Living in Beijing, China, can offer an amazing, life-changing experience, providing that you are fully prepared for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead. Beijing is a city steeped in ancient and modern history; famous most notably for its easy access to the Great Wall of China, the legendary Forbidden City, and its status as the celebrated site of the recent 2008 Olympics. It finds itself hurtling toward a future that promises to be even more ambitious than its history, resulting in the transformation of a city that leaves residents, local and expatriates alike, in wonder.

For expats who are planning on living in Beijing, this guide will be the go-to resource before the move, during those first months of getting to know the city, and for the following months or years that they continue to call Beijing home. Learn what the local expats already know about living in this venerable metropolis before even arriving at Beijing’s Capital Airport. Packed with practical information, the Beijing relocation guide will teach new residents how to navigate every area of expat living including accommodation, transportation, communication, education, medical issues, taxes, visa requirements, and much more. Find the latest, most updated information on the gritty details of life from where to live, where to eat, where to shop for familiar foods, where to play, where to go to school and where to worship.

Living in Beijing: Expat guide contents

The expat guide to Beijing contains the following vital information for those considering relocating to this vibrant city-

1) Living legally in Beijing

Chinese culture and language difficulties can make securing a visa a difficult, uphill task. Our step-by-step guide to the visa application system contains all the information you need to ensure that you acquire all the necessary paperwork for living in Beijing in a stress-free manner.

2) Setting up home in Beijing

Beijing is a vast city with many distinct neighborhoods. This can make choosing a place to live very difficult. Our relocation guide contains a list of the top living areas in Beijing, together with key facts about their location, local amenities, transport and environment so that you can make a decision of where to live that is based on the most up to date information available.

3) Navigating the infrastructure

The key to a smooth relocation requires that expats know how to traverse through the local system, such as paying bills and opening bank accounts. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Beijing will provide specific help in all these areas and assist those moving overseas to have a smooth and stress free relocation.

4) Having fun in Beijing

Beijing is a thriving metropolis with a wide variety of different places to eat, sleep, shop and drink. Our expats give you a thorough lowdown on the best places to go and well as a few tips on those to steer clear of when living in Beijing.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Beijing

Staying safe and well is a top priority for any expatriate when moving overseas. Make sure you arm yourself with the best information possible so that you are aware of where to head in an emergency and how best to stay out of trouble. The Expat Info Desk contains valuable information about living in Beijing including healthcare, medical treatment and other clinical services.

6) Blending in

More often than not, language can be the biggest barrier when relocating to a new country. This relocation guide will help you determine what is expected from foreigners and how to navigate the city with limited language skills. Living in Beijing will bring challenges beyond just language—there are cultural aspects and local customs that the city guide will address for those brand new to China. Expats will find that The Beijing City Guide is an essential partner in making their move and relocation to Beijing as smooth as possible.

7) Reality bites

There are plenty of travel books and Internet sites out there that tell you about living in Beijing but what you really need is someone who has made the move themselves. We are that someone. Our international relocation guide to living and working in Beijing tells you exactly what it is like and what you can expect in a practical, straightforward style.

Your only expat guide to living in Beijing; Feel at home abroad – Fast!