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Beijing Apartment Hunt: A Foreigner's View of Post-Lockdown China

China has CHANGED since the lockdown | China Culture Shock Hit Me HARD (Beijing) Apartment Hunt

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation: 21.5 million
China has CHANGED since the lockdown | China Culture Shock Hit Me HARD (Beijing) Apartment Hunt
Sheku Mans15 min

China has CHANGED since the lockdown | China. This was filmed by Sheku Mans. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

What to expect coming into China as a foreigner who has never been to the mainland? Well, this episode gives you an honest review of life in China and the process of what to expect when moving to China as a foreign worker or foreign exchange student. In this episode, I searched for an apartment in Beijing China which is very expensive.

As an independent filmmaker, I show the audience what my experiences are like exploring the world's greatest destinations without holding useful information back. Since the lockdown, China has changed and everything seems to be getting back to normal since the borders reopened.

--- Sheku Mans
September 9, 2023, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Sheku Mans describes adjusting to life in Beijing, including the language barrier, a medical check, and the search for an apartment. He finds downtown housing expensive and smaller than expected, and explains the three-month deposit and one-month agency fee typically required when renting. Friendly colleagues introduce him to abundant, inexpensive food. The video also observes the city's busy pace, modern and traditional contrasts, clean areas, local markets and supermarkets, and everyday interactions. His account includes both positive encounters and the challenges of adapting, and he plans to visit other major Chinese cities.

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China has CHANGED since the lockdown | China Culture Shock Hit Me HARD (Beijing) Apartment Hunt

Settling into Beijing

Sheku Mans gives a candid account of his early experiences in Beijing. He arrives excited to explore a new culture, then quickly encounters language and cultural differences. He finds it difficult to communicate and describes the vulnerability of being a foreigner in an unfamiliar place. A medical check-up is part of his experience in China, and the video notes that foreigners such as students and workers should not skip this step.

Looking for an apartment becomes a comedic but challenging process. Sheku discovers that housing in downtown Beijing is expensive and that many apartments are smaller than he expected. Newer apartments cost more, and choosing an area outside the city center may make rent more affordable but can mean a longer commute. He deals with agents and landlords and eventually secures an apartment, though he initially has some regrets about its location. The rental terms he describes include paying a three-month deposit and one month's agency fee, so he advises understanding the implications before signing a lease.

Food, colleagues, and city life

Food is a bright part of Sheku's adjustment. He finds many affordable dishes and says it is easy to eat too much. Friendly local colleagues help him find places to eat, including local recommendations he might not have found alone. Their help shows how making local friends can lead to authentic food experiences and other discoveries. He also visits local markets and supermarkets, which give him a closer view of everyday life.

Sheku observes Beijing's dense population, constant activity, and blend of modern and traditional elements. He describes the city as full of constant movement while also noticing clean areas and quieter moments. The video balances positive and difficult parts of his interactions: he encounters kindness and curiosity, while also dealing with cultural differences and the challenges of settling in. His experiences are not limited to sightseeing; they focus on housing, workday routines, food, colleagues, and the process of finding his place in a new city. He plans to expand his travels to other major Chinese cities. The account offers an individual view of life in Beijing rather than claiming that one person's experience represents everyone.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What should foreigners know about medical checks in China?
A: Sheku says a medical check-up is an essential part of the process for foreigners, including students and workers, and advises not to skip it.
Q: How much does renting in Beijing typically require upfront?
A: Sheku says renters typically pay a three-month deposit plus one month's agency fee. He recommends understanding the costs and terms before signing a lease.
Q: How can newcomers find good local food in Beijing?
A: Sheku found it helpful to befriend local colleagues, who introduced him to food and places he might not have found on his own. He also describes the food as abundant and inexpensive.

Previous travel video:

Beijing Apartment Hunt: A Foreigner's View of Post-Lockdown China

What to expect coming into China as a foreigner who has never been to the mainland? Well, this episode gives you an honest review of life in China and the process of what to expect when moving to China as a foreign worker or foreign exchange student. In this episode, I searched for an apartment in...

Beijing Apartment Hunt & Cultural Exploration: A Foreigner's Honest Review

Sheku Mans shares his honest experience of living in China after the lockdown. His journey includes navigating the challenges of finding an apartment in expensive Beijing, offering a raw and insightful look at life as a foreigner in China. He highlights the significant changes he's witnessed since the reopening of borders, painting a vivid picture of a nation in transition. This is a must-watch for anyone considering a move to China or curious about the country's current state.

Attractions in this video: Tongzhou Plaza