Welcome to Beijing.
Discover our essential four-step guide to settling into China's cultural and political heart. From navigating the ring roads to mastering the local apps.
1. Welcome to Beijing
Population
The vast political and cultural soul of the nation.
Districts
From the historic Dongcheng hutongs to the skyscrapers of Chaoyang.
Expatriates
A diverse community of diplomats, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
Metro Lines
A massive, ever-expanding web connecting the outer rings to the core.
Hutongs & CBD
Experience the ultimate contrast: living in a traditional courtyard (Hutong) or a luxury high-rise in the Central Business District.
2. Tips to Get Started
Capital Culture
Embrace the "Jing" lifestyle—slower than Shanghai but deeply rooted in tradition.
Air Quality
Check the AQI daily and invest in a high-quality air purifier for your home.
Stay Connected
A reliable VPN is essential for accessing global services and staying in touch.
Bike Share
The city is flat and perfect for cycling—it's often faster than a taxi during rush hour.
3. Must-Have Apps
Essential for everything from networking to paying for a street-side jianbing.
DiDi
Necessary for navigating Beijing's sprawling Ring Roads comfortably.
Alipay
Your primary digital wallet; ensure it is linked to your international or local card.
Amap / Baidu
Apple/Google maps can be inaccurate here; use local maps for precise navigation.
JD.com (Jingdong)
Headquartered in Beijing—often offers incredibly fast same-day delivery here.
4. First Week in Beijing
Registration
Register at your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival.
Connectivity
Visit China Unicom or China Mobile (Sanlitun branches are very expat-friendly).
Bank Account
ICBC and Bank of China are the most reliable for international transfers.
Housing
Find your ideal Beijing home with the experts at Here Real Estate Agency.
Culture Fix
Visit the 798 Art District or walk the Forbidden City to get your bearings.
Browse our interactive map to see our listings and all the landmarks, malls, parks and much more in Beijing. Filter by clicking on the top left panel and filter by type of locations.
Interactive Map of Beijing.
Where to live in Beijing.
Discover our recommendations on where to live in Beijing with our top 6 neighborhoods to stay to enjoy your journey with us to the fullest.
Chaoyang District.
Popular with expats, Chaoyang offers modern apartments near offices, embassies, and international hotspots.
Discover Chaoyang
Dongcheng District.
Located in the heart of Beijing, Dongcheng blends history, culture, and walkable hutong living.
Discover Dongcheng
Haidian District.
Great for students and tech workers, Haidian has affordable housing near top universities.
Discover Haidian
Shijingshan District.
Shijingshan is a quieter district with newer developments, parks, and more budget-friendly rentals.
Discover Shijingshan
Xicheng District.
Xicheng mixes tradition and city life, with classic homes close to parks and finance zones.
Discover Xicheng
Fengtai District.
Fengtai is a rising district with new housing, lower rents, and growing metro access.
Discover FengtaiDistricts
Comparison.
Compare all the districts at a glance to select the best option to enjoy your stay in Beijing to the fullest with Here and Compass by your side.
| Chaoyang | Dongcheng | Haidian | Shijingshan | Xicheng | Fengtai | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expat | +++ | ++ | ++ | + | + | + |
| Family | ++ | + | +++ | ++ | ++ | +++ |
| Community | 🌍 | 🌍 | 🌍 | 🇨🇳 | 🌍 | 🇨🇳 |
| Cost of Life | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
| Rental Cost | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
| Transports | +++ | +++ | ++ | + | +++ | ++ |
| Going Out | +++ | +++ | ++ | + | ++ | + |
| Attractions | +++ | +++ | ++ | + | +++ | + |
| Nature | ++ | + | +++ | ++ | + | ++ |
1. Discover Chaoyang
What we love about Chaoyang
- Lively and international atmosphere
- Popular expat-friendly neighborhoods like Sanlitun and Lido
- Full of shopping malls, cafés, and art spaces
- Well-connected to public transportation
The Good about Chaoyang
- International and vibrant lifestyle
- Many housing options, from modern apartments to serviced residences
- Central location for work and social life
For Who?
- Students studying nearby who want cultural immersion
- Young professionals with a good budget looking for a central lifestyle
- First-time expats who want to be close to everything
The Bad about Chaoyang
- Higher rent compared to the outer districts
- Traffic can be heavy
- Some areas are crowded and noisy
2. Discover Dongcheng
What we Love about Dongcheng
- Heart of historical Beijing with hutongs, temples, and cultural sites
- Walking distance to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
- Classic Beijing charm mixed with trendy spots
- Great metro coverage and walkable neighborhoods
The Good about Dongcheng
- Budget friendly
- Great location
- Green lands and riverside
For Who?
- Young professionals with a solid or high budget
- Students at international schools or universities
- Families wanting international schools and comfort
The Bad about Dongcheng
- Mostly older buildings, limited modern compounds
- Smaller apartments for the price
- Can feel too busy and touristy near landmarks
3. Discover Haidian
What we Love about Haidian
- The academic heart of Beijing, with top universities like Tsinghua and Peking
- Lively student vibe and lots of budget-friendly eateries
- Big tech companies and startups based nearby
- Great green spaces like the Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan
The Good about Haidian
- Affordable rentals near campuses
- Smart and vibrant community
- Solid infrastructure and public transport
For Who?
- International students studying in Beijing
- Expats working in tech or education
- Families looking for access to international schools
- Budget-conscious renters wanting space and green views
The Bad about Haidian
- Far from downtown nightlife and business districts
- Traffic can be heavy around university zones
- Some compounds are old or very basic
4. Discover Shijingshan
What we Love about Shijingshan
- Peaceful environment close to the mountains and nature trails
- Larger, newer apartments at more affordable prices
- Less crowded and quieter than the central districts
- Great access to scenic spots like Badachu and Beijing Winter Olympic venues
The Good about Shijingshan
- Spacious and newer residential buildings
- Clean air and access to green areas
- Low cost of living
For Who?
- Families looking for calm and space
- Outdoor lovers who enjoy parks and hiking
- Professionals working in western Beijing
- Expats with a limited budget wanting modern housing
The Bad about Shijingshan
- Far from central Beijing and nightlife
- Fewer international schools and services
- Limited expat community
5. Discover Xicheng
What we Love about Xicheng
- Calm and elegant vibe with traditional courtyards and parks
- Home to Beihai Park, hutongs, museums, and art spots
- Easy access to finance, education, and government hubs
- Rich in authentic Beijing lifestyle
The Good about Xicheng
- Central but quieter than Dongcheng
- Beautiful historical surroundings
- Access to good schools and public services
For Who?
- Professionals working in finance or public institutions
- Expats looking for a peaceful and classy area
- Families who value culture and green spaces
- Long-term residents with an appreciation for tradition
The Bad about Xicheng
- Few modern apartments or high-rise compounds
- It can feel too conservative for some younger expats
- Higher price for traditional charm
6. Discover Fengtai
What we Love about Fengtai
- Rapidly growing with new residential complexes and business parks
- Close to Beijing South Railway Station and new subway lines
- More space, lower rent, and a quieter lifestyle
- Convenient for people working in logistics, infrastructure, or tech
The Good about Fengtai
- Lower cost of living compared to central areas
- Ongoing urban development and improved infrastructure
- Spacious homes and less traffic in some parts
For Who?
- Long-term expats looking for affordable rent
- Families who want more space and modern buildings
- Professionals based in southern or western Beijing
- People who prefer calm over crowds
The Bad about Fengtai
- Still developing, with fewer international services
- Longer commute to central Beijing
- Not much nightlife or entertainment options