The Beijing expat lifestyle is a captivating blend of modern convenience, rich culture, and unparalleled safety, drawing people from around the globe to call China’s capital home. In the insightful YouTube vlog “Why I’m Living in China and Never Moving Back to America | What’s It Like Living in China?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJAN1xjwbSY), expat Beer shares a day in her life, revealing why she’s chosen Beijing over the U.S. after six years. From walkable markets to kid-friendly malls, her experience showcases why Beijing is a top destination for travelers and expats. At Jusha.Travel, we’re exploring her journey to uncover seven reasons the Beijing expat lifestyle is a must-experience in 2025.
Convenience Defines the Beijing Expat Lifestyle
Beer’s day begins at a zhao shirt (local market), just two minutes from her apartment, highlighting the unparalleled convenience of the Beijing expat lifestyle. “Life here is so convenient,” she says, navigating stalls brimming with fresh produce, fruits, and household goods. Unlike American grocery stores, which often require long drives, Beijing’s markets are steps away, serving the city’s 22 million residents in dense apartment complexes. “You walk out, and everything’s right there,” Beer notes, pointing to a pharmacy and snack stalls nearby.
This accessibility is a game-changer for travelers and expats alike. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast or daily essentials, Beijing’s urban design ensures you’re never far from what you need. For visitors, this means diving into local life effortlessly, with markets offering a taste of authentic Beijing culture.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Visit markets like Sanyuanli or Maliandao to experience Beijing’s vibrant street life, and bring a reusable bag for eco-friendly shopping.
Walkable Streets and Affordable Transport
Beijing’s walkable and bike-friendly streets are a cornerstone of its appeal. Beer loves the spacious sidewalks, perfect for pushing her daughter’s stroller. “They never end,” she says, emphasizing their ubiquity. Share bikes, costing just 15 cents per ride, offer a budget-friendly alternative. “In America, everything revolves around cars,” she contrasts, celebrating Beijing’s pedestrian-friendly layout.
Public transportation is equally impressive. Beer demonstrates paying for a bus with an Alipay QR code scan, guided by digital ETA displays. “You know exactly when the bus is coming,” she says, a stark improvement over her experiences in Paris. The subway, with 5G (and soon 6G) connectivity, is fast, clean, and reliable, making it a traveler’s dream. This seamless system lets visitors explore the Forbidden City or Summer Palace without needing a car.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Download Alipay or WeChat for easy transport payments, and try the subway for a quick, affordable way to navigate Beijing’s attractions.
A Culinary Journey Through China
The Beijing expat lifestyle is a foodie’s paradise, as Beer passionately shares. “The food here is just too good,” she warns, noting the risk of “gaining tons of weight.” Beijing offers authentic dishes from across China, like spicy Sichuan noodles, far surpassing the Americanized Cantonese fare she knew in the U.S. At a market, she tries doufu (stinky tofu), calling it “super sour” but a morning wake-up call. “It’s an acquired taste,” she laughs, embracing the adventure.
Cashless payments via Alipay or WeChat make dining seamless. “My phone is my wallet,” Beer says, scanning to pay for meals. For travelers, Beijing’s food scene is a cultural immersion, with street vendors and restaurants offering flavors that tell China’s culinary story.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Explore Wangfujing Night Market for street foods like lamb skewers, or visit a Sichuan restaurant for bold, authentic flavors.
Kid-Friendly Vibes for Families
As a mother, Beer values Beijing’s family-friendly environment, a key reason she stays. She visits a mall, noting that “malls in China are thriving” compared to declining ones in America. Beijing’s malls dedicate entire floors to kids, with play areas and activities. “It’s so kid-friendly,” she says, making it easy to entertain her daughter while enjoying the city’s modern amenities.
These malls are cultural hubs, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment. For travelers, they offer a glimpse into Beijing’s vibrant lifestyle, perfect for a break between historical sites. The Beijing expat lifestyle shines here, catering to families and young adventurers alike.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Check out Joy City or The Place for kid-friendly fun and diverse dining options, ideal for a family day out.
Safety That Sets Beijing Apart
Safety is a pillar of the Beijing expat lifestyle, especially for Beer as a parent. “It means everything,” she says, feeling at ease going out late with her husband. She notices women walking alone, looking relaxed, a contrast to her U.S. experiences. “I always feel so comfortable here,” she says, highlighting Beijing’s low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere.
For travelers, this safety means freedom to explore night markets or take late subway rides without worry. Beijing’s secure environment makes it ideal for solo travelers, families, and couples, enhancing its appeal as a top destination.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Enjoy Beijing’s nightlife in areas like Sanlitun, and use a translation app like Pleco for smooth communication.
Thriving Malls and Modern Amenities
Beijing’s malls are more than shopping centers—they’re lifestyle destinations. Beer loves their vibrancy, with floors dedicated to dining, entertainment, and tech gadgets. Unlike America’s fading malls, Beijing’s are “everywhere and thriving,” she says. For expats, they’re social hubs; for travelers, they’re a window into modern Chinese culture, offering everything from bubble tea to high-end fashion.
The city’s tech infrastructure, like 5G subways and DiDi ride-hailing, adds to the modern appeal. Beer contrasts DiDi’s affordability with expensive U.S. Uber rides, appreciating the option to skip car ownership. This blend of modernity and convenience makes Beijing a traveler’s delight.
Jusha.Travel Tip: Visit The Place for its iconic LED sky screen and diverse shops, perfect for a modern Beijing experience.
A City That Feels Like Home
Beer’s vlog captures the essence of the Beijing expat lifestyle: a city that feels like home, no matter where you’re from. “Life here is so different,” she says, from the convenience of markets to the safety of late-night walks. With China’s visa-free policies boosting tourism by 92.4% in 2024, Beijing is more accessible than ever, with high-speed trains linking it to Xi’an or Shanghai. Her day—filled with markets, subways, and malls—shows why Beijing captivates expats and travelers alike.
At Jusha.Travel, we invite you to experience Beijing’s dynamic lifestyle, where history meets innovation, and every day feels like an adventure.
Plan Your Beijing Journey with Jusha.Travel
Inspired by the Beijing expat lifestyle? Visit Jusha.Travel for tailored itineraries, travel tips, and insider guides to China’s capital. Pair Beijing with a Great Wall hike or a Tianjin day trip for a diverse adventure. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel trends and vlog-inspired recommendations. Make 2025 the year you fall in love with Beijing with Jusha.Travel!