Beijing.
Discover our essential guide to settling into China's cultural and political heart. From navigating the ring roads to mastering the local apps.
Welcome to Beijing
The vast political and cultural soul of the nation. Experience the ultimate contrast: living in a traditional courtyard (Hutong) or a luxury high-rise in the Central Business District.
Explore the Map.
Get the lay of the land before you arrive. Explore the central districts and transit lines.
Where to live in Beijing.
Discover our recommendations with our top 6 neighborhoods to stay to enjoy your journey to the fullest.
Popular with expats, offering modern apartments near offices, embassies, and hotspots.
- Lively expat neighborhoods like Sanlitun
- Full of shopping malls and cafés
- Central location for work and social life
- Higher rent compared to outer districts
- Traffic can be heavy
- Some areas are crowded and noisy
Located in the heart of Beijing, blending history, culture, and walkable hutong living.
- Heart of historical Beijing with hutongs
- Walking distance to the Forbidden City
- Great metro coverage
- Mostly older buildings, limited modern compounds
- Smaller apartments for the price
- Can feel too busy and touristy
Great for students and tech workers, with affordable housing near top universities.
- Academic heart of Beijing (Tsinghua, Peking)
- Big tech companies and startups nearby
- Great green spaces like the Summer Palace
- Far from downtown nightlife
- Traffic heavy around university zones
- Some compounds are old or basic
A quieter district with newer developments, parks, and more budget-friendly rentals.
- Peaceful environment close to mountains
- Larger, newer apartments
- Less crowded than central districts
- Far from central Beijing and nightlife
- Fewer international schools
- Limited expat community
Mixes tradition and city life, with classic homes close to parks and finance zones.
- Calm and elegant vibe with traditional courtyards
- Home to Beihai Park and museums
- Easy access to finance and government hubs
- Few modern apartments or high-rises
- Can feel conservative for younger expats
- Higher price for traditional charm
A rising district with new housing, lower rents, and growing metro access.
- Rapidly growing with new residential complexes
- Close to Beijing South Railway Station
- Spacious homes and less traffic in parts
- Still developing, fewer international services
- Longer commute to central Beijing
- Not much nightlife or entertainment
Districts Comparison.
Compare all the districts at a glance to select the best option to enjoy your stay in Beijing to the fullest.
| Chaoyang | Dongcheng | Haidian | Shijingshan | Xicheng | Fengtai | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expat | +++ | ++ | ++ | + | ++ | + |
| Family | + | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | +++ |
| Community | 🌍 | 🌍 | 🇨🇳 | 🇨🇳 | 🇨🇳 | 🇨🇳 |
| Cost of Life | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
| Rental Cost | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
| Transports | +++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | +++ | ++ |
| Going Out | +++ | ++ | ++ | + | ++ | + |
| Attractions | +++ | +++ | ++ | + | +++ | + |
| Nature | + | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | ++ |
Housing Options.
Where to live during your studies. Compare the standard routes with premium solutions.
Here Coliving
Premium Student HousingMove-in ready, beautifully furnished apartments in prime locations. All bills included, bi-weekly cleaning, and an instant international community.
- ✓ Zero hidden fees
- ✓ English-speaking support
- ✓ Flexible leases
University Dorms
On-Campus LivingThe most budget-friendly option, located directly on campus. Rooms are shared with 1-3 students, with strict curfews and basic amenities.
- ✓ Highly affordable
- ✓ Zero commute
- ✕ Often lack privacy
Local Market Agencies
Traditional RentingRenting via local apps like Lianjia or Ziroom. Requires navigating Chinese contracts, paying agency fees, and setting up your own utilities.
- ✓ Maximum independence
- ✕ Requires Mandarin skills
- ✕ Large upfront deposits
Student & Intern Visa Checklist.
Follow this exact timeline to ensure your legal status as an X1/X2 student or intern remains secure in China.
🛫 Pre-Arrival
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and blank visa pages.
- Admission Notice: Original and photocopy of the official admission letter.
- JW201 or JW202 Form: The official Visa Application for Study in China form.
- Physical Examination Record: (For X1 visas) Medical report completed in your home country.
- Visa Application: Submit to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
🛬 Post-Arrival Deadlines
- Within 24 HoursPolice Registration (TRF): Register at the local police station (PSB).
- Within 3 DaysUniversity Registration: Report to your university's International Students Office.
- Within 30 DaysMedical Verification: Visit the International Travel Healthcare Center.
- Within 30 DaysResidence Permit: (X1 Visas only) Convert your entry visa to a Residence Permit.
First Week in Beijing.
Knock these items out immediately upon arrival.
Registration
Register at your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours.
Connectivity
Visit China Unicom or China Mobile (Sanlitun branches are expat-friendly).
Bank Account
ICBC and Bank of China are reliable for international transfers.
Housing
Find your ideal Beijing home with the experts at Here Coliving.
Culture Fix
Visit the 798 Art District or walk the Forbidden City to get your bearings.
Tips & Essential Apps.
The digital and cultural foundations you need to navigate Beijing confidently.
💡 Tips to Get Started
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🥢
Capital Culture: Embrace the "Jing" lifestyle—slower than Shanghai but deeply rooted in tradition.
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🌬️
Air Quality: Check the AQI daily and invest in a high-quality air purifier for your home.
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🌍
Stay Connected: A reliable VPN is essential for accessing global services and staying in touch.
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Bike Share: The city is flat and perfect for cycling—it's often faster than a taxi during rush hour.
📱 Must-Have Apps
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WeChat: Essential for everything from networking to paying for a street-side jianbing.
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🚙
DiDi: Necessary for navigating Beijing's sprawling Ring Roads comfortably.
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Alipay: Your primary digital wallet; ensure it is linked to your international or local card.
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Amap / Baidu: Apple/Google maps can be inaccurate here; use local maps for precise navigation.
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JD.com: Headquartered in Beijing—often offers incredibly fast same-day delivery here.
Cultural Do's & Don'ts.
Navigate Beijing like a seasoned local with these essential behavioral rules.
✓ DO in Beijing
- Explore the Hutongs: Get lost in the traditional alleyways of Dongcheng and Xicheng to feel the city's real pulse.
- Carry your Passport: You will need your original passport to enter Tiananmen Square, major museums, and train stations.
- Dress for Extremes: Beijing has freezing, dry winters and intensely hot, humid summers. Pack accordingly.
- Learn Basic Mandarin: English is less prevalent here than in Shanghai. Knowing numbers and directions is a must.
✕ DON'T in Beijing
- Don't Expect Google to Work: The Great Firewall is strong here. Secure a solid VPN before your plane lands.
- Don't Drink the Tap Water: It must be boiled first. Use water delivery services or buy bottled water for daily drinking.
- Don't Tip: Tipping is not part of Chinese culture and is virtually never expected in restaurants or taxis.
- Don't Underestimate Distances: Beijing is massive. Always factor in ring-road traffic when planning your commute.
Must-See Attractions.
Knock these off your bucket list during your first month.
The Forbidden City
The colossal imperial palace at the very center of Beijing. A breathtaking walk through 500 years of Chinese dynastic history.
The Great Wall
Take a day trip to the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections to hike the world's most famous ancient defensive architecture.
Summer Palace
A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces in Haidian District. Perfect for a relaxing weekend escape from the urban core.
Temple of Heaven
An imperial complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing, known for its pristine geometry.
798 Art District
Decommissioned military factory buildings boasting unique architectural styles, now housing Beijing's thriving contemporary art scene.
Houhai Lakes
A picturesque lake area surrounded by historic hutongs, weeping willows, and lively nighttime bars with live music.
Sanlitun Taikoo Li
The beating heart of Beijing's modern fashion and nightlife. A striking open-plan layout featuring global brands and dining.
Lama Temple
One of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, renowned for its towering 26-meter wooden Buddha statue.
Olympic Park
Relive the magic of the 2008 and 2022 games by walking the expansive plaza and viewing the iconic Bird's Nest stadium illuminated at night.
Deals & Internships.
Unlock exclusive perks and kickstart your career in China.
Exclusive Student Deals
Living in Beijing shouldn't break the bank. We've partnered with the best local gyms, VPN providers, and food delivery apps to secure exclusive discounts for our community.
View All DealsFind an Internship
Looking to build your resume while in China? We connect motivated international students with top startups, agencies, and multinational corporations across Beijing.
Browse InternshipsRelocation Tools.
Interactive resources to calculate your costs and match with neighborhoods.