圈子 as 'social circle' is hugely common -
朋友圈子,
娱乐圈 (entertainment industry),
学术圈 (academic circles). WeChat's social feed is literally called
朋友圈 (Moments), using this same concept of 'circle.'
兜圈子 means to go around in circles, both literally and figuratively (beating around the bush).
