Pick up a hobby: horse riding, folk music, ethnic dance and more

✅ Updated Jun 2026

Living in China is a chance to learn things that are hard to find elsewhere, usually at very reasonable prices. You can take up traditional Chinese folk music (民乐) — the guzheng, erhu, pipa, or dizi flute — through affordable lessons in most cities. Ethnic and folk dance (民族舞), from graceful Han classical styles to the vibrant traditions of the Tibetan, Dai, Uyghur, and Mongolian peoples, is taught in studios and community classes. For the outdoors, you can go horseback riding (骑马) on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Gansu, or at riding clubs near the big cities. Other popular pursuits include tai chi, calligraphy, tea ceremony, mahjong, and badminton. Search classes on Dianping or Xiaohongshu, or ask on the Ask-a-Local board — many teachers happily welcome beginners and foreigners.