Beijing - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Many foreigners are unhappy in Beijing because of the lack of privacy that comes with living there. First there is the great firewall for the internet that requires you to have more than one VPN and the struggle to access your email. Then there are also all the cameras everywhere. Beyond that, it can feel more than a big oppressive with anti-western propaganda and high security everywhere. Even before going on a subway everyone will have their bags scanned before entering the subway station. This isn't like living in Bangkok. - Nov 2025
Living in Beijing during the Zero COVID era was very stressful, and many locals and expats suffered significant mental health issues. Newly arrived expats will not experience Zero COVID, of course, but even minor illnesses remain a sensitive topic for schools and the local population. - Nov 2024
The winters are cold. - Nov 2021
There is no privacy here. They no longer need to have people follow you but there is a camera every five feet and you can't walk a block without passing at least 10 people that belong to different parts of the security apparatus. Every once in a while you'll even catch them noting down your comings and goings. This constant surveillance and lack of privacy weighs on some people. - Nov 2020
The constant surveillance may weigh on some people. Knowing you have no privacy is a burden. If the bilateral relationship continues to deteriorate, there may be additional challenges and frustrations for USG employees living here. - Jul 2020
Feeling like I'm being listened to and watched all the time (even in our apartments I'm sure there are hidden cameras) takes a toll. Personally, I cannot wait to leave. - Nov 2019
Not having your Chinese understood can make you feel helpless at times. - Oct 2017
