Being a fresh expat living in Beijing is not a horrible experience at all, even if you can't understand the language, or have few friends to hang out with, as the biggest gathering of the city's foreign community kicks off its third edition of Expat Show in China World Trade Center on Friday afternoon, March 26, 2010.

A staff member of the Lollipop Bakery from London offers candies to visitors at the Expat Show Beijing on Friday, March 26, 2010. [crienglish.com]

As one of the most influential events among the ever-growing expat community in Beijing, this year's Expat Show has attracted over 150 exhibitors and associations to showcase their products and services designed to fulfill the needs of expatriates in the city.

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Besides being exposed to more target customers, the show, now in its third year, offers exhibitors an excellent opportunity to network.

The opening day saw an eye-catching kungfu exhibition followed by Brazilian live music.

Many more activities are planned for Saturday and Sunday, including children's shows organised by international schools, and a number of Samba dances.

Audrey Yu, marketing officer at the World Event Agency, which is behind the event, told CRI this year they've included travel agencies, believing expats in Beijing have an increasing demand for travelling around China and Asia.

A staff member from one of the travel agencies said most of their customers are foreigners, so the tour guides they provide are capable of speaking at least two languages. Adventures and hiking are two of the most frequently chosen themed-tours.

Among the exhibitors, an array of prominent international schools and institutions for children's development have added colour to the event with pupil's paintings and handicraft designed to attract visitors. The idea seems to have worked with many people fascinated by the unique offerings.

Another new feature this year is an appetite raising food festival serving the best of international and local delicacies in stylish cafes, authentic foreign restaurants and high-end hotels. The venue is bustling with crowds enjoying the tasty samples the city has to offer.

This year's Expat Show in Beijing will last three days until Sunday afternoon.