Beijing consists of 16 districts containing over 21 million people. In this series, we will be focusing on seven neighborhoods in four separate districts, which have become the most popular among Beijing’s expat community. While these aren’t the only areas that are home to waiguoren, these are the most accessible and offer, in our opinion, the best Beijing experience depending on your tastes and preferences.
Wangjing and Lido lie halfway between Shunyi and downtown Beijing. These areas are popular with both families and expat English teachers due to their relatively cheaper rent, access to international hospitals and schools, and proximity to major foreign companies such as Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, and Microsoft. Both have significant Korean communities, especially Wangjing, which hosts a cornucopia of Korean chain stores, restaurants, and grocery chains.
Pros
+ Short commute to international schools in Laiguangying and Beigao area
+ Proximity to the headquarters of foreign companies
+ Close to family-friendly destinations such as Si’de Park
+ 798 Art District
+ Indigo Mall
+ International grocery chains
Cons
– Connected to the city via satellite subway lines (13, 14, and 15)
– Limited things to do for families, though the area is growing
– Lacks authentic Beijing culture
when compared to some other inner city areas
Residential Compounds
Wangjing and Lido have a number of choice compounds on offer. Wangjing Huayuan is in a great location; close to local kindergartens, Chinese groceries, banks, hospitals, post office, beauty salons, and even a Wal-Mart. Upper East Side is also well located, and has its own gym, sauna, and swimming pool, as well as a coffee shop within the compound. Chateau Regency has a fitness center, a convenience store, and a playground. Mookey Swim, a popular parent-owned center offering baby swimming classes, is also located on the ground floor of Chateau Regency.
Schools
Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) and 3e International School can both be found in Wangjing. There are also other international schools that cater specifically to the dense population of Koreans and Japanese in the neighborhood. Olivia’s Place is also good to know if you require learning support or other special needs services.
Indigo Mall
Shopping
The world’s second largest IKEA is located in Wangjing, right by French grocery chain Carrefour, with its built-in air purification and water recycling systems. Indigo Mall near 798 Art District offers entertainment, good shopping and dining, with a cinema, restaurants, BHG Marketplace, frequent children’s events, and a large outdoor playground. You can also find April Gourmet on Fangyuan South Street, just a few blocks away from Upper East Side Compound.
Great Leap Brewing
Dining
Wangjing has some great Korean restaurants and markets. Next to Si’de Park, the Korean-owned CJ Foodworld houses a Tous les Jours bakery, Bibigo, Twosome Coffee, and Mann Coffee. There’s also Element Fresh, Annie’s, Taj Pavilion, a new Great Leap Brewing, and more. If you looking for a superb spot to brunch when the weekend hits, then look no further than either Nuo Hotel Beijing’s N’Joy or EAST Hotel’s Feast. A good breakfast, lunch, or dinner option can be also found at Ponte, with seasonal offers from their fresh Italian Deli, house bakery, or al la carte menu. Tucked away behind April Gourmet, you will find a little Vietnamese gem, Pho, serving up traditional steaming bowls of pho and a variety of authentic Thai dishes.
Art workshop for kids at M Woods
Where to Play
Wangjing and Lido both have a very vibrant expat scene with plenty of entertainment options. Lido Place is a popular apartment and mall complex where many foreigners reside and also many fairs and bazaars are held. This can be great for those looking to connect with the local crafts scene or the occasional farmer’s market. Another option is Indigo Mall, located just south of 798, which hosts regular kids’ events in its airy atrium space. They also have numerous restaurants, children’s brands, and play centers. In the warmer months, families can access the Indigo Playground out back, which features a fountain and two play areas connected by a garden. For greenery, Si’de Park in Lido is a modest park and a popular destination for families, which features a running track that winds around the entirety of the park, along with a roller skating rink, a fishing pond, soccer field, playground, a bouncy castle, and fairground rides. For arts and crafts for the kids, check out art studio, DDK Art, tucked behind the North West side of Upper East Side compound or the family art workshops at M Woods in 798. Unique classes in painting, sculpting, pottery, and more are on offer.
This article appeared in the beijingkids June 2019 Home & Relocation Guide issue.
