EVERY second Saturday afternoon, the home of Changning Walkers Club at Changning District Workers' Culture Palace is filled with fun and laughter. It's a global village with members from more than 10 countries, including the United States, France, Spain, Russia and China.

Despite the name, talking not walking is on the agenda at the club.

The language and cultural exchange club started six years ago with just a few members and four native speakers from the US, Germany, Japan and France.

They sit around the table and chat on topics ranging from Chinese traditional culture to work and everyday life. The atmosphere is very relaxed, with everyone, including beginners encouraged to express their views and ideas.

The native speakers play the role of teacher to correct the pronunciation and grammar, while Chinese members teach them about Chinese culture.

The club, supported by Changning District Worker’s Culture Palace, is attracting more and more young white-collar office workers, college students and native speakers.

Besides regular free conversation sessions, members develop some themed activities featuring guitar, dancing and drama.

“Topics cover everything from film and fashion to technology and daily life. Sometimes I bring props to make the topics more vivid. We talk about things very close to our lives — I even discuss how to deal with my mother-in-law with some members. Here I can find a sense of belonging,” says a British member called Diana, who has been a member for two years.

For guitar class, the organizers invite professional musicians to give a talk or perform. For a Spanish night, Liron Man from Israel played flamenco guitar, accompanying a Taiwanese flamenco dancer.

“China is a fascinating place with a rich history and culture. If I can, I will study more Chinese music and try to bring my own culture to make mix of the musical styles,” says Man.

To celebrate traditional festivals, such as Spring Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese members organize outings and themed events.

“It is a very good chance to let foreigners know about our culture,” Situ Zhihao, one of the volunteer organizers says.

“We teach foreigners how to make dumplings, why to eat mooncake during the Mid-Autumn Festival and how to recite poems.”

Dressed in traditional Chinese clothes, foreign members have performed with local residents. They have also learned Kun opera, Yue opera, the tea ceremony and the flute.

“The club is not only a channel to exchange culture, but also a good way to make more friends. It is an ideal stage for the young to show their talents and chase their dreams,” says Li Shuanglong, vice president of the Changning District Union.

The club is growing bigger and bigger because of the enthusiasm of organizers and supporters, says Li.

The non-profit group is supported by passion, patience and love, say organizers.

Director of Changning District Worker’s Culture Palace Bai Di compares the progress of the club as the growth of a baby into a strong adult.

“At first, I interviewed all members before they joined the club. I asked all members to follow the regulations,” says Bai.

“It is not an English corner but a cultural base. I encourage all lovers of culture to join and share their thoughts. It's a family to the members.”

Organizers give up time at their weekends to decorate the room and create a more comfortable environment for the members. “From the very beginning, I've always have a passion to organize and plan every event. Although it’s busy and can be tough, I feel great to have so many Chinese and foreign friends,” say Situ.

Last month saw the group stage its first musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's “The Phantom of the Opera.”

As the director and playing the title role, Lu Hongbo says the club gave him hope and passion when problems with the production almost made him want to give up.

“As a fan of musicals, I’ve always had a dream to direct one myself. When I suggested it, there was a great reaction from members.” say Lu.

Work began last October, and Lu’s cast team met many difficulties, such as with the rehearsal area, light facilities and cast changes. However, with the help of organizers and members, Lu overcame the problems.

“Culture palace director Bai Di taught us how to organize the cast meeting and group organizer Situ Zhihao gave us support with light facilities,” says Lu.

Diana
The UK

I live nearby and am very glad to be a member of the club. The people here are really nice and helpful. We communicate on cultural differences — and I learn lots of Chinese slang!

Jake
The US

I’ve been in the club for two years. The most memorable story is that I was in a foreign team performing a Chinese song on a Labor Day celebration television program. Shanghai feels like a home to me and it’s great to share opinions with classmates, spark thoughts and ideas.

Irina
Russia

Having been here for two years, I think that the club is very active. And it’s doing an important job bringing the Chinese and foreign community in Shanghai closer to each other. We need to have cultural exchanges, learn more about each other and understand each other better. Cultural activities are the best way to do that.

Zhang Shengjie China

I’ve been a member of the club from the very beginning and have very deep feelings for it. My most memorable experience was learning about wine from a South African. He took us to his home and taught us wine tasting. The social activities are very useful and I feel more confident having come here. Growing with the club is a very joyful thing and we hope more and more people will join us.

Jean-Baptiste France

I’ve been in the club since the beginning in 2009. I’m a French teacher in the same building as the club. By chance, I met Bai Di, organizer of the club, and was very interested to join and share French culture. As a foreign teacher, sharing my language and culture with people of different ages and backgrounds is a very enriching experience.

If you want to join the group, just go along to one of its meetings. The next one is on July 18 at 3pm.

Highlight events:

• Join the “Phantom of the Opera”

Are you a fan of the “Phantom of the Opera?” Do you want to take part? The team is holding a workshop and sharing backstage secrets.

Date: July 18

Tel: 6125-3125 ext 812

Venue: Changning District Worker’s Culture Palace

Address: 45 Anxi Rd

• The “Youth Channel Federation” is holding parties in August. Please check the official website www.cnwhg.com.

• Every three months there is a Jazz music night at the club featuring music, talks and dancing.