Life in Beijing
WAB is located in Beijing, the capital of China. Beijing is a bustling city with more than 13 million people on an area of 16,800 sq. km – the size of Belgium. The Beijing Municipality is flat and has a very orderly design – north, south, east and west circumnavigated by six concentric ring roads. The Beijing seasons are clearly marked by changes in weather and temperatures, and surprising splashes of colors.
Beijing today is a city of vast contrasts – the new intermingles with the old, and the whole city is developing rapidly. Being a proud member of the WTO and successful host for the 29th Olympics Games, Beijing has set an even greater pace of development and change.
Beijing is also home to a sizable expatriate population comprising members from the business community, NGOs, embassies and foreign students.
Living in Beijing
Living in Beijing is an exciting adventure – both for single people and families with children. There are many sports and interest groups, imported groceries, flashy night scenes, huge shopping malls and endless cultural events. You will be spoiled for choice. Local medical facilities are inexpensive but could be a culture shock. International medical facilities staffed with foreign doctors come at a price.
Foreigners living in Beijing should expect to experience culture shock – the language, the culture, the weather, the banking system - not to mention the traffic - are all unique to China and Beijing. Keeping a positive attitude, being patient and staying flexible will help you to progress from merely adapting to enjoying your new home.
If you are serious about living and working in Beijing, start planning and be prepared. Find out as much as you can. Read up. Talk to people who had lived and worked in Beijing. The following websites also provide extensive information that many have found useful:
