Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tp://blog.sina.com.cn/u/1732042202
)
is set in an elegant traditional courtyard building on
Madian Donglu on the southeast side of Madian Park, a short walk south of Jiandemen sub-
way station (Line 10, exit D). It was built during the Qing dynasty and covers 3,800 square
meters (40,903 square feet) and includes a prayer hall for women. Even older and larger is
Haidian Mosque (tel. 10/6255-8296), a short walk north of Suzhoujie subway station (Line
10, exit A) at 19 Suzhou Jie.
People in Haidian love to socialize, be it for work or pleasure. Universities will obviously
generate a lot of activities through associations, sports, and groups, but there is more on
offer elsewhere if you're up for it. Lush (
www.lushbeijing.com
)
, located on Chengfu Lu
on the west side of Wudaokou subway station, is a regular host of events. Visit on Sunday
evenings for open-mic nights, where you can get up and perform for a free beer, or test your
knowledge on Wednesdays with their trivia nights.
More serious interactions can be had with the Zhongguancun Toastmasters Club (
ht-
tp://zhongguancuntm.blog.sohu.com
)
, a branch of Toastmasters International. Events are
held at the Haidian Art Culture Mansion, near Haidianhuangzuang subway station (Lines 4
and 19, exit B). In a supportive and friendly environment, you can build your confidence
and make friends through speech—using English.
EXPAT PROFILE: LIVING IN OUTER HAIDIAN
Dirk is a freelance theater director, writer, and German teacher. He came to Beijing
five years ago after traveling a lot in southern China, willing to learn and see a few
things from a different perspective, and wanting to learn some Chinese. For the first
few years he lived inside the Second Ring Road just near the Lama Temple, but then
he decided to move out to Xiangshan in northwest Haidian district. Working part-
time in Sanyuanqiao in Chaoyang, this means a commute of two hours each way by
bus and subway several times a week.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE THERE?
I wanted to escape the air pollution in the city center and just occasionally get some
fresher air. Unfortunately this is a wish that has been only partly fulfilled, as the dust
