| Where you are going to live is an important part of expat life. We have composed some brief information regarding apartment and villa living in Beijing.
The housing agents, Fortune Real Estate (rentnetchina@126.com)will organize a house-hunting tour. They also provide an orientation tour so that you can find out the location of schools, shops, hospitals etc. before choosing where to live. It is important to talk to other expats to find out what is available, as otherwise you may not get as much choice as you would like.
Recently the restrictions on where foreigners are allowed to live have been lifted. There are various types of housing available including villas (mostly on the outskirts of the city, towards the airport), apartments and traditional Chinese-style "courtyard" houses. People with accompanying children often choose to live in villas because they are close to the international schools and offer gardens and outdoor play areas, whilst those without children often choose apartments so that they are closer to restaurants and shops. This is by no means a clear dividing line though - you will find all types of people everywhere in Beijing. Just choose what seems right for you!
The following are some of the most popular housing sites, listed in alphabetical order. Please note we are not able to provide an exhaustive list of all the possibilities - you should contact your housing agents to find out more. Prices vary and also change regularly. Each location offers different TV channels, so you may want to verify what each complex offers.
Ascott Apartments - Are luxury serviced apartments located in Beijing's main business hub. It is only a few minutes walk from China World and close to lots of shopping. It is convenient for single businessmen and well as couples. There are various apartment sizes available from 88 sq. meters to 289 sq meters.
Beijing Riviera - Is a housing site located on the outskirts of Beijing near Shun-Yi, 5 minutes from the Western Academy of Beijing and 15 minutes from the International School of Beijing. The travel time to Downtown Beijing is between 20-45 minutes depending on the traffic. This community has over 500 Apartments, Townhouses and Villas. Sizes vary from 80 sq. meters to 450 sq. meters. Amenities include Clubhouse, with three restaurants, hair salon, grocery store, jewelry store, full gym with sauna, steam rooms, hot tub, massage, tanning bed, pool tables, ping pong table, library and children's playroom. There are many recreational activities to choose from including: golf center with a driving range, outdoor tennis courts, indoor squash court, outdoor basketball court, outdoor soccer field, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, full gym, playgrounds, plenty of open spaces to ride bikes, skate park and a good place to have a pet as well. For more information you can log on to their website at www.bj.riviera.com
Capital Paradise - Located in Shun-Yi, 3 minutes from The International School of Beijing, 15 minutes from Western Academy of Beijing. It is only 15 minutes from the airport. This large complex has over 1,000 Apartments, Town Houses and Villas. Sizes vary from 90 sq. meters to 460 sq. meters. Amenities include Club House with 2 restaurants, coffee shop, grocery store, sauna rooms, bowling alley, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, playgrounds, skate park small rabbit habitat, and even a man made lake. For more information see website at
China World Apartments - 448 units 1-4 bedrooms, 70-276 net sq. meters. Walking distance to China World, restaurants and shopping. Amenities include: health club, swimming pool, sports facilities, and playground. (Under renovation at time of writing.)
Dynasty Garden - A villa complex located close to the airport expressway (but in a quiet location). Villas are large with relatively spacious gardens. They are also very new and of good quality. The complex is still fairly sparsely populated with expatriates.
East Lake - Apartments from 80 sq. meters-370 sq. meters, 1-5 bedrooms. Amenities include: swimming pool, tennis courts, squash, restaurant, and bar.
Embassy House - 32 story apartment complex with 174 units from 213 sq. meters - 434 sq. meters, 2-4 bedrooms. Nice views of the city. Great for couples and small children. Amenities include: private sunny garden, bar, library, game room, full gym, table tennis, indoor pool, children pool, sauna, massage, juice bar, Jacuzzi, business center, cafe, deli and grocery shop, many extra services, car wash, laundry service, shoeshine, and secured underground parking. Close to restaurants and shopping.
Greenland Gardens - An older villa complex located in the northeast of the city close to the Lido Holiday Inn
Kerry Centre - High Rise, fully furnished serviced apartments in a large complex of 195 units, 1-5 bedrooms, 100-526 gross sq. meters. Walking distance to China World, restaurants, and shopping. Amenities include swimming pool, health club, supermarket, bank sports facilities, and shopping mall.
Legend Garden - Located 15 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes from the International School of Beijing, 15 minutes from Western Academy of Beijing. Over 389 apartments and houses from 102 sq. meters - 350 sq. meters, from 1-5 bedrooms. Amenities include: indoor swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts, golf driving range, and gym. Nice green areas. Some houses have been renovated.
Le Leman Lake - Large villas and townhouses with basements located in Shunyi County. Relatively small compound with an "American" feel. Club facilities include indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room, games, tennis courts, children's playroom, shop and restaurant. There are outdoor play areas. Close to International School of Beijing. Travel time to China World area, downtown Beijing averages 35 minutes.
Lido - Fully furnished and fully serviced apartment complex with 364 units from 1-5 bedrooms
River Garden - Well-established and quite large villa compound with villas in a range of sizes. Good club facilities include indoor and outdoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room, games, children's playroom, shop, hair salon and good Italian restaurant. There are outdoor play areas. Close to Pinnacle Plaza shops.
Somerset Fortune Garden - Apartments
Living in a courtyard - Not many expat families live in courtyard houses, perhaps because many of them did not even realize it was an option. Here's one account:
'We seized the opportunity to rent a courtyard because it gave us the chance to have a lot more private space than most apartments or villas offer. We have 600 sq m overall, including an outer courtyard with a double gateway. It is lovely to be able to sit outside in the warm weather, in complete privacy. We have no sports facilities but as our courtyard is situated inside Liu Yin Park, we don't really need a running machine! An added bonus was that the courtyard needed complete renovation, so all has been done to our taste. We have a 24-hour guard, plus a 24-hour maintenance man who is brilliant at fixing almost anything, and understanding what we want despite speaking no English.' |
Equal Housing
Opportunity.