Living in Beijing

Beijing to Improve Over 900km of Bike Lanes, Expand Urban Rail

Beijing to Improve Over 900km of Bike Lanes, Expand Urban Rail

While some commuters will no doubt rejoice at the increased number of bike lanes and sidewalks, the true test of the municipal government's commitment to green transportation will come from whether restrictions on automobiles and other motorized vehicles using spaces set aside for cyclists and pedestrians are enforced. 

How to Avoid Getting Evicted in the Latest Round of Housing Demolitions

How to Avoid Getting Evicted in the Latest Round of Housing Demolitions

The forced eviction of some of Beijing’s most vulnerable residents has sparked a backlash with even Chinese state media offering (albeit tepid) criticism of the city’s handling of this latest round of “urban renewal.”

But it’s not just Beijing’s poor and migrant communities which are being affected. Many international residents are feeling the pinch as well. 

Will Beijing Enforce the New Restrictions on Traffic and Parking in the Hutongs?

Will Beijing Enforce the New Restrictions on Traffic and Parking in the Hutongs?

After a year of steadily taking away all our nice things, the Municipal government has decided to throw us a bone.

Kowtow and get out: How I was almost ejected from the Forbidden City

Kowtow and get out: How I was almost ejected from the Forbidden City

Demonstrating an imperial ritual for your guests is a good way to get 86'd from The Forbidden City. It almost happened to me.

The 5 People You Meet on the Beijing Metro

The 5 People You Meet on the Beijing Metro

Having spent quite a few commuting hours below ground of late, I’ve started to distinguish a taxonomy of my fellow passengers, including several species which I find it best to avoid

Will the Authorities Slow the Out-of-Control Roll of the Bike Sharing Revolution?

Will the Authorities Slow the Out-of-Control Roll of the Bike Sharing Revolution?

Bike sharing has been one of the best things to happen to Beijing in a long time, but like any disruptive new business model, it has its problems.

How to Order a Jiānbing in Mandarin

How to Order a Jiānbing in Mandarin

Ubiquitous. Delicious. Not entirely nutritious. You can find them on the street in Beijing and Brooklyn. They are a staple of both morning commuters and late night revelers, the apex snack, the Egg McMuffin of breakfast foods: The humble 煎饼 jiānbing.

A Teacher's Advice to His Students for Staying Safe During Spring Festival

A Teacher's Advice to His Students for Staying Safe During Spring Festival

As a teacher at a study abroad program here in Beijing, I feel it's my duty not only to introduce the wonders of Chinese civilization to impressionable young minds from America but also to keep them safe. Each year, it is customary for me to prepare a short talk to acquaint the students with the Spring Festival. Happy New Year to all and stay safe.

Stanford Closes Beijing Study Abroad Program, Enrollments Down at Other Beijing-Based Centers

Stanford Closes Beijing Study Abroad Program, Enrollments Down at Other Beijing-Based Centers

News that Stanford University will shutter its undergraduate overseas studies program in Beijing has focused attention on the future of the city as a destination for US students studying abroad.