Beijing - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Beijing is a great city for families. The schools are outstanding, activities/attractions/travel are affordable, and crime is almost non-existent. Beijing is also a great city for couples: there are a ton of things to do in and around Beijing, as well as travel opportunities all over China. For singles, it depends on what you’re looking for. On the one hand, there are lots of singles both inside and outside the diplomatic community, so it’s easy to make expat friends. On the other hand, given the PRC’s unspoken restriction on expat-local relationships (and cultural expectations in many Chinese families), the dating pool is more limited than other countries in the region. - Nov 2024
It's what you make of it. I think it's possible for anyone to have a good experience here, just like anywhere. China is a high-differential post for a reason, but there are a lot of amenities that certainly help. - Nov 2021
Families love the schools, single people seem to like the city for its wealth of restaurants, bars, and things to see and do. - Nov 2020
I would say maybe not great for families with small children because of the air quality issues. Schools seem to be very good for older kids, based on what I've heard. For singles and couples, this is a fabulous place to live. Single men will have no trouble at all dating here, and single ladies should do okay, too. - Jul 2020
All! - May 2020
This is a large world capital and there is a place for everyone. - Oct 2017
For singles (that's me): there is a ton to do here. Lots of western food options, bars and nightclubs. Great museums to explore. There are a lot of expats here, so there's a decent dating pool. Dating locals presents some challenges but some people do go that route and have found success. You're also going to have a very nice apartment (or even a house if you're in Guang Ming) and can easily afford household help, so you truly can focus all your energy on exploring the city and come home to a good meal and your laundry done. Not a bad deal. For couples: see above. Lots to do, so you'll have fun. Make sure you both speak Chinese or get ready to have your patience stretched. Families: The Shunyi houses are large and nice, but you're going to have decent commute. Sounds like the schools are great. Many, many people refuse to come here with children due to the air quality issues having an outsize effect on developing bodies. I would not, personally, bring a child here if I had any way to avoid it. I would never stop stressing about their safety. - Dec 2015
Very excellent for families. Most of the suburban neighborhoods (in Shunyi) are great with kids. They are the neighborhoods where kids ride around on bicycles and ring their friend's doorbell without an "appointment". And very safe. - Apr 2015
I think there is something for everyone. Beijing has a lot to offer families, but the air quality will significantly dampen your quality of life. I'd think long and hard before deciding to do more than a couple of years here. - Jul 2014
Because of the pollution, this is not a good city for families with small kids. Because they are so active and their lungs are still growing, children face special and potentially irreversible risks. I have a five-year-old and one-year-old and regret bringing them here. They rarely can go outside. If you take the warnings about the air seriously, and I recommend you should, than quality of life for your children in Beijing will be poor. - Jun 2013
If you can find things that make you happy, I imagine it could be good for anyone. The trick is finding something you like. Single men seem to have a decent time; single women much less so. Couples without kids (or with older kids) have a wide range of entertainment and dining options. Families with small children are more limited. - Aug 2011
Best for families and couples. If you are a single western woman, good luck getting a date! - Apr 2011
Yes, for all of these. It's a very diverse city and there is something for everyone. - Jan 2011
Good for all, if you're adventurous. It's a big place, with something for everyone. - Apr 2010
I came as a single and left as a couple! Its okay for families as long as no one has asthma or any respiratory issues. - Jan 2010
