When you want to get to know a person better, you probably want to know what his or her hobbies are. People from different countries like to spend their leisure time in different ways, and you might be interested in finding out what Chinese people like to do in their spare time. Well, here are 5 popular hobbies of Chinese people.

5 Most Popular Hobbies of Chinese People

1. Playing Mahjong, 打麻将 (Dǎ Májiàng)

打麻将
Dǎ májiàng
To play mahjong

Mahjong is one of the most famous traditional board games in China. There are many of Mahjong lovers among people of different age groups. The popularity of mahjong across China can be explained by the fact that it allows the players to work out several possible “tactics” to form different combinations of sequences (which is the prerequisite of winning the game) according to its rules. Therefore, a lot of middle-aged and old people are fascinated about mahjong in that they believe it’s a good way to “train their brains”.

Want to learn how to 打麻将 (dǎ májiàng), play mahjong? Mahjong Night at That’s Mandarin is one of the most favorite event, and one more is yet to come. If you are in Shanghai, Beijing or Chengdu on August 30th, join us!

2. Dining Together, 聚餐 (Jù Cān)

聚餐
Jù cān
To dine together

One of the most popular hobbies of Chinese people is having a meal together with friends or family. In China, a joyful get-together at a cozy restaurant is many young people’s first choice when they’re deciding how to spend a Saturday evening. It’s not only because they are passionate about delicious food and wouldn’t like to miss any opportunities to enjoy a scrumptious meal, but also because they are happy to share what is going on in their lives with their friends. Young people in China are keen to discuss some of the interest moments in their friends’ personal lives when having lunch or dinner together.

3. Shopping Online, 网购 (Wǎng Gòu)

网购
Wǎng gòu
To shop online

The increasing number of online shopping platforms provide Chinese people with an opportunity to make purchases with just a few clicks. People can find all kinds of products ranging from daily necessities to books on 淘宝 (táo bǎo) and 京东 (jīng dōng), which are the two most famous online shopping platforms in China. Chinese people show their preferences for online shopping as it is convenient and time-saving. Meanwhile, physical stores still have their ways to “survive” in that many people still prefer to go from one shop to another to choose what they like on the weekend.

Well, if you would also like to buy some new clothes, here is your chance to learn how to refer to different types of clothes in Chinese: men’s and women’s editions.

4. Checking Their Phone

看手机
Kàn shǒujī
To check phone

In China, WeChat is regarded as an app that Chinese people can’t live without. Young people spend hours on their phones every day. The reason is simple: many things like ordering takeaway and booking tickets can be easily done on WeChat. In addition, Uploading pictures and funny videos to WeChat Moments (朋友圈 péng yǒu quān: similar to Instagram) has become part of Chinese people’s daily lives.

5. Staying at Home, 宅在家 (Zhái Zài Jiā)

宅在家
Zhái zài jiā
To stay at home

Some Chinese people (especially girls) like to stay at home after work and on the weekend. As Korean TV dramas are prevalent across China, so being a couch potato is often treated as a hobby. Another reason why a large number of white collars tend to spend their weekends at home is that they’re quite stressed on weekdays and often need to work overtime, and they would like to catch up on some sleep on the weekend.

Take It Further

The topic of hobbies is so rich — we’ve barely scratched the surface!
What is your favorite hobby? Leave your ideas in the comments below!

To find out more interesting facts about Chinese mentality and culture, check out other blog posts of That’s Mandarin.