Beijing Kilt Community

[Bluethunder90]

Though I've been around this forum for a while I still have not been able to buy my first kilt, however, I'm moving to Beijing next week to work and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a kilt community in Beijing? This job should afford me the opportunity to buy my first Kilt and I wondered if there is a community there that I can associate with while kilted or if I'm going to be the only Westerner wandering around Beijing in a kilt?

[kingandrew]

I used to live in Beijing, although now I reside in Shenzhen, just outside Hong Kong.

There is a Beijing Scottish Society, which organizes a variety of events where you'll find fellow kilt-wearers: https://beijingscottishsociety.org/

Beijing is also home to the British embassy, as well as several British curriculum international schools (British School of Beijing, Dulwich College, etc.), so there are more men with kilts than you might expect.

This past spring, Beijing held its first ever Highland Games. Here is a post about the event, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce, which was one of the sponsoring organizations: https://beijing.austcham.org/event/e...ighland-games/

So I think you may find a number of opportunities to attend kilted events.

I can tell you from my own experience, every time you wear the kilt in Beijing, you will be the subject of much friendly curiosity. The locals will be excited to get pictures with you and will ask questions about your outfit. You will hear passersby say "say-goo-lawn," which is the Chinese name for Scotland. Women will be especially interested in your outfit, which is a great advantage if you are a single man.

I never got anything but compliments and curiosity from the locals. So it will all be good-natured and friendly. But be aware that you will not go unnoticed in a kilt, and be prepared to enjoy the attention.

If you are ever in southern China, you should look up the Hong Kong Highlanders, who hold many parties, dances, and other activities during the year.

Happy kilting!

Andrew

[Bluethunder90]

I used to live in Beijing, although now I reside in Shenzhen, just outside Hong Kong.

There is a Beijing Scottish Society, which organizes a variety of events where you'll find fellow kilt-wearers: https://beijingscottishsociety.org/

Beijing is also home to the British embassy, as well as several British curriculum international schools (British School of Beijing, Dulwich College, etc.), so there are more men with kilts than you might expect.

This past spring, Beijing held its first ever Highland Games. Here is a post about the event, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce, which was one of the sponsoring organizations: https://beijing.austcham.org/event/e...ighland-games/

So I think you may find a number of opportunities to attend kilted events.

I can tell you from my own experience, every time you wear the kilt in Beijing, you will be the subject of much friendly curiosity. The locals will be excited to get pictures with you and will ask questions about your outfit. You will hear passersby say "say-goo-lawn," which is the Chinese name for Scotland. Women will be especially interested in your outfit, which is a great advantage if you are a single man.

I never got anything but compliments and curiosity from the locals. So it will all be good-natured and friendly. But be aware that you will not go unnoticed in a kilt, and be prepared to enjoy the attention.

If you are ever in southern China, you should look up the Hong Kong Highlanders, who hold many parties, dances, and other activities during the year.

Happy kilting!

Andrew

That is awesome information! There are a lot more kilt opportunities than I ever imagined. Thank you for the info!