CHAOYANG - Living Abroad in Beijing - page 437

across from the east gate of Chaoyang Park on Dongfeng Nanlu, just off the East Fourth
Ring North Road. There are no subway lines near here, but buses 973 and 988 stop right
outside.
Catholics can attend Mass at the Canadian Embassy, located near Dongzhimen and San-
litun on Dongzhimenwai Dajie. Held by Our Lady of China Beijing, Eucharist is held
in English on Sunday at 10am. The parish also runs religion classes for adults and chil-
dren, fellowship groups, and charity outreach activities. For full information email olcbj-
[e-mail] .
Those of the Jewish faith can attend services at Chabad Lubavitch of Beijing
( www.chabadbeijing.com ) , located at Fangyuan Xilu, beside the New Hope Oncology
Center, next to the south gate of Si De Park. Alternatively, Jewish community Kehillat
Beijing ( www.sinogogue.org ) organizes dinners and meetings with people who want to
worship together. Join them at the Capital Club Athletic Center at Capital Mansion.
Islam is represented at Beijing Changying Mosque ( 北京常营清真寺 , tel. 10/
6548-4914, Arabic services). This ancient mosque was first built during the Ming dynasty
(1368-1644). For overall space it is the largest mosque in suburban Beijing. The main hall
holds 200 to 300 people for prayer. Women are also welcome to pray in the female hall. The
new Line 6 subway has made it easy get here. You'll find it on Chaoyang Beilu halfway
between Huangqu and Changying subway stations.
Alternatively, visit Beijing Nanxiapo Mosque ( 北京南下破清真寺 , 129 Nanxiapo,
Chaoyangmenwai, 朝阳区朝阳门外南下坡129号 , tel. [phone], Arabic services),
which is much closer to the CBD, located near the northwest side of Ritan Park, off Ch-
aowai Er Tiao.
SOCIALIZING AND NETWORKING
The very nature of living in Chaoyang is socializing and networking. Though the city is
large, the expat world is small, and after an evening or two out on the town you'll start to
recognize faces. People know people and six degrees of separation is an overly generous
allowance for connections.
That said, when you first arrive in town, it will help to be a little proactive about building
your social circles. The International Newcomers Network is an obvious place to start, but
FC Group, VIVA Beijing Professional Women's Network, and InterNations also run regular
events at interesting locations around Chaoyang.