Is Beijing a Good Place to Live in?

Beijing, China’s capital and largest city, is an exciting and vibrant place to live and work. Its history and culture are among the richest in the world and it has an amazing mix of modernity, tradition and bustling energy. But, is Beijing the right place for you?

To help you decide whether Beijing is the right fit for you, we’ve put together a guide to living in Beijing – from cost of living to quality of life and more.

Cost of Living in Beijing

The cost of living in Beijing is higher compared to other Chinese cities and below the global average – but definitely cheaper than other large cities like Tokyo or London.

Rent prices range significantly in the city depending on the area and whether or not you’re renting a furnished apartment. A two-bedroom apartment in a central area like Chaoyang or Dongcheng will cost between 4,000-10,000 RMB per month. Prices drop significantly in outlying areas, especially in the north and west areas of the city.

Food and domestic items are usually quite affordable. Basic consumer goods like toiletries, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and everyday groceries can be found easily with prices ranging anywhere from $0.25USD – $2.00USD (1.7 – 14RMB).

Transportation

Saving on transportation costs can be a great way to make living in Beijing more feasible on a budget. The subway system is expansive, convenient, and affordable — a single journey will typically cost anywhere from 3-9RMB, depending on the distance traveled. Buses are even more economical with fares ranging from 1-5RMB.
For those who don’t like public transportation, taxis are a common way for commuters to get around the city — starting at 10-13RMB depending on the time of day — but come with extra expenses like gas, tolls, and parking fees, depending on the route.

Job Opportunities

The job market in Beijing is competitive and opportunities depend largely upon experience and qualifications. For those seeking long-term employment, Beijing has several large companies that offer foreign nationals opportunities — think Huawei, Microsoft, Dell — as well as a variety of international startups in technology and other hot areas like artificial intelligence and e-commerce.

For those looking for shorter-term work or freelance opportunities, there are plenty of job boards such as echinacities.com which offer insights into the expat community and job opportunities in Beijing. Great websites lists have been provided by thebeijinger.com.

Culture &Quality of Life in Beijing

Beijing is a vibrant city with endless cultural and entertainment activities to explore— the food scene is renowned around the world and there are plenty of entertainment spots, shopping centers, and tourist sites to visit: from the Forbidden City to the Olympic Green Village. The entire city is filled with incredible hutongs as well as restaurants and bars to suit every budget – from local street food to upscale European cuisine.

The biggest challenge that many expats face is pollution – Beijing’s air quality has become an issue due to industrialization and environmental regulations have not been strictly enforced since the 1990s. While the air quality has improved in recent years it can still be problematic for those with chronic respiratory issues or allergies.

The Bottom Line: Is Beijing a Good Place to Live?

All things considered, Beijing is an exciting city with plenty of opportunity for work, recreation, and cultural experiences – all while offering lower-than-average costs of living compared to other large global cities. Depending on personal preferences and needs, Beijing could be an excellent place to settle down or pass through for an amazing experience of living abroad in China.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Shanghai

Shanghai is a city that’s full of hidden gems, rich history, unique traditions, and flavorful cuisine. Here’s an insightful insider’s guide to exploring the best of Shanghai, beyond the typical tourist spots.

Discover Hidden Gems

Shanghai is full of fascinating cultural and historical sites that are lesser-known but as intriguing as the popular ones. One such place is the Shanghainese Wet Market. It is a fascinating, bustling market that is bursting with local produce, seafood, and vivacious energy. Another local treasure is the Jiuxing Folk & Culture Museum; you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating folklore and see fantastic examples of Chinese art.

Brave the Culinary Delights

Shanghai food culture is synonymous with dumplings, but not many know that the city is also home to the world-famous Shanghainese dim sum. The unique flavors of xiaolongbao and wonton with soup, coupled with the locals’ hospitality, will leave a delightful aftertaste. Visit the Vintage Ferris Wheel dining area to find an array of global cuisine, backed by a unique, mesmerizing view.

Experience the Culture Scene

Shanghai is a city that celebrates art and music, and you won’t want to miss the live performances and events. Take a stroll along the Huangpu River, and you’ll find the Shanghai International Dance Center. They organize a wide variety of world-class performances, such as ballet, modern dance, and traditional Chinese dance. You can also catch a glimpse of city life and scenic landscapes at Monganshan Artists’ Colony.

Uncover Local History

Shanghai is a city steeped in history, from its early maritime past to the rise of communism. One must-visit location is the Jade Buddha Temple, which holds two jade Buddha made from Burma. It’s a tranquil retreat to find inner peace and learn more about Buddhism and Chinese religion and culture. Another destination with a rich cultural past is the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, housing a vast collection of propaganda posters from the 1930s to the 1970s that tell a story of the various phases of the Chinese Revolution.

Go Off the Beaten Path

There’s more to Shanghai than the Bund or the Oriental Pearl Tower. Take a day trip to the neighboring city of Suzhou to see one of China’s oldest towns that still retain its beautiful classical gardens, gazebos and the famous canal. For a scenic hike, the Sheshan National Forest Park, home to the Sheshan Basilica, offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline and tranquil nature trails.

Shanghai is a city full of surprises, and if you take the time to explore its hidden gems, exciting cuisine, rich culture, history, and offbeat locations, you’ll fall in love with it in no time. A trip to Shanghai is an unforgettable experience that you’ll want to share with others!