Welcome to your new office: Beijing's best coworking spaces

A few of the top spots to work, network and generally be productive

Coworking spaces have quickly become some of the best spots to work, network and generally be productive in Beijing. Nearly 500 were opened last year between Beijing and Shanghai alone, and we’re not even close to peak share economy yet.

For companies seeking flexibility and a modern office space, or café-frequenting freelancers in need of at least reliable wifi and a guaranteed electrical outlet, we've rounded up a few of the best coworking space providers in Beijing, that have been opening their doors faster than you can say ‘Can you watch my laptop while I go pee?’.

WeWork

By the time of WeWork’s Beijing launch, its inaugural Guanghua Lu location was already nearly fully booked. It’s easy to see why: the American coworking giant believes a focus on community helps you do some of your most inspired work – from happy hours and allowing pets, to its private network that helps members from across the globe connect and collaborate. CBD not for you? Locations in Ciyunsi and Wangjing are already open and a Sanlitun space is set to arrive this year.

Spaces and cost (Guanghua Lu) Hot desk from 2,000RMB per month, dedicated desk from 2,7500RMB per month, private office from 3,950RMB per month.

Perks Free coffee and Jing A beer; pet-friendly; arcade room; wellness room for meditation or prayer; new mothers' room.

Locations CBD, Ciyunsi and Wangjing; Sanlitun (opening soon).

Naked Hub

After running resorts and retreats around China, Naked Group's foray into coworking spaces means a focus on hospitality, design and community. The company’s current Jiuxianqiao location is a repurposed factory with free-flow beer and ping-pong tables, attracting arts, design and tech companies in the 798 area. A Sanlitun location also opened this past autumn, complete with a pool for the elusive lunchtime swim, and a margarita bar. Set to be coming soon are two new locations at Dawang Lu and Dongdaqiao.

Spaces and cost Hot desks from 1,800RMB per month, open offices from 2,800RMB per month, private offices from 3,000RMB per month.

Perks Showers and lockers; event space for 200 people; filtered air; free-flow coffee, tea and beer.

Locations Jiuxianqiao and Sanlitun; Dawang Lu and Dongdaqiao (opening soon).

Prototype

Inside the quirky Hotel Jen, coworking lounge Prototype offers sweeping views of the CBD and plenty of spaces to get down to business from cosy nooks or big tables. While the space doesn’t offer any private offices, meeting rooms are kitted out with AV gear and are available for rent at no extra cost. Perfect for freelancers looking for a casual downtown office or visitors in town on business. 

Spaces and cost Hot desk daily pass 150RMB, monthly pass 3,500RMB.

Perks Free-flow coffee, tea and biscuits; Thursday happy hour; 20 percent discount at Jen's food and beverage establishments.

Location CBD.

DayDayUp

With coworking spaces in Sanlitun and Haidian tech hub Zhongguancun, DayDayUp specialises in helping innovative China-based start-ups connect with international partners. Naturally, DayDayUp needs a show-stopping events space for all this networking to go down: enter X Space (pictured), an historic Qianmen siheyuan refurbed by leading architects, and designed to host conferences and parties for DayDayUp member companies, as well as linking the budding young businesses with investors. 

Spaces and cost (Sanlitun) Hot desks from 2,500RMB per month, private offices from 4,000RMB per month.

Perks Free-flow coffee and tea; private events space for 1,000; language classes.

Locations Sanlitun, Zhongguancun, Qianmen.

UrWork

Aimed at new grads, overseas returnees to China and small start-ups, Beijing-based UrWork has more than 20 coworking spaces around town. Through the company’s app, members can book a seat or meeting room at any Beijing location, but also access services from member companies including designers, programmers and more. Sometimes referred to as China’s answer to WeWork, the company’s flagship offers discounts on coffee and lunchtime fitness classes all in modern and stylish surrounds.

Spaces and price Hot desk 100RMB day or 1,000RMB per month, private offices from 1,500RMB per month.

Perks Daily events; membership comes with access to all of UrWork’s Beijing locations.

Locations More than 20 across the city.

Rather get down to business with a slice of cake and a latte or three? Hit 'Read more' for our pick of the best cafés in Beijing.

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