Given the ever increasing contingent of expatriates coming into the city, networking is an important component of living and working in Beijing, from a business as well as a social perspective. There are a number of organizations and clubs that organize regular gatherings aimed at encouraging communication between foreigners in Beijing. In addition to being an important source of information about Beijing and providing potential networking opportunities, such gatherings are also a source of emotional support to spouses and families who accompany their husbands on foreign postings, as you’ll meet other expatriates living in the city.