Beijing, China Report of what it's like to live there - 11/29/25
Personal Experiences from Beijing, China
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Three other posts in the foreign service before this as a spouse.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Denver, Colorado, USA. Total travel time from Beijing is over 24 hours, usually with a stop in San Francisco on a United Airlines flight. You are on the other side of the world, and we took our breaks around Asia usually.
3. What years did you live here?
2024-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission. U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
As is often the case, the housing farther away from the embassy has more space and even yards, but the cost is a long commute. Shunyi is a safe, isolated community with single family homes that is a bubble of expats. While it sounds nice, please know that commute between Shunyi and the embassy is around an hour each way. If you end up living in Shunyi, you will have a good community and safe environment where children can play in the street.
The real downside is that you will spend around two hours every day commuting, and that becomes a drag. Many people are happy living in Shunyi, but they are the ones who are fine with long commutes or being isolated from a lot of the activities in downtown Beijing. Due to the hassle of the commute, most residents tend to stay in Shunyi on weekends instead of venturing into Beijing. If you are good making your own fun with your family and spending time with colleagues from work or other expats on the weekend, it can be a good experience. Some also prefer it simply because it makes it easier for living in Beijing if they are uncomfortable with life in China and just trying to get through it.
Downtown housing is mainly in Chaoyang, very close to the embassy. This housing is also a bubble, and you will certainly run into other embassy personnel at nearby stores. The area near the embassy can be a bit odd because there are so many embassies right next to each other with almost nothing else but other embassies. For some embassy housing, you will have to walk around ten minutes past several other embassies until you get to a shopping/restaurant area. Housing is in good conditions, and singles or couples with only one child usually stay downtown, although some units have three or four bedrooms.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are a few small grocery stores that focus on foreign goods for the expat community in Chaoyang. Surprisingly, there are a large number of German expats in the area working for Germany companies and the neighborhood has a German grocery store with a good bakery. In the grocery stores, goods are slightly cheaper than in the US usually. However, some goods that are not commonly used in Chinese cooking can be expensive. For example, you will probably be buying cheese made in Europe that may be a bit expensive. Many items you will simply not find in Beijing, but on the positive side the grocery delivery services can be very fast.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We were fine with everything we found there.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We tended to use JSS to get food delivered, and it worked well, allowing us to track the delivery person in his motorbike as he would get closer to our apartment. The food delivery apps are all really useful with a wide range of restaurants, as long as you live downtown. I would guess that they would be far more limited if you were out in Shunyi. Sherpa's was another service that we used once or twice, and supposedly it has some restaurants not on JSS. Overall we were happy with the food delivery services in terms of the range and quality of the food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Roaches, ants, and lots of mosquitoes during the summer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We ordered items from Amazon using DPO which worked fine. We also ordered Chinese items online through Taobao, which occasionally had some issues with but overall was good.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We used an ayi, a nanny, who also cooked and cleaned. She spoke very little English, but the translation apps worked fine and we would usually use WeChat to send messages that both sides could translate. There are ayis who speak excellent English, but they would cost more. Everyone should also be aware that your ayi will want a contract for a year with an end-of-year bonus and also will expect to receive a bonus for Chinese New Year and to be paid for all of the holidays throughout the year when not working. The rates for ayis are also going to be higher than what you would fine in south or southeast Asia even without the additional bonuses. It is affordable but definitely more expensive than many cities such as Bangkok or anywhere in India.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Chaoyang park has a path for running and biking, but the high AQI is often a problem. The streets also have bike/scooter lanes that are separate from the vehicle lanes. Just be aware if you are out running on the streets that the scooters go everywhere- and I mean everywhere. There are delivery persons on scooters going through red lights and all over the sidewalks. They are often e-bikes that are very quiet so you do not know that they are behind you until they pass. More serious hiking is available outside of Beijing, around two hours away, but you will usually need your own vehicle for that.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are plenty of gyms in the Chaoyang area. The costs of the gyms tend to be around the same as the US, although some can actually be higher. Unlimited Crossfit was around US$250/month. The Bikram (hot) yoga studio at the mall in the embassy area of Chaoyang wanted around $30 for drop-in classes or $400 for a month of classes, the most expensive hot yoga that I had ever encountered.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Most purchases are on WeChat or Alipay. Everyone uses them. WeChat is life, someone said to me shortly after I arrived. Credit cards are widely accepted, but I did not use them very often, usually just for hotels, train/plane tickets, and other big purchases. My WeChat was linked to my Chinese bank account and withdrew from that whenever a purchase was made.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It would have helped a lot. You are in a bubble in Chaoyang, and even more of an expat bubble in Shunyi. When you travel around a bit, you will have to depend on translation apps, and often the translations are way off.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Beijing and other tier 1 cities would likely be fine. I cannot comment for more rural areas.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are all affordable. The taxi apps like Didi were very easy to use. There were a few times where an app would send me to the wrong location, but usually they worked well and were not expensive. Subway in Beijing is also very affordable. Also, you can use Alipay to create scannable subway ticket for most locations if you do not have a subway card.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
We considered purchasing a vehicle in Beijing but decided to use Didi and other apps to get around. We also took the subway occasionally. It might be worth it if you live in Shunyi, and all the roads in Beijing were in excellent condition.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is one of the biggest hassles for foreigners living in China. Do not underestimate how much hassle you will be going through with the internet if you move here. Also, do not believe anyone who tells you to just get a VPN and then everything will be fine. Most will recommend two VPNs to get internet access to US websites that are blocked by the great firewall. The banned sites are all the main US social media services. If there is some political issue or something negative that brings China into the international news spotlight, expect that none of those VPN services will be working for several days. Also, some foreigners arrive with VPNs that are totally useless in China. Only certain VPNs work, and even those may stop working after a few months.
Getting internet access is easy, but many foreigners were unprepared for the fact that they would often have to spend a lot of time messing with different VPN settings or changing VPNs because they wanted to send a message to their family on an email service not allowed by China.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Do your research and make sure it will work with the local provider. iPhones sold in China also supposedly have different specs from those in the US.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There were many EFM positions available, and this is how most expatriate spouses/partners find work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
This would be very unlikely.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business or business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Beijing is the capital city of a police state. Just look up at all the cameras everywhere when you walk down the street, or the cameras in the hotels, or the cameras in the elevators. It may even feel strange after a while when you go on an R&R and you're in another country and there is no camera in the elevator. The most dangerous thing can be walking on the sidewalk when scooters are flying past you in all directions.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The horrible air quality is the main health concern, one that could have a bad impact on small children. There are two hospitals usually recommended by the embassy for foreigners. While there are staff there who speak English, we did have some communication problems. It was nice that they worked well with our medical insurance. Quality of medical care seemed okay.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Horrible. Dreadful. Atrocious. Ghastly. If you are thinking about moving to Beijing with a small child or are a person with a history of respiratory issues, reconsider it. Prior to coming here, we were told that things were better than in the past. It may be true that New Delhi and Dhaka are worse, but Beijing will often in the winter have 200+ AQI for a week or two at a time. On those days, you look outside and the sky seems brown, and you can actually smell the pollution in the air. The air looks smokey at night in street lights or the headlights of cars. I and many people I know developed consistent coughs for weeks at a time. It was something I never had before.
You should have air filters in your home, but you'll still be going outside in the winter. It is probably a bigger issue for those with small children.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
The environmental issue mentioned above, horrible air quality, is something everyone should know about.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Many foreigners are unhappy in Beijing because of the lack of privacy that comes with living there. First there is the great firewall for the internet that requires you to have more than one VPN and the struggle to access your email. Then there are also all the cameras everywhere. Beyond that, it can feel more than a big oppressive with anti-western propaganda and high security everywhere. Even before going on a subway everyone will have their bags scanned before entering the subway station. This isn't like living in Bangkok.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is nice living in a city with four seasons. Never extremely hot, cold, wet, or dry. January/February in the depth of winter is not great, but overall the weather is fine.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The main international schools that are attended by the children of diplomatic personnel have excellent reputations.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The parents I spoke with were satisfied with accommodations.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are many excellent preschools in the Chaoyang area. They are usually around $1000/month.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
While I would not recommend bringing a small child to Beijing due to the pollution, there are plenty of activities available for kids. The local malls have a lot of courses for kids, and a wide range of sports are available.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Everyone says that the expat community was much larger prior to COVID and the majority left due to the government's zero COVID policy. Supposedly more expatriates are returning. It seems like a huge expatriate community as one would expect, with a lot of expatriates working for multi-national corporations in Beijing. Morale actually tends to be a bit low for many. There are a few that have a strong interest in Chinese history, politics, and language. Most seem to be counting down the days until they leave, unfortunately. Many seem to have thought it would be more similar to Tokyo, Seoul, or cities in southeast Asia.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The city is huge with a wide range of groups for games, hiking, running, etc. There are plenty of ways to socialize with people here.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would recommend it more couples or families. However, I would not recommend it for any families with small children due to the air pollution. While many foreigners are just getting by, the housing is good and once you get the apps down, it can be very comfortable. I'm not sure what it would be like to be single in Beijing.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Most foreigners live in an expat bubble, due in part to the language barrier. There's also the current politics and a lot of anti-US and anti-western propaganda.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Sections of the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven. Overall some of our best experiences have been on breaks to southeast Asia during our time in Beijing. Getting out is essential and helps with morale.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is a food street with a range of Chinese restaurants and even a Middle Eastern one in Chaoyang. It's a little alley with outdoor seating for all restaurants. There's even an American style restaurant there. Some of the less visited sections of the Great Wall are fun to explore.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No. We really thought it would be, but it is not a good shopping post. The "pearl market" mall is a place where tourists go. Luggage? Beijing t-shirts? Cheap jewelry? It's that sort of thing. There is also an antique market in Beijing that is quite large. We have gone there a few times but never saw anything that really stood out. You can get some vases and things like that, but there's a lot of plastic dragons and other mass produced tourist souvenirs. You can get a suit made at the pearl market, but it would probably be better quality in Bangkok or Vietnam. We have been disappointed with the handicrafts.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Many people come here for the quality of the international schools.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
In my opinion, Beijing is not a fun place to live. It is the capital city of a police state and anti-western propaganda is strong. It is China, but fireworks for Chinese New Year are banned in Beijing. Many people expect that it will be like Tokyo, Bangkok, or KL. Also, be aware that the air pollution in the winter is still horrible. This is not New Delhi, but it is still often horrific air quality and eventually you'll have to go outside where there are no air filters.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely not. There are so many better cities, even those in challenging regions, that provide a better life experience. Too many people focus on its safety, good international schools, and you can get food delivered quickly by an app. That's good for a few months, but morale seems to plummet around the six month mark. Many had high expectations about living in Beijing after living elsewhere in the region and were very disappointed.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
sense of privacy and expectation that your email will work.
4. But don't forget your:
VPNs.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are just so many.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Come as a tourist if you can to see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Shanghai. Living here would be a very different experience.
