Top Beijing Expat Communities 2024
The top expat communities in Beijing can be found within the Chaoyang District, Dongcheng District, Shunyi District, Xicheng District, Haidian District, and Changping District. Each of these districts offers its unique perks to expats and their families.
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Are you researching a move to Beijing? Maybe you don’t know where in Beijing you’d like to live. Or perhaps you already know where but want to know more about where you’ll be living and working.
Keep reading to learn more about the most popular districts for expats. From the famous bars of Sanlitun in Chaoyang District to the villa rental options in the Shunyi district, discover more about the diverse opportunities in Beijing.
This article will offer insights into the climate, air quality, cost of living, and options for medical care in the top expat communities in Beijing.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to find the best health insurance options for expats in Beijing.
Most Popular Expat Communities of 2024 in Beijing
Beijing’s most popular districts for expats are Chaoyang District, Dongcheng District, Shunyi District, Xicheng District, Haidian District, and Changping District. Each district is full of neighborhoods, shops, and options for expats to work and live.
Beijing itself covers an area of 6,500 square miles, so expats should plan on looking for a district that meets their needs. You wouldn’t want to plan on working at one end of Beijing and living on the other.
The good news is that there are lots of areas in Beijing that are ripe with opportunities for expats. The following six districts of Beijing stand out for expats in 2024:
- Chaoyang District
- Dongcheng District
- Shunyi District
- Xicheng District
- Haidian District
- Changping District
For each district, we’ll offer an overview of what expats can expect in terms of average temperatures, the cost of living, hospitals, and air quality.
Want to know more about family life in Beijing? Check out Pacific Prime’s blog post about what to expect in terms of family life in Beijing for expats.
Chaoyang District for Expats
Chaoyang district is home to popular neighborhoods like City Center, Chaoyang Park, Sanlitun, Lido, Shaoyaoju, and Wangjing. It’s also home to most foreign embassies, which makes it very attractive for other expats, too. There are 24 subdistricts and 19 townships in Chaoyang to choose from.
Cost of Living in Chaoyang District
The average cost of living in the Chaoyang District is much more affordable than in major US cities like New York and San Francisco. Housing in Chaoyang will be more expensive than housing further away from the heart of Beijing, but commutes in Beijing are difficult.
Chaoyang District Hospitals
Options for hospitals in Chaoyang district include Beijing International Medical Center, Beijing United Family Hospital, and China-Japan Friendship Hospital. These hospitals offer Western medicine, but traditional Eastern medicine is also an option.
- Beijing International Medical Center serves both diplomatic and medical purposes. Location: 50 Liangmaqiao Rd, Chaoyang
- Beijing United Family Hospital offers many English-speaking providers, an international standard of care, and imported medical technologies. Location: 2 Jiangtai Rd, Chaoyang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital is the teaching hospital of Beijing University Medical School, and the providers integrate eastern and western medical techniques. Location: 2 Yinghuayuan E St, Chaoyang
Chaoyang District Air Quality and Climate
July offers the most rainfall for the Chaoyang district, and the month typically has the best air quality in Beijing. High temperatures in July are around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lowest average temperatures in January are around 25 degrees Fahrenheit in Chaoyang’s humid climate.
Jobs for Expats in Chaoyang
For English-speaking expats, working at an international business is one of the best ways to find an English-speaking job. In addition to the foreign embassies, Chaoyang houses most of the foreign businesses in China.
Dongcheng District for Expats
Dongcheng District, in the center of Beijing, hosts popular expat neighborhoods like Dongzhimen, Wangfujing, and Dongdan. It’s also home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City.
Cost of Living in Dongcheng District
Dongcheng can be expensive, but apartments are affordable for young expats living with roommates. The district has a range of moderate to more expensively priced housing options. Like most of Beijing, there are more options for apartments than houses.
Dongcheng District Hospitals
Dongcheng is home to the east Peking Union Medical College Hospital, an international hospital well-regarded by Western visitors and expats. The hospital hosts many international medical conferences. Other options include Confidant Medical Services and Hong Kong International Hospital.
Expats can also find dental care in Dongcheng District at Joinway Dental Clinic.
- East Peking Union Medical College Hospital location: 1, Shuaifu Yuan, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District
- Confidant Medical Services location: 701, Chang’an Club, 10, East Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District
- Hong Kong International Hospital location: 2, North Chaoyangmen Street, Dongcheng District
- Joinway Dental Clinic location: 11D, Building D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza, 48, Dongzhimenwai Street, Dongcheng District
Dongcheng District Air Quality and Climate
Dongcheng is humid, and July is the wettest month of the year. The average temperature in the hottest time of the year is 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Doncheng District’s air quality is moderate to poor most of the time.
Shunyi District for Expats
Shunyi District is a great district for expats to be near the urban center of Beijing without actually having to live in it. The Beijing Capital International Airport is located within its borders, which is perfect for expats who need to travel frequently.
The district is also home to the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Cost of Living in Shunyi District
Shunyi is further from the city center, so it’s possible to find reasonably priced villas in gated communities. Villas in Shunyi may be townhomes or larger Western-style villas if you can afford the larger abode.
Shunyi District Hospitals
- New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic location: 19, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District
- Beijing United Family Hospitals & Clinics, Shunyi location: 818 Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District
Shunyi District Air Quality and Climate
Shunyi’s average July temperature is about 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The average January temperature is just under 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Like other districts in Beijing, Shunyi’s wettest month is July. Shunyi still shares Beijing’s overall moderate to poor air quality.
Xicheng District for Expats
Xicheng District holds the western half of the Old City, and it’s a great community for expats who want to be in the heart of Beijing and its history. Xicheng district is a well-connected part, with seven metro lines.
Cost of Living in Xicheng District
Xicheng District is one of the most expensive districts in Beijing because of the short supply of housing for high demand. It’s still more affordable on average than places like New York in the United States.
Xicheng District Hospitals
Many high-quality international hospitals are available for expats in Xicheng District. Peking Union Medical College Hospital is a top-rated international hospital in Beijing, and the western branch can be found in Xicheng District.
- West Peking Union Medical College Hospital location: 41, Damu Cang Hutong, Xidan, Xicheng District
- Beijing Friendship Hospital location: 95, Yong’an Rd, Xicheng District
- New Century International Children’s Hospital Location: North Fuxingmen Street Xicheng District
- Beijing An Ding Hospital location: 5 Ankang Hutong, Beitaipingzhuang, Xicheng District
- Sekwa Eye Hospital Location: Bei Tai Ping Zhuang, Xicheng Qu
Xicheng District Air Quality and Climate
Xicheng has an average high temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July and an average high temperature of 36 degrees in January. The average low temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Like the rest of Beijing, Xicheng is humid and has the most rainfall in July.
Haidian District for Expats
The Haidian District is best known as the university district since it’s home to the People’s University, Peking University, and more. Haidian is also a tech hub. This community is great for young expats who want to be near students or who plan to study while living in Beijing.
Cost of Living in Haidian District
Haidian District rent can be pricey because of its popularity with students. However, expats coming from more expensive cities around the world will find rent in the Haidian District to be more reasonable.
Haidian District Hospitals
Cancer Institute & Hospital is located at 52 Fucheng Rd, Wu Ke Song, in the Haidian District. This hospital is well-respected and known for its cutting-edge treatments of some of the deadliest conditions and diseases.
Haidian District Air Quality and Climate
The average high temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit. The district receives just under 22 inches of rainfall on average per year. Also, the air quality is not good. You’ll find the best air quality on average in July.
Changping District for Expats
Changping is a recent hotspot for new developments in Beijing, so it’s great for expats who want modern experiences in the city. The district is more of a suburban area than many of the other districts on this list.
Cost of Living in Changping District
Changping is more affordable than some of Beijing’s other districts. It’s a bit further out from the core of the city, which helps rent prices and reduces the overall cost of living. Gas prices in Beijing are more expensive than in the United States on average.
Changping District Hospitals
Changping is home to one of Beijing’s public hospitals with emergency pediatric services. This makes a great option for expat families with resident status in China. As the expat population grows, Changping may be a great place for newer international hospitals in the future.
Beijing Jingdu Children’s Hospital Location: No. 1, 308 Yuan, Huilongguan East Street
Changping District Air Quality and Climate
Changping’s climate matches many of the districts in Beijing. The average high temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature in January is 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Expats will experience the most rain and the best average air quality in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cost of living better in the United States or China?
China has a lower cost of living than the United States. The exact amount depends on which US city and which city in China, but on average, the cost of living in China is almost 50% lower than in the United States.
Are there more expats in Shanghai or Beijing?
Shanghai has more expats than Beijing in China. However, both cities are very popular for international businesses, so both have lots of expat communities.
What district is the most expensive place to live in Beijing?
Districts close to the center of Beijing have higher rent prices for what you get compared to districts further from the core of the city. Shunyi is more of a suburban district with options for renting villas, which can be expensive but are much larger than apartments in the core of Beijing.
Conclusion
Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world, so there are countless little communities throughout its districts for expats. There’s a niche for everyone! Beijing is more affordable than many major US cities and offers access to quality medical care.
Compare life in Beijing for expats to life in Shanghai with this overview from Pacific Prime.
Don’t go without international health insurance when you move to Beijing. Pacific Prime is more than happy to help you find the best insurance plans, and there’s no cost for Pacific Prime’s services.
Compare expat health insurance plans and pricing online or contact an expert for assistance.
Want to know more about the activities accessible to expats in Beijing? Read more about the best activities for expats living in Beijing.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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