Last spring, the Penghao Theater presented “RENT a White Guy: The Musical,” about an average American Joe who found himself in great demand, sexually and professionally, moments after setting foot in the Middle Kingdom. Offensive, yes; exaggerated, sure. But it was a scene about fed-up, single expat women that was a particular hit with the audience, drawing applause mixed with sighs of recognition. Beijing expats—especially women—seem to have a particularly grim view of dating prospects in the world capital we call home.

Is Beijing really so difficult for single women? In a word, yes. But the “white guys are only into Asian women” line is only a small part of the picture. “It’s more psychological,” says Merritt Wilson, a four-year veteran of the Beijing dating scene. “Many women might hear that or think that. Then even if it isn’t true, they might not pursue a guy based on that assumption.” Plus, social stigmas, as well as often significant cultural, financial and linguistic differences, mean that relationships between expat women and local men still remain the exception rather than the norm.

Some expat men, on the other hand, may not have many prospects back home, but can find themselves overwhelmed by interested women—and men, for that matter—once they arrive in Beijing, says Dr. Robert Blinn, a clinical psychologist based in Beijing for the past eight years. This, too, can lead to trouble. “If you’re coming over here and expecting to have a healthy relationship and you act like a kid in a candy store,” says Dr. Blinn, too many sweets are going to make you sick. Just hopefully not with an STD.

“Part of this is due to the ‘bright lights big city’ environment,” says Allison Johnson of Fishbowl Events, a local singles event organizer. But Beijing is a particularly transient city, where few plan to settle permanently. “Since love and relationships are so often about timing, the chances of finding someone attractive and interesting who also plans on staying in Beijing for the same duration, limits the possibilities,” she says.

Next steps can also quickly become complicated in an international town like Beijing. If a girl from Oakland falls for a guy from Auckland, where in the world will they go next? Knowing this in advance, those looking for serious relationships narrow the field further. For logistical reasons, “you want to look for someone who’s from your own country or region,” says Wilson. And, she says, someone you know well in China may reveal a different side of their personality once they return home.

But in spite of the odds, love finds a way. As Florian Lee Tea of singles event group Adoptaman, puts it: “The success stories are always when people don’t come back.”

Singles Solutions

Looking for love in all the wrong places? Don’t throw in the dating towel without checking out events from these local singles groups first. With everything from topless hikes to speed dating nights, there’s a little something for every lonely soul looking for company in the capital.

Adoptaman: Inspired by the French dating site AdopteUnMec, this group hosts a variety of speed-dating events and parties, from volleyball to “topless” hiking to self-defense classes. Many events are free. Up to September 30, ladies can enter the “Who Runs the World” photo contest for a chance to win an iPhone 4 and other prizes.

Champagne Encounters: This singles group hosts its events at Touch Bar in the Westin and aims squarely (no pun intended) at the busy, white-collar professional crowd. Ticket price of ¥150 includes a glass of the bubbly stuff, and the bar stocks a huge selection of vodka, which could be helpful later depending how your night goes.

Speed Dating: Speed dating specialists since 2007, Fishbowl Events organizers Allison Johnson and Ola Zdzarska keep the men rotating every six minutes. In case anyone should lose their cool after too many liquid libations, take comfort that Johnson is a UC Berkeley-trained, certified conflict mediator. The next event is September 25.