^^
Where are the Chinese? Most photos of China show hordes of Chinese.
You are in Qingdao, yes?. Which is on the eastern seaboard with Korea and Japan very close. It is the No. 1 city in the province.
It appears to be an old established city similar to Bangkok, commercial ports, industry, provincial administration, yes?
How does it differ, if at all? Do the urban Chinese emulate the urban Thais? Are they at similar "levels" of wealth, social activities, education, what % of your Chinese contacts speak English enough to hold a conversation with them, etc.?
Your encounter at the gym suggests "newcomers" are not exactly welcomed by "old hands", would that be your opinion so far, or "it's too early to tell"?
What are the "social" media sites like, surely there are lots of felang and Chinese advertising "get together opportunities". if not start one.
From my past experiences wandering around the cities alone in the evenings, looking for somewhere to eat, there are always "forward ladies" who want to practice their "English Skills", for a price. Similar to Bangkok.