Discover or rediscover Beijing like never before with Compass by Here, a dedicated media to share the best addresses in Beijing to enjoy your stay to the fullest with us.
Welcome to Beijing
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Discover Beijing
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Lastest Updates
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Welcome to Beijing - Discover Beijing - Lastest Updates -
Welcome to Beijing
Start your journey hassle free in Beijing with our comprehensive guide to get you started in no-time.
Discover Beijing
Discover the main districts to live in Beijing with our selection of six districts to enjoy your stay.
Explore Beijing
Dive into Beijing local culture and discover our curated selection of the addresses in town.
Welcome to Beijing
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Discover Beijing
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Lastest Updates
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Welcome to Beijing - Discover Beijing - Lastest Updates -
Before Arriving
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Best Apps
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Lifestyle Tips
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Payments
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Visa
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Before Arriving - Best Apps - Lifestyle Tips - Payments - Visa -
Welcome to Beijing
Discover a four steps guidance to get started in Beijing in no-time from useful tips, to must have apps, your journey starts here.
1.
Welcome to Beijing
One of the world’s most historic capitals and China’s political and cultural heart.
21,000,000+
Expats from all over the globe call Beijing home, from diplomats to digital nomads.
90,000+
Explore the districts of Beijing from ancient hutongs to modern towers.
16 Districts
Navigate the city with one of the best metro network on the planet.
20+ Metro Lines
Discover the two faces of Beijing with Dongcheng’s historic hutongs and Chaoyang’s modern skyline.
Dongcheng & Chaoyang
2.
Tips to Get Started
Prepare yourself for a positive culture shock on all aspects.
Culture Shock
Be open minded and don’t judge local behaviors in China.
Don’t Judge
Know the Mandarin fundamentals to survive in China.
Learn Mandarin
VPN is mandatory to access western online services (Google, Meta, etc.).
Get a VPN
Download the five must-have apps before arriving in China.
Download the Apps
3.
Must-Have Apps
The default app when it comes to messaging in China.
The default app when it comes to payments in China.
Alipay
The default app when it comes to transportation in China.
DiDi
The default app when it comes to food and groceries delivery in China.
Elema
Taobao
The default app when it comes to online shopping in China.
4.
First Week in Beijing
Do not forget to register to the police station at your arrival.
Police Registration
Got to China Telecom / China Mobile for all your online plans.
SIM Card & Wifi
Bank & Payments
Install Alipay and/or open a bank account at Bank of China (BoC).
Accommodations
Get your accommodation with Here Real-Estate Agency.
Explore Neighborhood
Get familiar with your neighborhood and the transport system in Beijing.
Before Arriving
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Best Apps
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Lifestyle Tips
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Payments
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Visa
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Before Arriving - Best Apps - Lifestyle Tips - Payments - Visa -
Chaoyang
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Dongcheng
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Haidian
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Shijingshan
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Xicheng
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Fengtai
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Chaoyang - Dongcheng - Haidian - Shijingshan - Xicheng - Fengtai -
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.
Dongcheng District
Located in the heart of Beijing, Dongcheng blends history, culture, and walkable hutong living.
Haidian District
Great for students and tech workers, Haidian has affordable housing near top universities.
Shijingshan District
Shijingshan is a quieter district with newer developments, parks, and more budget-friendly rentals
Xicheng District
Xicheng mixes tradition and city life, with classic homes close to parks and finance zones.
Fengtai District
Fengtai is a rising district with new housing, lower rents, and growing metro access.
Chaoyang
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Dongcheng
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Haidian
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Shijingshan
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Xicheng
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Fengtai
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Chaoyang - Dongcheng - Haidian - Shijingshan - Xicheng - Fengtai -
Maps of Beijing
Get familiar by checking our map of Beijing to get an overview of the city by checking the main districts, landmarks, malls, and much more, and get started in no time when arriving in Beijing.
Welcome to Chaoyang
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Welcome to Chaoyang -
Discover Chaoyang District
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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
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 Good about Chaoyang
International and vibrant lifestyle
Many housing options, from modern apartments to serviced residences
Central location for work and social life
The Bad about Chaoyang
Higher rent compared to the outer districts
Traffic can be heavy
Some areas are crowded and noisy
Welcome to Dongcheng
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Welcome to Dongcheng -
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Discover Dongcheng District
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
For Who?
Young professionals with a solid or high budget
Students at international schools or universities
Families wanting international schools and comfort
The Good about Dongcheng
Budget friendly
Great location
Green lands and riverside
The Bad about Dongcheng
Mostly older buildings, limited modern compounds
Smaller apartments for the price
Can feel too busy and touristy near landmarks
Welcome to Haidian
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Welcome to Haidian -
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Discover Haidian District
What we Love about in 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
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 Good about Haidian
Affordable rentals near campuses
Smart and vibrant community
Solid infrastructure and public transport
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
Welcome to Shijingshan
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Welcome to Shijingshan -
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Discover Shijingshan District
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
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 Good about Shijingshan
Spacious and newer residential buildings
Clean air and access to green areas
Low cost of living
The Bad about Shijingshan
Far from central Beijing and nightlife
Fewer international schools and services
Limited expat community
Welcome to Xicheng
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Welcome to Xicheng -
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Discover Xicheng District
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
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 Good about Xicheng
Central but quieter than Dongcheng
Beautiful historical surroundings
Access to good schools and public services
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
Welcome to Fengtai
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Welcome to Fengtai -
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Discover Fengtai District
What we Love about in 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
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 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
The Bad about Fengtai
Still developing, with fewer international services
Longer commute to central Beijing
Not much nightlife or entertainment options
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.
Districts Comparison
Chaoyang
Dongcheng
Expat
Family
Community
Cost of Life
Rental Cost
Transports
Going Out
Attractions
Nature
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Haidian
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Xicheng
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Fengtai
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Restaurants
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Bars
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Coffee
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Shopping
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Activities
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Promenades
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Restaurants - Bars - Coffee - Shopping - Activities - Promenades -
Explore Bejing
Discover our curated selection of the best addresses in Beijing from restaurants, bars to weekend activities, enjoy the city to fullest with Compass by Here.
Eating & Drinking
Discover our curated selection of the best eating & drinking places in Beijing.
Shopping & Lifestyle
Discover our curated selection of the best shopping & lifestyle addresses in Beijing.
Activities & Promenades
Discover our curated selection of the best activities & promenades to explore Beijing.