Accommodation in Beijing

Although certain neighbourhoods and housing developments are favoured by expats, living is generally well integrated with Chinese neighbours and tenants. When choosing a neighbourhood in Beijing it is a good idea to decide what elements of life need to be closest at hand. Those preferring open space may be far away from good nightlife, or short commutes may entail sacrificing a larger living space. Beijing is an enormous city and knowing about and finding accommodation is often best done by professionals. Usually the landlord pays the commission to the property finding agency.

There are two main expat districts, each with smaller communities within, and are divided between downtown city life and suburban style communities. Chaoyang is a popular up-scale central district favoured with expats preferring to be close to the financial districts and the city centre. Accommodation is mostly high-rise apartments which is usually preferred by those expats without families.

 

Expats with children often feel better suited in Shunyi, a western style suburb full of gated communities. Here expats have a familiar setting including western shops, supermarkets, wide streets and international schools. These can be insular and safe communities but come with potentially hellish commutes into the city centre. A two bedroom non-serviced property will be around US$1,100 in Shunyi while two bedroom apartments in central Chaoyang range down from US$2,000 to US$650. Serviced properties are much more expensive in Chaoyang and start from US$2,500 up to a whopping US$8,000 for two bedrooms. Prices increase dramatically with additional rooms as space is at a premium in the dense city.