Tips for foreign families relocating to Beijing. Find out more at http://www.ycis-bj.com/

1. WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING TO
BEIJING

2. Moving to Beijing
• So, you and your family are considering making the big move to Beijing. As
China’s capital city hosting a population of over 20 million, the idea of making
a new home in Beijing is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking.
• Luckily, with a bit of preparation, the move to Beijing becomes less daunting.
To follow are seven important topics to consider before moving your family to Beijing

3. Cost of Living
The popular notion that because everything in China is “cheap,” you can
live a life of luxury for a fraction of the cost is misleading…
Comparing San
Francisco and Beijing:
Consumer prices
in San Francisco
= 52% higher
Rent in San
Francisco = 79%
higher
Food
• Non-imported food
and consumer
products can be
extremely cheap,
but the quality of
these items is
inconsistent and
sometimes
unreliable
Foreign Items
• High-priced foreign
items, such as
cars, are subject to
a 20% price
increase known as
a “luxury tax”
Standard of Life
• You need around
$6,176.34
(¥37,850.47) in
New York, NY to
maintain the same
standard of life
that you can have
with ¥19,000 in
Beijing

4. Schools
Many parents worry about the
quality of education their child will
receive if they are living abroad...
• Beijing offers:
• Some of the best international
schools in China
• A premium Asian learning
environment
• Opportunities for growing children to
engage in cross-cultural learning
A fun and
engaging school
environment
An equally, if not
more, valuable
education than
what is offered in
the child’s home
country
Beijing’s international
schools can offer:

5. Schools Yew Chung International School of Beijing
(YCIS Beijing) offers an international
curriculum that combines the best of Eastern
and Western educational philosophies and
practices
Bilingualism
Creative
expression
Individual growth
Community service
Strong,
intelligent,
global-
minded
students
This promotes
In order to foster

6. Housing
• Where in Beijing you choose to live can have a big impact on your family’s daily life and the
people with whom you interact.
• YCIS Beijing facilities are:
Located close to many of
the major residential areas
Easily accessible by car or
public transport
The most important thing:
Choose a house or
apartment in an area that
feels right for your family

7. Housing
Some of the most popular areas for foreigners to live in
Beijing are:
• 798
• Sanlitun
• Guomao
• Shuangjing
• Wudaokou
• Nanluoguxiang/
Gulou
The art area
The embassy area
Also known as the Central Business District or CBD
The modest, mature expat community
Renovated hutongs, with class and style
Cheap university area

8. Diet
• Moving to China will give you a unique
opportunity to experience a mix of Eastern
and Western cuisines
• If you are looking for Western grocery
stores, the most popular are April Gourmet,
Jenny Lou’s and BHG Market.
Many families enjoy mixing their
favourites with local staples

9. Transportation
• In 2012, Beijing was named the city with the worst
traffic in the world by IBM due to weak enforcement
of traffic laws and lack of parking.
• Tokyo and New York have more cars per capita than Beijing
but nowhere near the same traffic congestion.

10. Transportation
• Taxis are plentiful in Beijing and can be a life-saver if
you’re in a time crunch.
• May be difficult to catch one during rush hour
• Investing in a bicycle or electric scooter is also a quick
and easy transportation solution.
Be cautious, as drivers in the city are often
oblivious or impatient
ALWAYS wear a helmet!

11. Daily Life
Modern
fitness
centres
Shopping
malls
Outdoor
parks
Movie
theatres
Citywide
events and
clubs
dedicated to
promoting
friendship
Aside from the rich cultural sightseeing activities
available in the capital, Beijing is full of activities to
occupy your spare time:
Plus the city’s extensive number of restaurants
is continuously increasing!

12. The People
Common misconception
Everyone you
meet will be rude,
brusque, or trying
to rip you off
Many Chinese locals view most
Westerners as being apathetic
and judgemental
Truth
Chinese people as a whole
are kind, respectful, hard
working and extremely
generous
Most Chinese people are excited
about meeting foreigners who have
an interest in working or living in
their country

13. The People
• A good rule of thumb when moving to China:
• Leave any sense of entitlement at home
• Treat everyone you meet with the respect you would offer someone inviting you into their home
• Being enthusiastic and open-minded will prove to others that you are a truly global citizen
This will lead to a network of friends and
colleagues made up of expats and Chinese
alike that will be invaluable to your life in
China and elsewhere after