About Sofa Lounge
Not just a community.
An ecosystem.
Sofa Lounge is a creative and social community for foreigners in China — built around real connections, shared experiences, and the local knowledge that makes life here actually work.
Our story
Started in Shaoxing. Built for everywhere.
Sofa Lounge was founded in 2024 in Shaoxing, where a growing number of international students and young creatives were arriving — but landing in a city with no real infrastructure to connect them.
Many felt isolated. Opportunities existed but weren't visible. Local communities and international residents rarely mixed. Talented people left for bigger cities simply because they didn't know what was available locally.
We built Sofa Lounge to close that gap — starting in Shaoxing, and expanding to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and beyond.
Mission
“This project is not just a community. It's an ecosystem designed to improve how China attracts, integrates, and retains young creative talent.”
Values
What we stand for
No gatekeeping
Every opportunity, resource, and connection on Sofa Lounge is open. We don't hide things behind paywalls or cliques.
Real over polished
We write in plain language, share honest stories, and show real numbers. No inflated stats, no corporate speak.
Community is earned
We don't just say the word. We show it — through member stories, city chapters, events, and the people you actually meet.
Local knowledge matters
The best advice about living in China comes from people doing it. We surface that knowledge and make it accessible.
What we do
More than a listings board
Sofa Lounge is a community hub and China survival guide in one. We run regular events, workshops, and mentorship programmes that bring people together in real life — not just in a group chat.
Monthly community meetups
Networking, lectures and creative sessions
Creative workshops
Design, crafts, branding and hands-on skills
Guest speaker sessions
Collaborations with creatives and industry professionals
Mentorship programme
Connecting creatives with experienced professionals
Resource hub
Tutorials, guides and educational content
Cultural exchange
Cross-community initiatives with local residents
Want to be part of this?
Join the community or get in touch to partner with us.