Community and Local.
Despite the overwhelming size of Beijing’s population, local living is still rather intimate, especially among the expatriate crowd.
With everyone seeming to know a friend of a friend, the community is rather tight knit. Due to a lack of land, the majority reside in high rise apartment ‘communities’ that feature private parks and recreational areas; giving you plenty of opportunity to get to know your neighbors.
InterNations
The Community for Expatriates and Global Minds. Our expat community helps to settle easily when moving or living abroad: Connect with expats, find information and tips about life abroad and meet fellow expatriates at InterNations events...
Chinese Festivities.
Festivals in China truly highlight the colorful nature of traditional Chinese culture. Even in Beijing, where evidence of China’s rich cultural past is getting harder and harder to find, festivals are still fervently celebrated. The Spring Festival...
Etiquette.
Getting acquainted with Chinese etiquette – whether it is within a business or social context – is not something that happens overnight. Particularly for those hailing from “Western” countries, learning to communicate and behave...
Tipping.
“Tipping is not a city in China,” or so says a peevish sign in many American diners. As it turns out, neither is it customary or expected in China’s capital. Though tipping is increasingly more common in Hong Kong and Macau...
Do's & Don'ts.
There is no proven formula for what one should or should not do in order to communicate successfully in China – or anywhere, for that matter. However, below are some guidelines to give an idea of some things that should be taken...
Twin Towns.
The history of Beijing’s sister cities is very much the history of China’s continuing period of opening up following the Cultural Revolution. The capital now has 42 sister cities, drawn from the worldwide A-list of the grandest metropoleis...
Kids and Youth.
Whether stomping around local creeks searching for tadpoles, running around the city getting lost on the bus, or playing shoot ‘em up video games, exploration and adventure, whether virtual or real, are common activities for young...
Spouses.
Your spouse is working, the kids are in school, and you’re stuck in a strange city with no knowledge of the local language, and nothing but time on your hands. This isn’t every spouse’s experience in Beijing, but if it sounds like yours...
Panjiayuan Market.
With its 3,000 stalls spread out over 48,500 square meters, the Panjiayuan Antique Market is the largest antiques, arts and handicrafts market in Asia. This market features stoneware, pottery, jewelry, Kung Fu swords, jade...
