Pros and Cons of Moving to Beijing

Though Beijing is a megacity of high-tech infrastructure and a showpiece of modern buildings, its dynastic past is very much a part of its identity. Dramatic temples add pockets of colour to the grey urban landscape, and winding alleys connect one place to another, as they’ve done since the Mongols invaded centuries ago. To live in the capital is to see where China comes from, and what it has become.

As with any city, though, living in Beijing has advantages and disadvantages, and expats should think carefully before moving. Below, we’ve listed some pros and cons of moving to Beijing.

Cost of living in Beijing

Unlike most cities in China, Beijing is about as expensive as many European capitals, particularly for expats who are accustomed to a high degree of comfort and insist on purchasing imported produce. Fortunately, expats tend to earn quite well in Beijing, which usually nullifies the high cost of living.

+ PRO: Inexpensive groceries

Grocery bills are gentler in Beijing than in many major cities around the world. Most furnished apartments in Beijing come with a rice cooker, hot plate and wok, so if you plan to cook your own meals, you'll at least have the basics to help you get started. 

Chinese staples such as rice, noodles, and vegetables are cheaper than imported produce such as pasta, cereal, cheese, and coffee. Additionally, basic household items such as soap, toothpaste, detergent, and cleaning products often prove slightly cheaper than in the US.

- CON: High rent

Beijing's rent is expensive compared to other cities in China, and expats can expect to pay a fair chunk of their salary for apartments in and around the city centre. Accommodation on the city's outskirts is substantially cheaper, especially if you live with a roommate, which brings costs down even further.  

Landlords usually expect a month's deposit before allowing tenants to move in, as well as the first one to three months’ rent in advance. This can be a fair amount of money to shell out upon an expat's arrival. We recommend budgeting accordingly before relocating or negotiating a housing allowance with your prospective employer.

Cost of Living in Beijing

Accommodation in Beijing

The property market in Beijing is competitive, and it can be expensive for a foreigner to rent an apartment initially. The language barrier can also be problematic for expats to navigate, so we recommend securing the services of a real estate agent. 

+ PRO: Wide variety of housing options

Most of the housing in Beijing is in the form of apartments, but it's still possible to find single-family homes in the outskirts of the city. You can find old-style Beijing apartments, but there are also larger, modern serviced apartments available. Some apartment buildings even offer communal amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and playgrounds for children. 

- CON: Small apartments

While Beijing offers many options, apartments in the city are small. Old-style apartments may even be small rooms with squat toilets, so it's essential to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market and can balance that with your needs as an expat. 

Accommodation in Beijing

Healthcare in Beijing

Navigating healthcare in Beijing can be tricky. From finding good-quality treatment in English to handling some of the more irksome aspects of insurance and administration, the process of acquiring good healthcare can be rather complicated.

+ PRO: Doctors speak English at private clinics

There shouldn't be major language barriers in private healthcare centres. Doctors at private clinics generally speak English well, so you'll be able to clearly communicate with the person treating you, which might not be the case at public facilities.

- CON: Expats may struggle at public hospitals

Public hospitals are less expensive than private clinics, but you may be better off avoiding them, as waiting times are long and the quality of treatment is inconsistent. Also, doctors rarely speak English and some doctors may use elements of traditional medicine, which some Western patients may not be used to.

- CON: Payment is expected upfront

Patients are often required to pay for medical services upfront and out of pocket in China. Their health insurance provider will reimburse them later on, but to avoid nasty and expensive surprises, you should carefully familiarise yourself with exactly which costs are covered by your insurance, as not all hospital costs are always provided for.

- CON: Gaps in public health cover

If you're interested in public healthcare coverage, you should note that the system has gaps. These include a lack of coverage for emergency transport and the denial of access to private facilities.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Beijing

Working in Beijing

While Beijing is perhaps better known as China’s cultural and political centre, it has more recently established a reputation for nurturing tech start-ups. In fact, we recommend that expats who work in this space consider Beijing over Hong Kong and Shanghai.

+ PRO: Competitive job market

Beijing has several thriving industries, and qualified expats may find attractive job opportunities in the capital. The retail, financial, and tourism sectors are good places to begin looking. The technology space is particularly strong in the city, with the Haidian district in northwest Beijing ranking among the world’s top incubators of ideas.

Beijing’s many English-language schools are a by-product of its appetite for international business, and qualified individuals often find work in these institutions easily.

- CON: Work culture and structure is hierarchical

Some expats may struggle with certain aspects of the work culture in Beijing, which reflect the Chinese workplace in general. For one, management is hierarchical, meaning bosses are not accustomed to fielding questions from junior employees.

Making suggestions or sharing opinions should be done skilfully and respectfully in this context to avoid the appearance of criticism. Frequently, team members may even choose not to reveal problems to clients or managers so as not to lose face.

This extreme hierarchy and the lack of open lines of communication may come as a shock to Westerners.

Working and Work Culture in Beijing

Getting around in Beijing

Beijing is a large city, and navigating it may initially seem overwhelming. There are many ways to get around: options range from the subway and commuter trains to buses, trolleybuses, taxis, or simply walking. Beijing's transport network has both pros and cons.

+ PRO: Excellent public transport

The quality of Beijing’s public transport is a major plus, and you can easily manage to get around without a car. The subway is cheap and reliable, bus routes cover almost every area, and taxis are affordable.

- CON: Crowded rush hours

Beijing's subway is said to be one of the world's busiest and longest metro systems. In the rush-hour chaos, it can be confusing for a new arrival to find their way around, but it's important to stay calm and note that signs, maps, and announcements are in both Standard Chinese and English.

Getting Around in Beijing

Lifestyle in Beijing

Beijing’s wealth of history and culture is fascinating, pleasing to the eye and easily accessible. That said, there are some unpleasant facts about day-to-day life in China’s capital. 

+ PRO: Impressive architecture and attractions

Beijing is home to magnificent cultural landmarks that date back hundreds of years. The Forbidden City is located in the heart of the capital and is perhaps the best-preserved imperial palace in the world. Set amid serene lakes and lush gardens, the Summer Palace is another must-see attraction. The National Stadium is a masterpiece of modern-day architecture and resembles its nickname, the Bird’s Nest, and the Great Wall is only an hour or so outside the city. 

- CON: Pollution is an unfortunate reality

Pollution is one of the biggest challenges you will face in Beijing. You will have to purchase air filters and 3M masks from convenience stores to get by.

- CON: Cultural shock

Expats often find it difficult to adjust to some commonplace practices in Beijing. Perhaps most challenging are overcrowding, lack of personal space on public transport, what might seem like strange eating habits to Westerners, and the local tendency to smoke almost everywhere.

+ PRO: Personal safety is not a major concern

Thanks to the widespread presence of police and security personnel, the risk of crime is minimal in Beijing. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing occur at a low rate, and residents can feel safe navigating the city by themselves – even at night. 

Shopping, Attractions, and Activities in Beijing