Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Beijing is the capital city of China, known for its rich history, modern architecture, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 21 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 6.4 CNY (Renminbi). Major banks include ICBC and Bank of China. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular carriers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most major establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local apartments available for rent. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Tujia are common. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Peking Station Hostel and 365 Inn offer affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Wangfujing and the Forbidden City area are popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Sanlitun and Chaoyang are favored by digital nomads for their lively atmosphere and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive and WeWork offer great coworking spaces with modern facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe B is a popular spot for remote work with good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Beijing Expatriate Meetup provides good networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Beijing Expat Facebook group has frequent meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app in Beijing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Chaoyang Park offers a large lakeside area, though actual beaches are 1.5 to 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | China Southern Airlines is a top regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and China Eastern Airlines connect to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include G1 and G4 connecting to other provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Beijing West Railway Station is the primary hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Beijing uses a contactless transit card useful for subways and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and long-distance buses connect Beijing to nearby cities and regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Peking Union Medical College Hospital is one of the top-rated hospitals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Yard offers various classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have several locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services like 24-Hour Laundry offer convenience. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Peking Duck is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian Food Cafe and Pure Lotus offer great plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maan Coffee and Baker & Spice are popular dessert spots. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wangfujing Street has many affordable local food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are major online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Dingdong and Freshhema offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sanlitun is known for its vibrant nightlife and bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | NBeer and Great Leap Brewing are well-known craft breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Vineyard and Cheers Wine Bar offer good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Wangfujing Snack Street is famous for local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Moka Bros and Taco Bar serve various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The 798 Art District and National Museum of China are essential visits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace offer rich historical experiences. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Lama Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are grand celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hutongs showcase traditional Chinese architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Beijing People's Art Theatre offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Panjiayuan Antique Market is famous for antiques and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Dusk Till Dawn and Mao Livehouse feature live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art Zone 798 is renowned for its street art and installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Hutong offers excellent classes on traditional Chinese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | UCCA Center for Contemporary Art hosts various exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Bell and Drum Towers are notable architectural landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Beijing's history is symbolized by its palaces, temples, and traditional neighborhoods. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fragrant Hills Park is a beautiful retreat within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Huangshan National Park is a renowned hiking destination, about a 5-hour train journey. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beijing Olympic Park has extensive walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Great Wall at Jiankou offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shuangying Wetland Park is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Jingshan Park allows designated campfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and China Post are reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and various local shops provide tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have public table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin House offers Chinese language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Beijing Foreign Studies University has quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local expat community centers host various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges like WOW Gaming offer multiplayer experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Beijing does not have casinos; gambling is illegal in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥75,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥3,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥2,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥85,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥5,100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥3,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥90,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥7,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥65,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥5,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT rate is 13% for most goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, China has CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is not commonly enforced in Beijing. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transfer tax is around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads are subject to individual income tax rates based on residency status. |