Explore & Live a Beijing Neighborhood with a Local Resident

About Beijing's Neighborhood

While Shanghai is often seen as polished and elite, Beijing thrives on its warmth and grounded. Step into one of the city's real neighborhoods, you’ll quickly figure out Beijing's attitude.

Here, life moves with a Beijing rhythm — students gather in bustling cafeterias, neighbors chat over smoky barbecue stands, and grandmas lead square dances.

You’ll be paired with a local resident — not a guide, but a real Beijinger. They might be a hardworking tech employee, a university student, a housewife, or an ambitious writer. What they all share is a life deeply rooted in the city — and a willingness to invite you in.

But this isn’t just about observing life in China. You’re invited to be part of it — and in turn, you bring your own stories, questions, and culture into the exchange. It’s a rare kind of offline connection — one that goes beyond headlines or social media feeds. Because the real relationship between people isn’t about political opinions. It’s about shared meals, real conversations, and the little moments that remind us we’re friends.

The Routes

We usually suggest starting the experience around 7:30 PM — that’s when most locals finish work and are ready to unwind. But this is not a fixed schedule. Before the meetup, you’ll exchange contact info with your local friend, and you’re welcome to discuss a different time or even a daytime hangout, depending on both of your schedules.

Where you go and what you do will vary depending on your host's idea. A university student might show you around their campus and grab bubble tea together; a local family may invite you to join them for dinner in their community canteen; a grandma in a hutong might take you straight to the square dance circle, and you’ll be learning the steps before you know it.

This isn’t a tour with a fixed route — it’s a casual, spontaneous experience, shaped by local rhythm and personality.

During your time together, you might naturally want to buy a drink, a snack, or share a simple meal. These purchases aren’t included in the experience fee and are usually small. It’s generally understood that travelers cover these shared costs, and if you feel your local friend brought joy to your night, feel free to tip them as a thank-you.