Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Your building, therefore, will probably be short of a 4th, 14th, and 24th floor, and possibly
even a 13th for good measure.
Stairwells and corridors are not only dark but often become the storage facilities for
leftover bed frames, wardrobes, and everything else people don't want to throw away (and
people really don't like throwing things away here).
Most of these apartments have government-controlled central heating, which usually
gets turned on around November 15 and off around March 15. Because of their solidness,
however, these apartments are usually cool in summer and warm in winter.
One of the nice things about living in the older complexes is that the communities of
people that live there tend to be friendlier and more personable. The more expensive and
modern the complex you live in, the fewer interesting interactions you're likely to have with
your neighbors.
Security tends to be almost nonexistent in these kinds of compounds, and while it's un-
likely you'll have to worry about things inside your apartment, downstairs your bicycle,
scooter, and the battery in your scooter are easy pickings.
LUXURY APARTMENT COMPLEXES
If you'd prefer to live with the comforts you're accustomed to—Western-style decorations,
spacious and bright living areas, functioning appliances—then these apartments are avail-
able across the city. Many come with their own gym and possibly a swimming pool, have
large and well-tended gardens, and have their own convenience shops or restaurants. Most
of the inner city apartments are already furnished, so if you prefer to furnish them yourself
it will possibly require some negotiation.
These complexes tend to be filled with expats, especially in Chaoyang district, and many
are staffed with English-speaking workers, so life can be much easier if you don't speak
any Chinese. Just a handful of the more popular ones include MOMA and Seasons Park
in Dongzhimen, Central Park and Millennium Residences in the Central Business District,
Embassy House near the Sanlitun embassy area, and Beijing Riviera apartments in Shunyi.
For those wanting top-notch security, DRCs (Diplomatic Residence Compounds) are a
popular choice. The newer DRC properties, such as Liangmaqiao DRC near the American
embassy, tend to be more luxurious and offer more facilities, but are also more expensive
than the older properties.
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