfishing & Tinder Scams: Dating Online in China

Date Night ChinaMay 12, 2022

00:00
50:05
#33: Ask Us About Podcasting in China (Season 3 Finale)

#33: Ask Us About Podcasting in China (Season 3 Finale)

For the last episode of Season 3 we answer questions from our listeners! What are our favorite (and least favorite) parts about running Date Night China? What drama happens in our WeChat groups? What is our love story? How do we manage and balance a media platform and our relationship? We also share our holiday plans to visit our home countries for the first time in 3 years!


Happy Holidays and see you all after Chinese New Year!

Dec 16, 202201:12:25
#32: Season 3 Recap & Favorite Moments

#32: Season 3 Recap & Favorite Moments

We’re nearly at the end of Date Night China season 3! In this episode, Rachel and Nathan take a look back at a few of their favorite episodes from this season, share some BTS of recording, and chat about the mishaps and memorable moments that happened along the way.

There is one more episode coming your way after this one before taking a short break. Send your questions in to ask us anything about Date Night China, making a podcast, life in China, etc. and let us know what topics you'd like to hear more in the future. We'll answer your questions in our last episode of the season!

Submit your question: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/M6yH1mY

Dec 09, 202246:20
#31: Leaving China With Your Partner: Advice From An Expat Couple

#31: Leaving China With Your Partner: Advice From An Expat Couple

Morag, from Scotland, and Waldo, from South Africa, are an expat couple leaving China at the end of November this year. They join the podcast this week to talk about how they prepared to leave China, their conversations around their personal goals and goals as a couple, and how they think life outside China will impact their relationship.


Follow Date Night China on WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories about dating and relationships in China.

Nov 25, 202246:10
#30: Gay Porn Industry in China with Dr. Runze Ding

#30: Gay Porn Industry in China with Dr. Runze Ding

Dr. Runze Ding joins the DNC hosts this week to talk about his studies on gay identity in China, the gay porn industry, and his experiences working with local gay organizations in Guangzhou and Beijing.


Dr. Runze has completed case studies on topics such as Chinese semi-professionally produced gay porn, the Uses and Gratifications of Blued (the gay dating app) in Mainland China, and queer male “sex influencers” on Twitter, to name a few. It was fascinating to talk to him and learn more about these taboo topics and how he has interviewed people for his studies.


About Dr. Runze:

As an emerging social scholar, Dr Runze Ding graduated with a Ph.D. in Media and Communication Studies at the University of Leeds. His research contributes original evidence and analysis to related fields such as LGBT studies, digital media research, cultural studies in the Chinese context, and more broadly, sociological and ethnographic approaches to media and identity. He is also one of the first researchers who has studied Chinese gay porn and sexual culture.

Nov 18, 202233:58
#29: Singles' Day in China: Cringe Date Stories & Weird Taobao Buys

#29: Singles' Day in China: Cringe Date Stories & Weird Taobao Buys

Happy Singles' Day 2022!  This week the DNC hosts read out some cringy and funny China dating stories people sent in with a special guest: Beijing’s favorite F*ckboy, Martyn! We also share the survey responses for the weirdest & kinkiest things people have seen on Taobao, and discuss speed dating events in China. It's a fun chat that will bring some laughter to your Singles' Day - whatever you choose to do today, make sure you treat yo self!


Follow Date Night China on WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories about dating and relationships in China.

Nov 11, 202201:21:50
BONUS EPISODE #28: Werewolf Erotica Live Reading!
Nov 10, 202209:15
#28: China Comedians Talk Dating, Relationships, & Werewolf Erotica
Nov 04, 202201:15:43
#27: Conversation Card Game for Partners & Friends

#27: Conversation Card Game for Partners & Friends

This week DNC hosts Rachel and Nathan grab a deck of "Our Moments" conversation cards and ask each other about fictional characters they would take to tea, awards they've won, perfect road trip snacks, and the time Nathan studied martial arts in Shandong Province for 3 months. 


Conversation cards have become a great icebreaker tool for people to connect with their partners or friends. They offer a framework to embrace vulnerability, develop better conversation habits, and also just have fun.  This is not a sponsored ad, but we really enjoyed the questions and where the conversation lead, so we recommend giving "Our Moments" cards a try with your partner or friends!

Oct 28, 202247:39
#26: Values vs. Preferences with Therapist Rachel George (PT. 2)

#26: Values vs. Preferences with Therapist Rachel George (PT. 2)

Beijing therapist Rachel George continues last week's convo by diving into the difference between values and preferences when dating. She shares why it's important to make the connection between your actions and personal values, how to better evaluate dates, and why you should stop confusing pet peeves with deal breakers. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of great!


Listen to last week's episode for part 1 with Rachel George. 


About Rachel George: Originally from Houston, Texas, Rachel George is a therapist and life coach with over 18 years of experience. Learn more at her site: https://heartinmindcoaching.com/

Oct 21, 202235:48
#25: Why Is Dating in China So Hard? Therapist Rachel George Answers (PT. 1)

#25: Why Is Dating in China So Hard? Therapist Rachel George Answers (PT. 1)

Rachel George, a licensed therapist and life coach in Beijing, joins us to give advice on the question we frequently get from people here: Why is dating in China so damn hard?! Rachel talks through challenges of dating in an expat bubble and how we are affected by uncertainty and dating burnout. She shares why we should "fuck the spark" when dating, and also how to own the pivot, reflect on self-values, and do something different: like have your friends run your Tinder account for you!


Stay tuned for Part 2 with Rachel next week! 


About Rachel George: Originally from Houston, Texas, Rachel George is a therapist and life coach with over 18 years of experience. Learn more at her site: https://heartinmindcoaching.com/

Oct 14, 202230:29
#24: Long Distance Intercultural Love: From China to Poland

#24: Long Distance Intercultural Love: From China to Poland

Nicole and Andrei are an international couple who went from Tinder, to long-distance, to engagement & marriage, to now living in different countries again waiting to be reunited. 


Andrei (from Russia and currently living in Dalian) and Nicole (from Guangzhou and currently living in Poland) join us to chat about how they met on Tinder in Beijing just 17 days before Nicole was leaving for a job in Ukraine. They share how they stayed in touch and started dating, how they overcome the challenges of being long distance (twice), and how they got married in China.

Oct 07, 202255:55
#23: Giving Birth in China During Lockdown: A Scottish Mom’s Experience

#23: Giving Birth in China During Lockdown: A Scottish Mom’s Experience

This week we are joined by Scottish expat Dools, who recently gave birth in China to a beautiful baby girl in April. She shares her experience giving birth in China during lockdown in Nantong, what the postnatal practice of “zuoyuezi 坐月子” (staying in for a whole month) is like for Chinese women, and cultural differences between Western and Chinese birthing practices.
Sep 30, 202258:17
#22: Drag in China: Meet Shanghai’s Premiere Bearded Queen

#22: Drag in China: Meet Shanghai’s Premiere Bearded Queen

Jiovani del Toro, AKA Cocosanti, is a drag artist and MC based in Shanghai. You’ll find them hosting many events at Pearl Theater, where they play hostess for a variety of showcases, including Drag Extravaganzas, Cabaret and Burlesque shows, and (their personal fav) Magic Mike.


Jiovani joins us to share about their inspiration for becoming a drag artist, and how the drag scene differs in the U.S. versus China. They also share how being a drag artist and performer has impacted their dating life, and the Queer beauty perspective in drag and in China.


Date Night China Anonymous: Every month we’ll share 4 new story prompts for you to respond to about dating, relationships, and community in China. http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zcuqgMW

Sep 23, 202253:25
#21: Male Friendship, Loneliness, & Vulnerability

#21: Male Friendship, Loneliness, & Vulnerability

Valentine and Haydn are advocates for speaking openly on men’s mental health and community, and host their own personal projects in China to help these initiatives. Masculinity in and of itself is a big topic, but this week they join us to chat about their personal experiences with forming close male friendships, stereotypes and stigmas men face in today's society, mental health and depression, and more.


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Aug 25, 202201:04:11
#20: Raz Galor & His Fiance Tal Shalev: Faith, Love & Media in China

#20: Raz Galor & His Fiance Tal Shalev: Faith, Love & Media in China

Raz Galor, co-founder of the new media company YChina, is a key public figure in China’s media world – but today we get to know more about a lesser seen side of him: his personal and romantic life. Raz and his fiancé Tal Shalev join us to talk about meeting first in China then reconnecting in Israel, their hilarious first impressions of each other, and their shared values in faith and family. 


They also discuss the challenges of dating a public figure, how they like to go offline in their personal time, and Raz teases Tal about taking more photos of food than photos of them together. We also hear the story of their proposal and how it got 4M+ views on social media! YChina (歪果仁研究協會) is a media platform founded in December 2016 with the theme of interviewing foreigners in China on pop culture, trends, and more. Find them on Bilibili, Weibo, Douyin, WeChat, and YouTube.


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Aug 19, 202201:05:56
#19: Female Pleasure & The Sexual Wellness Industry in China

#19: Female Pleasure & The Sexual Wellness Industry in China

Winxi and Diana, two co-founders of the Oh Collective, join us to chat about female pleasure, the intimate wellness industry in China, and how to spice up your sex life - with or without a partner.


They also share about growing up with both Western and Eastern cultures, their own experiences dating in China, and how they combat taboos and stigmas around sex and pleasure for women.


About the Oh Collective: Four friends created the Oh Collective to inspire all women to be confident and happy with their intimate selves by recognizing their physical needs and their own definition of "pleasure."  They believe you don't need to be ashamed or shy to explore your body, and they help provide women with safe and reliable products, a trusted community and content that offers 100% good vibes only!

Aug 12, 202244:58
#18: Expat Couple Married in the Beijing British Consulate

#18: Expat Couple Married in the Beijing British Consulate

Paul and Kelaeni, an expat couple in China, have been waiting for 3 years to get married – and were finally able to do so at the British Consulate in Beijing in July 2022! They share more about meeting in a small city in Shandong Province, trying to plan multiple weddings during the pandemic, and what their wedding day at the consulate was like.


And in a fun twist of events, DNC hosts Nathan and Rachel actually attended this wedding as the witnesses and share their experience of the day.


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Aug 05, 202254:59
#17: Confessions of a F*ckboy in Beijing

#17: Confessions of a F*ckboy in Beijing

Martyn, a self-professed f*ckboy when it comes to dating, candidly shares his approach on relationships, how he keeps his friends separate from his dating life, and how he is honest with guys about what he is looking for.

 

He then dives into his relationship history, sharing the heartbreak that made him become a f*ckboy and the self-reflections he’s had since then. 


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Jul 29, 202257:24
#16: Practicing Polyamory Pt 2: Meeting Your Partner’s Partner

#16: Practicing Polyamory Pt 2: Meeting Your Partner’s Partner

In part 2 of Practicing Polyamory, Kat is back with one of her other partners in China, Dave from the US. Kat and Dave share how they met, how they handle feelings of jealousy, and how to give space for your partner to process their feelings. Dave talks about the first time he met Kat’s nesting partner Hadyn (his metamour), and the boundaries they discussed before the three of them attended their first party together. 


Kat and Dave also stress the importance of complete honesty and communication, and how you need to give each person their own choice and agency to fully make their own decisions. At the end they also share a fun and interesting way they talk through situations.


Listen to Ep. 9 to hear Part 1 with Kat and Haydn, polyamorous individuals and nesting partners in China.


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Jul 21, 202255:33
#15: Tinder Fails and Fatphobia in China

#15: Tinder Fails and Fatphobia in China

Samantha, co-host of ‘From Tops To Bottoms’ podcast, joins us this week for a hilarious, open, and honest chat about her Tinder fails and sexual explorations in China. She shares how she left a long-term relationship in the UK and went on her first Tinder date in Beijing (which her co-host Cassie followed her on in disguise), how she went on a date with a guy who turned out to be extremely racist, and other dating experiences she's had.


She also talks about fatphobia in China, how working at a kindergarten has given her thick skin, and the thin line between appreciating a body and fetishizing. The DNC hosts and Samantha also talk about how moving to China gives people freedom to explore their identity outside of their home country, how some truly terrible and traumatic dates are funnier in hindsight than they are in the moment, and why women have a difficult time saying no in uncomfortable situations (but should just say f*ck that!). Also, Nathan starts a drinking game where everyone needs to drink anytime someone says “transient” on the podcast. 


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Jul 14, 202256:04
#14: How To Skip Small Talk & Cultivate Deeper Connections in Your Social Circles

#14: How To Skip Small Talk & Cultivate Deeper Connections in Your Social Circles

Helena, founder of BARE Project in Beijing, joins us to share about diving deeper in connections and conversations with people through events, workshops, and more. She talks about her own experience with loneliness in Beijing, why small talk at parties makes her anxious, and questions she uses at her events and her personal life to dive deeper. 


She also shares about the Men's Dinner events she started with Date Night China this year that aim to create a space for men to share about challenges in today's society. If you're looking to find deeper friendships and connections in China, this episode is for you! 


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Jul 08, 202253:55
#13: LGBTQ Voices (Pt 2): Dating Apps, Stereotypes, and Finding Communities in China
Jun 30, 202246:54
#12: LGBTQ Voices in China (Pt 1): Best & Worst Date Stories

#12: LGBTQ Voices in China (Pt 1): Best & Worst Date Stories

In this two-part episode, 11 LGBTQ expats and local Chinese folks share their experiences dating in China, in provinces including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Jiangsu and more. In this first part, get ready to hear about love at first sight, catfishing, unicorn hunting, a date with Marvel's hottest Avenger (listen to find out who) and lots of other good and bad date stories! Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.

Show Chapters: 

  • 5:50 Alicia 
  • 7:30 Dani 
  • 9:06 Brian 
  • 11:31 Lydia 
  • 20:32 Cean 
  • 26:25 Natasha 
  • 29:33 Jevon  
  • 31:25 Toria 
  • 32:36 Kiki 
  • 34:55 Catherine 
  • 36:43 Chris

Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Jun 24, 202241:24
#11: Dating in China is Like...

#11: Dating in China is Like...

[VIDEO] We asked people to finish this sentence: "Dating in China is like...."  Is it an adventure? Is it like walking through traffic in China? Is it just like dating anywhere else? Listen to their diverse responses through audio, and check out the full video on YouTube. 


We are excited to announce Date Night China's video launch on YouTube, Bilibili, and WeChat video! We are going to continue sharing stories about dating, relationships, cross-cultural dating differences, mental health, and meaningful connections in China - and video stories are a way to dive deeper with these topics. Follow us on these platforms to see more of our video content! 


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Get in touch and ask for our media interview form! (Add Rachel on WeChat: rachelweiss22) 

Jun 17, 202228:10
#10: Interracial Couple Married Online During Shanghai Lockdown

#10: Interracial Couple Married Online During Shanghai Lockdown

Chaniece, an American who has lived in China for 8 years, just got married to her Chinese partner Terry at the end of lockdown in Shanghai – through Zoom! She shares about meeting him in a Shanghai vegan group, her experience dating as a black woman in China, and what it's been like being in a Black Women / Asian Male relationship (BWAM). Chaniece also talks about how she and Terry handled lockdown in Shanghai, the importance of learning your partner’s culture and language, and why, after 5 years together, they got married online. Follow her on Youtube, IG, Tiktok, and Twitter by searching @thisischaniece.

Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Get in touch and ask for our media interview form! (Add Rachel on WeChat: rachelweiss22)

Date Night China is a digital media brand and international community based in China. We produce a podcast, videos, & articles, and host events that help people connect, expand their cultural perspectives, and share stories related to dating and relationships in China. Follow us on YouTube and WeChat for more video and article content.

Jun 10, 202247:29
#9: Practicing Polyamory: Nesting Partners in China

#9: Practicing Polyamory: Nesting Partners in China

This week we are joined by Haydn, from the US, and Kat, from China, who are polyamorous individuals and nesting partners in China. They share about what being nesting partners means, their rules and boundaries for dating other people, and why they chose to get married in China. 


They also talk about their individual journeys with being polyamorous, misconceptions people have about polyamory, and Haydn talks about meeting one of Kat’s other partners (his metamour).


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Get in touch and ask for our media interview form! (Add Rachel on WeChat: rachelweiss22)

Jun 03, 202201:07:50
#8: Founders of Beijing LGBTQ Groups

#8: Founders of Beijing LGBTQ Groups

This week Mark and Catherine join the podcast to talk about LGBTQ communities in Beijing. Mark, host of the Piquing Duck Platform and Podcast, talks about googling gay bars in Beijing before he came to China and how his all-inclusive LGBTQI group ‘Beijing Friend Zone’ was founded. Catherine, co-organizer of Beijing Queer Women’s Circle, shares about her own personal journey with sexuality and why she wanted to create a safe space for queer women in Beijing. The group also discusses the difficulties of being admin of groups and how allies can support LGBTQ+ initiatives.
May 28, 202201:04:07
#7: Nico & Jack: Creative Couple Working Together in China

#7: Nico & Jack: Creative Couple Working Together in China

What’s it like working with your significant other? Nico and Jack, a content creator husband and wife duo from the U.K, join us to talk about their YouTube travel channel (Nico Films) and how building a brand together in China has strengthened their relationship. They also share about getting married in China, how they balance professional and personal time, and behind-the-scenes of filming their videos. Nathan and Rachel also share some of their experiences working together on Date Night China as a couple, and at the end the couples all play a couple’s edition of Who Is Most Likely!

About our guests: Jack and Nico are a content creator husband and wife duo from the U.K. They have been living in China for 5 years making videos for their NicoFilms YouTube Channel about life and travel in China. They like to travel off the beaten path and create visually compelling stories about the places they have visited. They have been featured on CGTN, ITV and worked with many brands in and outside of China.


4:05 Getting married in China

8:30 Why they started NicoFilms

12:57 Their shared passion but different creative roles

20:10 Challenges of working together

25:00 Setting boundaries

35:59 Top tip for couples: travel together

39:00 What happens BTS with filming?

49:25 Why it’s just Nico - not Nico and Jack

52:00 Who is more likely


May 19, 202201:05:10
#6: Catfishing & Tinder Scams: Dating Online in China

#6: Catfishing & Tinder Scams: Dating Online in China

This week 10 China daters join the DNC hosts to dive into the murky waters of catfishing, the art of misleading or lying about who you are online to pursue deceptive online relationships. We hear some crazy China catfishing stories, from encountering heavily filtered photos and online bots, to a Tinder tale of horror, a surprising “group catfish” experience, and more. We also discuss the more modern, yet equally baffling, “voice fishing”, a new phenomenon where people alter their accent, dialect or tone in an attempt to sound more sexy or desirable.


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL


May 12, 202250:05
#5: Meet a “Yangxifu”: The Foreign Wife of a Chinese Man

#5: Meet a “Yangxifu”: The Foreign Wife of a Chinese Man

This week we talk to Jocelyn Eikenburg, an American woman and writer who is married to Jun, a Chinese national from Hangzhou. We discuss her experience as a “yangxifu 洋媳妇” (the foreign wife of a Chinese man), stereotypes of being in a WWAM (Western Women Asian Men) relationship, and how she found community with other foreign women who are married to Chinese men. 

About Jocelyn: Jocelyn Eikenburg is a writer and blogger. Her marriage to Jun, a Chinese national from Hangzhou, ultimately inspired her to blog on her site “Speaking of China”. She has been interviewed by the BBC about her blog and cross-cultural marriage and appeared on CCTV.  You can find her writing in The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, the anthologies "How Does One Dress to Buy Dragonfruit?" and "Unsavory Elements", and other publications. Jocelyn has blogged about topics such as being a yangxifu (the foreign wife of a Chinese man) in China, interracial/cross-cultural relationships (including related stereotypes and racism), and books and authors that appeal to her readership.

Join our DNC community! Find Date Night China on WeChat by searching: datenightchina. You can also join our WeChat group by adding Rachel on Wechat: rachelweiss22

May 06, 202248:59
#4: Black Expats and Building Communities in Beijing

#4: Black Expats and Building Communities in Beijing

This week we have a round table chat with 3 black expats & entrepreneurs about their media platforms and businesses in Beijing. They share how building a community is integral to their lives here, how COVID has made them more intentional with relationships, and they share about their love lives. Our guests discuss dating and one person reveals how they survived a kidnapping attempt in China - can you guess who it is? Listen to find out!

Our guests:

  • Kindall Tyson is a licensed therapist from Texas, owner of Aspire Counseling and Wellness Center, and host of the Black & Abroad web series.
  • Dr. Shannon Evans (Dr. Baby) is from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, has a PhD in Counselor Education Supervision and hosts the Brown Girl in Beijing Podcast.
  • Shagi Defoe is from the Commonwealth of Dominica, has been a Beijing expat for 16 years, and works in F&B and Marketing in Beijing (LARRY THE BIRD, etc.)


Interested in sharing your story for a video or the podcast? Fill out our media interview form: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/zwpDxYL

Apr 28, 202254:47
#3: Would You Discuss Mental Health On A First Date?

#3: Would You Discuss Mental Health On A First Date?

Is talking about mental health on a first date a red flag or green flag? This week we’ve asked several China daters to tell us how they would feel if their date mentioned they were seeing a therapist on a first date. And on top up that, we’ve brought in a licensed therapist to respond! Xiaojie is a therapist who founded CandleX, an organization dedicated to bringing knowledge, awareness, and support on mental health to the international community in China. We'll discuss how to bring up mental health you’re dating and also ask Xiaojie what it's like dating as a therapist. 


1:58 Meet Xiaojie, licensed therapist and founder of CandleX in Beijing

2:38 How would you feel if someone brought up mental health on a first date?

3:18 Three positive responses to sharing about mental health

9:55 One response on why it’s not good to share on a first date

11:44 Going step by step with a relationship, vulnerability vs oversharing

15:27 What’s the intention behind sharing information?

18:14 Therapy used as a buzzword or status

23:48 Knowing when and how to share about mental health

27:56 What’s it like dating as a therapist?


Join our DNC community! Find Date Night China on WeChat by searching: datenightchina. You can also join our WeChat group by adding Rachel on Wechat: rachelweiss22

Apr 22, 202232:46
#2: Chinese Women & The Stigma of Being Single

#2: Chinese Women & The Stigma of Being Single

Traditionally in China if you were female and unmarried by the age of 27, the term "leftover women" (shèngnǚ 剩女) was used to describe your social status. But nowadays, many Chinese women have more economic independence without the same pressure as before. In this episode we talk to 3 Chinese women about the pressures single women face and how the term "leftover women" has changed. We also discuss beauty standards, how Chinese women are portrayed in media, and how to fight the stigma of being single. 


Join our DNC community! Find Date Night China on WeChat by searching: datenightchina. You can also join our WeChat group by adding Rachel on Wechat: rachelweiss22

Apr 15, 202252:54
#1: Expats Dating in China in 2022

#1: Expats Dating in China in 2022

How do expats feel about dating in China in 2022? Since COVID began, the dating landscape in China has changed, with many expats stuck outside China or deciding to leave for good. The expats who stayed through COVID might be approaching dating and relationships differently. In this episode we’ve asked 7 expats in Beijing how they feel dating has changed in China, if people are being more intentional with dating, and what they predict for their dating lives this year.


1:00 Welcome back to Date Night China!

5:45 How has the dating landscape changed in China since COVID?

6:10 Expat Circles in Beijing

16:00 Are people more intentional with dating in China now?

16:20 “Fight or flight or fuck” – Lebo

17:20 Be upfront about who you are - Kelly

22:55 Expat lifestyle being transient China – Aleese

25:02 COVID makes us realize our volatility of life in China - Mark

28:28 Relationship changes during COVID

32:00 What people predict for their dating lives this year in China

32:05 Being okay with silence – Cale

32:45 Focus on the now but have conversations about the future – Kelly

34:20 Building connections here in China - Mike

35:18 Figure out your hobbies and like – Valentine

36:49 “Don’t date in China” – Aleese

37:39 Aiming for stillness -Mark

Join our DNC community! Find Date Night China on WeChat by searching: datenightchina. You can also join our WeChat group by adding Rachel on Wechat: rachelweiss22

Apr 08, 202244:59
Date Night China Season 3 PROMO

Date Night China Season 3 PROMO

Date Night China is back with Season 3! China is such an international melting pot, and at Date Night China we’re all about exploring how expats and Chinese people alike connect here.

This podcast is not just about dating – it’s also about having healthy relationships with yourself, your partner if you have one, as well as the other people in your social circles that make life meaningful in China.

Find Date Night China on WeChat by searching: datenightchina. You can also join our WeChat group by adding Rachel on Wechat: rachelweiss22

Apr 01, 202202:20
Episode 12: The Best of Season 2!

Episode 12: The Best of Season 2!

It’s been an incredible season and it was difficult to decide what to discuss for the last episode. We wanted to remember the good times and share some golden moments from season 2.

We’ve covered so much this season so if you’ve missed out on a few episodes don’t worry, this will catch you up and you can always go back and listen to the full episode. Also, hear some bonus material from the hosts, reflecting on the guests and the topics covered this season!

Episodes covered in this special episode are No.2, No.4, No.5, No.7, No.8 & No.10. To listen to these individual episodes in full, scroll down to listen to the full story!

Thanks for supporting DNC and you'll hear from us in Season 3, in the meantime, check out our platforms and events to keep in touch with the dating and relationship community in China!

Feb 08, 202157:58
Episode 11: Crazy Sex Scandals in China

Episode 11: Crazy Sex Scandals in China

Date Night China invites China Untold podcast host Matt Bossons to reveal China's craziest sex scandals! From public masturbation and changing room f***ing to beastiality and online voyeurism - they discuss it all! The hosts also reveal who's a member of the mile high club and how much money they'd charge to pimp themselves out for Chinese Spring Festival. 

Feb 01, 202154:16
Episode 10: Dating to Marriage in 11 Years

Episode 10: Dating to Marriage in 11 Years

On this episode we speak to Shagi and Ully Defoe who have been together for a whopping 11 years. And the cherry on top is they met right here in Beijing! During the episode we hear their secrets on keeping the spark alive, lessons from their dating journey, maintaining a long-term relationship, how to get past cheating, and advice for China daters looking for lasting love!


Follow Date Night China on our Official Wechat Account for the latest articles and upcoming events! Search "datenightchina" on Wechat.

Jan 25, 202155:13
Episode 9: Ethical Non-Monogamy

Episode 9: Ethical Non-Monogamy

Are nonmonogamous relationships just an excuse to sleep around? Or are there misconceptions surrounding these types of relationships? Our guest this week is Osaka, who has lived abroad for 10+ years and has had several types of nonmonogomous relationships in China. Osaka shares about ethical nonmonogamy, boundaries with a primary partner, and why it's important to be introspective and honest about what you're looking for when dating. El also tells us which Pokemon she'd like to f#@! Add Rachel on Wechat to join the DNC Wechat group or share a story: rachelweiss22
Jan 18, 202101:07:15
Episode 8: Beauty Standards & Dating as a Female Expat

Episode 8: Beauty Standards & Dating as a Female Expat

Do beauty standards affect how people date in China? Eleanor, Rachel, and Boitha discuss prevalent beauty standards in China and the pressures expat women face because of them. We also read out responses from other China female daters and dig into the question: is it more difficult for expat women to date in China than expat men?

Jan 11, 202152:52
Episode 7: New Year's Kiss

Episode 7: New Year's Kiss

Bringing in the New Year hosts Nathan, Rachel and Eleanor hear some funny, tragic and embarrassing stories from the DNC fans. Nathan shares about the only time he's worn eyeliner, Eleanor tells us how many clothes she left at a bar on NYE in Nanjing, and Rachel tries out her British accent. 

Follow Date Night China on our Official Wechat Account for the latest articles and upcoming events! Search "datenightchina" on Wechat.

Jan 04, 202127:49
Episode 6: The All-Guy Episode!

Episode 6: The All-Guy Episode!

Dick pics, best first date for a guy, sex acts and dealing with toxic masculinity - the guys discuss all this and more in DNC first all-guy episode!

Dec 28, 202055:16
Episode 5: Interracial Dating & Kinks in Beijing

Episode 5: Interracial Dating & Kinks in Beijing

This week the DNC hosts are joined by Mark, a Kenyan man who has lived in Beijing for 3 years. Mark shares why he and his partner moved to China together and the challenges they faced here as an interracial couple. We also discuss racial preferences and fetishes with dating in China, and Mark tells us about some niche kinks in Beijing involving white sneakers!

Dec 21, 202050:12
Episode 4: Dating A Friend’s Ex

Episode 4: Dating A Friend’s Ex

Would you date a friend’s ex? Boitha, Rachel and Nathan discuss the very tricky situations people find themselves in when they blur friendship lines with matters of the heart.

For some China daters who live in this country of 1.5 billion people, the dating pool can still feel quite small, so is all fair in love and war… or is dating a friend’s ex a betrayal? China daters share their own stories and impart their wisdom.

Dec 14, 202048:58
Episode 3: Catfish Me Not

Episode 3: Catfish Me Not

Ever met a date who isn’t as they seemed online in China? Being catfished isn’t just done by looks nowadays, but also personality, morals, and demeanor. The hosts share stories from China daters who have been catfished and discuss how they feel about people who post heavily filtered photos on Tinder and Tantan.


Follow our official Wechat Account for more articles and fun! Search "datenightchina" on Wechat.

Dec 07, 202050:11
Episode 2: How 2 Become 1

Episode 2: How 2 Become 1

How do you make space for a partner in a new relationship? How do you hold on to your individuality whilst making room for someone new in your life? In this episode we discuss new relationships and navigating past the “honeymoon” period in China.


Follow our official Wechat Account for more articles and fun! Search "datenightchina" on Wechat.

Dec 07, 202054:02
Episode 1: Second Dates

Episode 1: Second Dates

We are back!! We are starting season 2 with "Second Dates." The hosts discuss what kind of 2nd dates are best and share stories from listeners about their 2nd date experiences. Also: what do you do when your dates has a whole smurf village back at their place?! 😂😳

Join Rachel, Nathan and Eleanor and our brand new season 2 guest host, Boitha as we get stuck in!

Follow our official Wechat Account for more articles and fun! Search "datenightchina" on Wechat.
Dec 07, 202045:23
Date Night China Season 2 TRAILER

Date Night China Season 2 TRAILER

Date Night China is back with season 2! Are you ready to get stuck in? Join the Date Night community through our podcast and events, and catch up on the latest stories on our official WeChat account.

Nov 01, 202000:37
Episode 20: The Break Up

Episode 20: The Break Up

Episode 20: The Break Up. Join Rachel, Eleanor and Nathan one last time this season as we explore the highs and lows of break ups with our guest Morag. We discuss being the dumpee and being dumped. We also talk about how to navigate dating and break ups in China.
Jun 19, 202049:59
Episode 19: Personality Types and Love: Where to Meet Your Next Date in China

Episode 19: Personality Types and Love: Where to Meet Your Next Date in China

Does your personality type play into how and where you date in China? If you’re not a crazy party animal, where do you go out to meet people? In this episode we’ll discuss different types of personalities and daters in China, and also some tips for approaching people when you’re out in China – whether you’re looking for a date or meeting new people.

Jun 08, 202052:02