The Best Places To Live In Beijing For Expats
Beijing is a great city for expats wanting to live in China. The city has a large expat community and lots of English speakers. Expats have a choice between an immersive experience living in more Chinese neighborhoods or in expat neighborhoods with easy access to Western amenities and foods.
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Are you hoping to live in Beijing? Keep reading to find out more about popular neighborhoods in Beijing!
In this article, we will help identify some great neighborhoods for expats within Beijing. We’ll also make sure you know where to find international health insurance for your adventures living abroad.
Beijing’s Top Districts & Neighborhoods For Expats
Expats can enjoy any number of neighborhoods or suburbs in Beijing. Most expats choose to live in the city’s eastern areas, where other expats and international schools are concentrated. Expats who are comfortable living further from other expats can find housing in most districts of Beijing.
If you’d like some other cities to consider in China, see this article about the best places in China for expats.
Of the sixteen districts in Beijing, we recommend these five as the best districts for expats. We’ll also list neighborhoods within the district that are recommended for expats.
1. Chaoyang District’s Top 6 Neighborhoods For Expats
Chaoyang District is the most popular district for expats. It’s home to some of the most modern and wealthy neighborhoods in Beijing. The district has many import stores and international schools, making it the best place for expats with families.
Additionally, Chaoyang District is home to many embassies, making it a diplomatic area of the city.
Check out these neighborhoods in the Chaoyang District:
- Chaoyang Park is great for families and is equipped with the best stores and schools for a family’s needs.
- The Central Business District is the best place for expats who don’t want a commute and can afford this modern neighborhood.
- Sanlitun is great for young, single professionals who like city life and access to bars.
- Wangjing is a little Korea Town and is an area with a residential-feel. It’s a great balance between access to Western favorites and an immersive experience.
- Lido is one of the oldest expat communities in Beijing. This means that it has outstanding access to entertainment, parks, and attractions for everyone.
- 798 Art District is the perfect neighborhood for aspiring artists or expats who love a modern, eclectic vibe.
2. Dongcheng District’s Top 5 Neighborhoods For Expats
Dongcheng District is the perfect district for expats who want to be surrounded by Beijing’s history. It’s also a great place to experience Hutongs: traditional dwellings in narrow alleys with shops and bars in the same alley.
Dongcheng is home to Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum.
- Beixinqiao Neighborhood is a somewhat affordable neighborhood with hutongs, shops, breweries, and city life for expats.
- Yonghegon Neighborhood has modern and historical finds. It’s home to the Lama Temple and the Confucious Temple.
- Dongzhihmen Neighborhood draws young professionals to its city high-rise atmosphere and shopping centers.
- Waifujing Neighborhoood is within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and many workplaces.
- Dongdan Neighborhood is located next to the Waifujing area. It’s also a great spot to be able to walk to work and Tinanmen Square.
3. Xicheng District
Xicheng District is home to many banking and financial companies, including international businesses. Housing in the district can be on the expensive side. For expats who work in these sectors, though, an apartment here could save commute time.
4. Haidian District
The Haidian District is home to universities like the Peking University. It’s also a major technology hub. Due to the universities in the area, this district is popular among young expats and students. Expats can choose to live in apartments or Hutongs.
Expats who love a good party should check out the Wudaokou Neighborhood. It’s the most popular hang out spot for young students due to the inexpensive bars and desirable rental location.
5. Shunyi District
Shunyi District is further from the city center than any of the other districts on our list. It’s close to the airport for expats who need to travel regularly. Many people living in Shunyi report that the smog is less intense in this suburb.
Shunyi is also known to have lots of shops, restaurants, and amenities that expats seek out. It’s an expansive district with lots of options!
Factors To Consider For Expats In Beijing
When making a choice to live in Beijing, make sure you know your preferences and budget. You’ll also want to know about the pros and cons of living in Beijing. Weighing these factors will help any expat make an informed decision about their experience abroad.
Deciding Where To Live In Beijing
You’ll have to figure out whether you want an immersive experience by living in a Chinese neighborhood with little to no other expats or if you want to be surrounded by other expats and have access to Western markets.
Once you know which kind of district would make you happiest, you’ll have to weigh the other considerations:
- Budget
Budget is a major factor when deciding where to live in Beijing. As a major city, Beijing is more expensive than the rest of China on average. However, it is much more affordable compared to New York City, USA.
- Commute
The commute is another major factor. During rush hour, public transportation and roads in Beijing are clogged. Although living in the suburbs costs less, you will have to decide how much of a commute you can handle.
- Homesickness
Even if you are willing to learn Mandarin, will you miss speaking to friends in English? If you’re leaning toward living in a more Chinese neighborhood for a more immersive experience, how far away from the other expats and Western markets can you comfortably live?
Pros And Cons Of Living In Beijing
Just like any location in the world, there are upsides and downsides to living in Beijing. One of the benefits of choosing to live in Beijing is the number of job opportunities for expats. There are also a lot of other expats in Beijing, and that offers benefits.
Here are some Pros and Cons:
- Beijing deals with major air pollution. Especially in the winter months, the sky is gray and thick with smog.
- Beijing is the capital of China, so law enforcement is at its most strict and changes due to new laws happen quickly.
- You can find expats from all over the world. Since many people around the world move to China for business or opportunities, you can connect with expats from more than just the United States.
- There are many historical sites within or near Beijing.
Healthcare For Expats In Beijing
China offers both public healthcare and private healthcare. As an expat, you may have access to public healthcare, but all of the services will be in Chinese. To access the highest quality healthcare and find English-speaking wards and clinics, you will want access to private hospitals.
Since 2012, foreign investors have been able to invest in private hospitals in China. This means that many hospitals, especially those in large cities, are rapidly developing and offering top-notch treatment options.
Pacific Prime offers Beijing health insurance plans that grant access to the best hospitals in Beijing. As a large city, Beijing offers some of the best hospitals in the country.
Conclusion
Beijing is a bustling city with options in most industries and expats galore. Expats will be able to find a niche within this city. The mix of modern city life and historical architecture and destinations makes it an explorer’s dream.
If you still aren’t sold on a spot in Beijing, check out more information about living in Shanghai or Hong Kong. To make sure you have insurance coverage while living in China, see Pacific Prime’s international insurance plans in China.
Maybe you would rather live in a nearby country and visit China. You can also see our top recommendations for expats in Asia.
Find more information about traveling and living as an expat on Pacific Prime’s blog!
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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What are the visa requirements and procedures for expats moving to Beijing? and What are the best options for international schools in Beijing for expat children?
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