Apartments

You will probably be in a building with other Westerners. Often, teachers at a university or large school will all live in a "Panda House" or an "Apartment Complex." These living quarters can range from small, but comfortable, to very rustic. Most of Chinese apartments don't have central heating but they are generally kept at a comfortable temperature. In the winter, you may want to pick up warm blanket from a nearby store.

If you are teaching at University, you will probably be housed in a foreign guesthouse built on or near campus. If you are on a job assignment you may share or have your own apartment, which will be basic but spacious and comfortable, with bedroom(s), living room, perhaps a dining room, kitchen, bathroom, complete with hot water, western toilet, TV, telephone and perhaps air conditioning. It's not exactly the lap of luxury, but it should be adequate or better.

Be sure to develop a friendly relationship with your neighbours, so they can troubleshoot any problems which may arise. It's important to realize that, although you have been assigned a certain apartment or room for the duration of your contract, that you are a guest. You will want to observe and follow the rules of your guest house, which may include a curfew, restrictions on "friends" who can stay overnight or whether Chinese students may visit. Prior to arrival at your job assignment, CEX will review everything with you in detail.

From time to time, meals are included in your contract. This is mostly for CEX Associates who will be teaching at a school or college. If your contract includes a meal plan we will review that with you in detail prior to your start date. Generally, your meals will be provided to you at a greatly reduced rate or zero cost.

For more information regarding to housing, please click on the following link:
http://www.expatsinchina.com/life/housing/index.html
Contact details from Real Estate agents in Beijing:
http://www.expatsinchina.com/life/housing/re-agent.html