Beijing Expats Guide

Travel Tips

History

Visa and Permit Procedure

Living in Beijing

Healthcare

Entertainment

Beijing Expat Travel Tips

Beijing offers a wealth of historic and political sites to visit so you will always have something to do on the weekends. The city of Beijing , the capital of China , is spread widely past several ring roads with the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square serving as the heart of the ancient city. Beijing currently has four operating subway lines but has need for additions to reach the outlying districts such as Haidian as well as several others. A walk around the Summer Palace or Hou Hai Hu would be more than a relaxing way to take in the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture on a sunny day. The Great Wall is less than 40 minutes away by bus and sections could be walked in an afternoon, returning you home by nightfall.

History

Beijing has a very rich and riveted historical past. Serving originally as a trading town for tribes as early as 1000 B.C., the city has changed hands between various historic invaders throughout the last 2000 years such as Genghis Khan, who actually burnt it to the ground, and his son Kublai Khan. Nanjing served as China 's capital for 35 years before returning to Beiping which was renamed Beijing . The city greatly expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties until the fall of the Qing in 1911. The city was then taken over by the Nationalist Party (Guomindang) and Warlords until the city was invaded by the Japanese Army in the early years of World War II. After the Nationalists receded to Chongqing , a Civil War between the CCP (Gongchangdang) and the GMD persisted until the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The city was stripped during the first few decades of Communism in China and as the Cultural Revolution “reformed” and “renewed” Chinese society many buildings in the city changed as well. Modern history of the city includes the 1989 pro-democracy protests on Tiananmen Square , which were brutally crushed by the government, while shopping malls and other capitalist venues were built in major cities all over the country. Since, the city continues to remain the nation's landmark for patriotism as well as host for the 2008 Olympics.

Visa and Permit Procedures

If you are planning to live in Beijing , work, or go to university, you will need to follow specific government procedures in order to avoid excess fees and trouble with the Chinese authorities. If you are working or studying in Beijing , you will need to obtain either a work (Z) or a student visa. These visas should be sponsored by your employer or school. Prior to attaining the visa, you and your family will have to undertake a health examination and receive a certificate of good health. This is done to assure that no one is bringing infectious diseases or STDS, such as AIDS, into China . Once you have received your health certificate, you must take a copy of the certificate, your passport, two passport sized photos, a copy of your degree or letter of enrollment, an offer letter for employment, and an application form. The same will be needed for a residence visa which must be pursued after 30 days of receiving your work visa and should also be sponsored through your company or school especially if they are providing the accommodations. Please contact your national consulate (see our list of embassies ) for more information regarding the legalities of living and working in Beijing .

Living in Beijing

Flat rentals in Beijing vary in price depending on your desires and expectations. A basic 60sqm apartment, fully furnished with appliances, should cost around 2800 RMB. Utilities should cost around 200+ per month and an additional 130 for Internet each month. Basic meals will cost about 30-40 RMB all the way up to 400 RMB depending on your palate. Cost of living in Beijing can be significantly higher than other parts of China, but it is cheaper in comparison to Hong Kong or Shanghai. A coke costs about 2.8 RMB, 15RMB for a Big Mac, taxi services start at 10RMB, and good Chinese dish will cost about 15RMB. If you are planning on going to Expat bars or restaurants expect to pay 30RMB for a beer and 35-40 for western style dishes. The cheapest way to get around and live in Beijing is to assimilate. Take the subway, 3-4 RMB each way, walk for free, bus fares are1-2 RMB and eat at local restaurants for about 38-40 RMB meals for two.

Healthcare

There are many hospitals and clinics located all over Beijing . For the most up-to-date list, contact your national consulate for the best listing of hospitals, physicians, and clinics. (Please see our list of China Hospitals as well) International health insurance is becoming increasingly more popular as the Chinese healthcare system is strained with higher populations and health awareness, individuals and families require adequate international insurance coverage as prices rise. If you are not covered by your employer or school, there are several different expatriate health insurance plans available through our website. Please contact one of our customer service representatives who can help you choose the best health insurance China plan for you and your family. We work with over 60 of the worlds top insurance companies and can help find the right medical insurance China plan for you.

Entertainment

The most popular areas for nightlife entertainment in Beijing are located in Chaoyang, Hou Hai, and Sanlitun. These are havens for Expats, travelers, business men and women, as well as wealthy Chinese. However, if you are looking for some good wholesome fun which doesn't involve pubs and bars, there are tons of historical sites to visit both in and around Beijing . Bicycle rentals are popular in Beijing , but should not be recommended as a means of travel unless you are very familiar with the city. Daily bicycle rentals can be found for 25-30 RMB a day with a 100-200 RMB deposit. There are several things to do around Tiananmen Square such as visiting the Forbidden City , Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and Wangfujing Dajie – an expensive but trendy street just a few blocks away from Tiananmen.

The Summer Palace , as well as the Old Summer Palace , is a great site to visit which can easily fill an afternoon or a whole day with ancient temples, beautiful buildings, and a boat ride across the lake. There are also several Great Wall sites to visit such as: Simatai, Mutianyu, and the modern looking Badaling, which are highly recommended for daytrips. The city is riddled with Daoist and Buddhist temples as well as Confucian examination centers. There will be plenty to fill up your weekends while living in Beijing .

For more information about China, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.

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