Life in Beijing
Life in Beijing: For Our International Faculty at BIBA
Welcome to Beijing—and to BIBA!
Moving to a new city is an adventure full of opportunities, and Beijing is a city that rewards curiosity, openness, and a sense of adventure. At Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), we’re proud to call this vibrant, historic, and cosmopolitan city home. For international teachers considering their next move, Beijing offers a unique combination of history, culture, modernity, and global connectivity—all within a dynamic rban environment.
1. Beijing: A City of History, Culture, and Global Life
Beijing is the beating heart of China—a city where ancient traditions meet a fast-moving modern world. It is home to some of the country’s most iconic cultural landmarks:
The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, centers of imperial history.
The Great Wall, just outside the city, for hiking and breathtaking views.
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Hutongs, where you can experience traditional Beijing life.
But Beijing isn’t just about history—it’s a modern metropolis with:
World-class dining and entertainment: From Michelin-starred restaurants to local street food and vibrant nightlife.
Shopping: From luxury malls to traditional markets and artisan boutiques.
Arts & Culture: Modern galleries, performance arts, and international film and music festivals.
Sports & Recreation: Parks, gyms, hiking trails, and outdoor activities along the lakes and rivers.
Beijing is also a global hub: home to multinational companies, international schools, and diplomatic communities. English is widely spoken in business and international circles, making integration smoother for newcomers.
2. Living in Beijing: Neighborhoods & Lifestyle
Beijing is a sprawling city with a variety of neighborhoods, each offering something unique:
Downtown Beijing (Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng): The hub for business, shopping, and nightlife.
Suburban districts (Shunyi, Haidian, Tongzhou): Quieter, family-friendly areas with spacious housing, international schools, and green spaces.
Historic hutong districts: Experience traditional Beijing life, local markets, and charming courtyard homes.
Shunyi, where BIBA is located, is particularly popular among expatriates and families. It offers:
Convenience: Close proximity to Beijing Capital International Airport and international schools.
Family-friendly amenities: Parks, playgrounds, recreational clubs, and international grocery stores.
Modern housing: Villas and apartment compounds with Western-style comforts.
Relaxed pace: A balance of city access and suburban calm, ideal for teachers with families.
3. Housing & Daily Life
Finding a home in Beijing can cater to a wide range of lifestyles:
Apartments and compounds: Many expats live in gated communities offering security, green spaces, and amenities.
Utilities & services: Modern apartments often come with heating, air conditioning, and high-speed internet.
Transport: Beijing has an extensive subway network, buses, and ride-hailing services. Rush hours can be busy, but living in areas like Shunyi keeps commuting manageable.
Daily life is a blend of modern convenience and local customs:
Mobile apps are widely used for payments, groceries, food delivery, ride-hailing, and social connections.
Learning basic Mandarin phrases makes life smoother and helps connect with local communities.
4. Food, Shopping, & Entertainment
Beijing is a paradise for food lovers:
Local cuisine: Try Peking duck, dumplings, noodles, and Beijing-style street food.
International cuisine: Every major city cuisine is represented—Italian, French, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and more.
Markets & supermarkets: Fresh produce markets, specialty food stores, and imported goods are widely available.
Entertainment and leisure options include:
Cultural performances, concerts, museums, and art galleries.
Modern cinemas, shopping malls, and luxury boutiques.
Parks, lakes, and outdoor activity areas for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
5. Healthcare & Education
Beijing offers excellent healthcare options:
International hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff are available for expats.
Both public and private healthcare options are accessible, offering a high standard of care.
For families, Beijing provides an abundance of schooling options:
International schools, bilingual programs, and local Chinese schools are all available.
Recreational programs, sports clubs, and extracurricular activities cater to children of all ages.
6. Working & Living as an International Teacher
At BIBA, you’ll join a global network of educators from all over the world. Life in Beijing is enriched by:
A multicultural community: Connect with colleagues and families from 50+ nationalities.
Professional development opportunities in an international school setting.
Opportunities to explore Chinese culture through language, festivals, and travel.
Living in Beijing also provides exposure to a rapidly evolving global city, where your experience as an international professional is valued and celebrated.
7. Practical Tips for Settling In
Transport: Beijing is a sprawling city—consider your commute and transportation options.
Climate: Winters are cold and dry; summers are hot and humid. Air purifiers are recommended indoors.
Social life: Engage with expat groups, school networks, and cultural clubs.
Exploration: Beyond Shunyi, Beijing offers endless opportunities for cultural discovery and weekend travel.
8. Why Beijing & BIBA
Beijing is a city that offers the perfect balance between professional opportunity and personal adventure. From ancient history to modern skyscrapers, quiet parks to bustling markets, it is a city that invites exploration and discovery.
Shunyi, as BIBA’s home, offers a comfortable, family-friendly environment with all the conveniences international educators appreciate. At BIBA, we not only welcome you professionally but also personally—supporting your integration into both the school and the city.
Your journey in Beijing promises growth, discovery, and a truly enriching international experience.