#line 15

William Penn

Beijing is a humongous city, one of the biggest in the world in fact. Thus, it is only natural to divide it up into many different district and neighborhoods. I live in Chaoyang District in the Wangjing neighborhood, further away from the center. If your plan on living in this mostly residential area, here's a quick rundown based on my experience living here.

Peace & Quiet

The general rule of Beijing is this: the closer you live to the center of the Beijing, the busier and more populated its going to be. Wangjing sits between the 4th and 5th outer ring of country capital. Therefore, it makes for a rather peaceful area to live in. Roads are not packed with honking cars and sidewalks are generally unoccupied by people. The elder generation can often be seen outdoors dancing, playing mahjong or practicing Tai Chi. Others are sitting in the shade playing cards with community members or playing badminton using makeshift nets. However, being a more residential area, it's not as occupied with fellow foreigners as it would in say, the CBD. Thus, bars and restaurants catered towards expats are few and far in between, although foreign-friendly restaurants in neighboring Lidu are only 2 or 3 bus stops away.

Off in the Distance, Not Very Exciting

As mentioned before, Wangjing is more of a residential area and isn't exactly one of the most exciting places to inhabit. Many of the more active neighborhoods lie closer to the city center, which is about a 1 hour and 15 minute ride via public transit. If that seems like too long, there is always the option of taking a cab, however it will cost 25-40 RMB running up expenses real fast for regular excursions. If taking the subway, Wangjing is located on the recently opened line 15, requiring at least 2 transfers to get to the center of the city.

Koreatown

Wangjing is known for its large population of South Koreans. It is not unusual to see notice signs that are written in Chinese and Korean. Also, where foreigner restaurants and bars are lacking, Wangjing is filled with plenty of quality Korean restaurants, most places costing much less than other neighborhoods in Beijing. Many Koreans also own shops and bars as well, earning Wangjing's reputation as Beijing's Little Korea.

Is Wangjing for Right for You?

Wangjing offers many of the basic things other neighborhoods do. Shopping malls are plenty, street food is prominent at night, and markets make for easy grocery runs. All this with an overall Korean vibe to it. While deciding on a neighborhood to live in Beijing, be sure to determine what is important to have.

For an expat hoping to live out their experience beyond the fundamental offerings through night clubs, bars and foreigner food, Wangjing will come up well short of expectations. Those expecting to meet fellow expats and young adults are better suited living in more exciting areas like Guomao or university-rich Wudaokou. However, if partying is not a requirement and a quieter lifestyle is more suitable, Wangjing could be a nice place to call home.

Quick Tips

Located on Line 15: Wangjing, Wangjing West

Major bus lines: 111, 421, 621, 629, 707