🌍 Overview
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, making it an intriguing destination for digital nomads. As a Beijing digital nomad myself, I can attest that the city’s unique vibe, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene are just a few reasons why remote workers love it here. With a Nomad Score of 73/100 and a Culture Score of 95/100, Beijing offers an unparalleled experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a new and exciting environment. From the majestic Forbidden City to the trendy bars and clubs in Sanlitun, Beijing has something for everyone. As a digital nomad in Beijing, you’ll find that the city’s fast internet speeds, with an average of 49 Mbps, make it an ideal location for remote work.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Beijing, there are several options that stand out for digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Sanlitun: This trendy neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping centers, and trendy restaurants. It’s a hub for expats and digital nomads, with many coworking spaces and cafes to choose from. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sanlitun can range from 3,500 to 6,000 CNY (approximately $500-$850 USD) per month.
- Gulou: Located in the heart of old Beijing, Gulou is a charming neighborhood with a rich history and cultural significance. It’s home to many traditional hutongs, narrow alleys filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gulou can range from 2,500 to 4,000 CNY (approximately $350-$570 USD) per month.
- Chaoyang: This bustling neighborhood is a hub for business and commerce, with many office buildings, coworking spaces, and restaurants. It’s a great option for digital nomads who want to be close to the action, with easy access to public transportation. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chaoyang can range from 3,000 to 5,000 CNY (approximately $420-$710 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Beijing can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses for digital nomads:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from 2,500 to 6,000 CNY (approximately $350-$850 USD) per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Beijing can be very affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around 20-50 CNY (approximately $2.80-$7 USD) per person. Groceries can also be relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items costing around 100-200 CNY (approximately $14-$28 USD) per week.
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation card can cost around 200-300 CNY (approximately $28-$42 USD), depending on the type of card and usage. Taxis are also relatively affordable, with a typical ride costing around 20-50 CNY (approximately $2.80-$7 USD).
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Beijing can range from 1,000 to 3,000 CNY (approximately $140-$420 USD) per month, depending on the location, amenities, and membership type.
Internet & Coworking
Beijing has a thriving coworking scene, with many spaces to choose from. Some popular options include:
- WeWork: With several locations throughout the city, WeWork offers a range of membership options, from hot desks to private offices.
- The Coworking: Located in the heart of Sanlitun, The Coworking offers a stylish and modern space with amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop garden.
- Nest: This coworking space in Gulou offers a unique and creative environment, with amenities like a rooftop terrace, yoga studio, and art gallery.
Internet speeds in Beijing are generally fast, with an average speed of 49 Mbps. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable and high-speed internet, making it easy to stay connected and productive.
Beijing has a growing digital nomad community, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the city. Some popular groups include:
- Beijing Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great resource for connecting with other digital nomads, finding coworking spaces, and learning about local events and meetups.
- Beijing Expats: This group has over 5,000 members and is a great resource for expats and digital nomads looking to connect with others, find job opportunities, and learn about local culture and customs.
Culture & Lifestyle
Beijing is a city that is steeped in tradition and culture, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. As a digital nomad in Beijing, you’ll have the opportunity to experience many of the city’s unique customs and traditions, such as:
- Food: Beijing is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like Peking duck, jiaozi (dumplings), and zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean sauce).
- Dating: Dating in Beijing can be a unique and exciting experience, with many opportunities to meet new people and try new things. Some popular dating apps include Tinder, Badoo, and Tantan.
- Nightlife: Beijing has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular areas include Sanlitun, Gulou, and Chaoyang.
As a digital nomad in Beijing, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in the country. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the L-visa, which is a tourist visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. You can apply for an L-visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country, or through a visa agency. It’s also possible to obtain a F-visa, which is a business visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 6 months. However, this type of visa requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips for digital nomads in Beijing:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local mobile phone store. Prices start from around 100 CNY (approximately $14 USD) per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: The best way to get around Beijing is by using public transportation, such as the subway or bus. You can purchase a public transportation card at most convenience stores or subway stations.
- Safety: Beijing is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use a money belt or a secure wallet.
- Weather: Beijing has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
