Beijing, also known as Peking, is one of the most populous cities in the world and is quickly becoming the top-political center of Asia. The city has an ancient history, but also shiny and new skyscrapers which signify the fast-paced Chinese growth of the past few decades. There is a lot of money in this huge city, and if you’ve wondered where the richest areas in Beijing are, we have you covered:
Chaoyang
Chaoyang is a huge district, much bigger than many European cities, and the most populous district in Beijing. We can write a whole article just about it, but in short, you can find everything here. Sanlitun, which is the embassy area of Beijing, is located here. Don’t be fooled to think that this is just some stuffy neighborhood with diplomats, however. This is one of the best spots in Beijing for partying is known for its non-stop nightlife. Beyond the diplomatic missions and the countless bars, you will also find a vibrant scene of restaurants, cafes, and shops in this area. Overall, Chaoyang has everything you might expect from a huge city, and it essentially is that.
Shunyi
In the northeast of Beijing, you will find Shunyi. This is mainly a residential area, where you will find some of the best schools and housing complexes that Beijing has to offer. It is a bit far away from the action of the urban core, but if you want a more relaxed and suburban atmosphere, and Beijing can be very hectic, this is a great place. Shunyi is also the location of the Beijing Capital International Airport, which is very convenient. Overall, this is a much more suburban side of Beijing that is calmer than the other districts on the list.
Dongcheng
Dongcheng is right in the middle of Beijing and has been settled for thousands of years. Because of its ancient age, many of the historical landmarks of the city are located here. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square are all to be found in this neighborhood. As you can likely imagine, this is a very affluent and expensive area, filled with tourists and local elites. If you want to live in some of the most exclusive and coveted streets in China, this is the district for you. If you can afford it, that is.
CBD
The Beijing central business district is a new and shiny area that is actually located in Chaoyang. Here you will find skyscrapers, financial institutions, headquarters of multinational corporations, and countless other buildings. While this isn’t exactly a great place to live or a good spot to do sightseeing, it certainly is rich and expensive. The real estate prices in China have been rising astronomically, and areas like the Beijing CBD are only likely to continue to grow for many years to come. It’s not that different from the downtown of many American cities, but there is a peculiar Chinese flair to this area.
