Through the lens of co-cultural theory, this study explored how Chinese international students navigate various challenges as they build friendships with their domestic peers and how their friendship experiences affected their well-being. Semi-structured interviews were used to elicit rich narratives from cultural insiders. This study expanded the existing body of literature on Chinese international students by demonstrating their experiences during the process of friendship establishment. It highlighted co-cultural communicative practices that Chinese international students find effective in making intimate contacts with US students. Practical implications to US universities are also discussed.