Readers’ picks: 4 Beijing expats on their favourite CBD haunts

In association with the Beijing Central Business District Administration Committee

Towering skyscrapers and futuristic architecture might be one of Beijing CBD's most defining features, but there’s also an abundance of spectacular restaurants, bars, cafes that contributes to the restless energy and bustle that makes business and pleasure blend.

Everyone has a different opinion about where to go, eat, and unwind in the heart of the city. This time we want to hear what our readers' favorites are. In a quick chat, we asked four local expats to share their goods on their favourite haunts in the CBD.

Maiker

Occupation Chef

From Chile

Helena

Occupation Consulate staff

From Spain

Renato

Occupation MMA Fighter

From Brazil

Juan

Occupation Consulate staff

From Spain

Q1

What’s your first impression of the CBD and now?

Maiker: It used to feel like an exclusive business place but it’s becoming more of a lifestyle place for me.

Helena: I first came to visit the CBD as a student and I was so impressed by the area. It's always bustling, commercial, and has a lot to offer. I couldn't enjoy all of it in the beginning but now I can so that's pretty great.

Juan: I feel like it was the second time I saw skyscrapers in my life. It looked quite empty to me then other than just tall buildings. Now it's a different impression in many ways. It’s a busy place and somewhere I'd meet friends and actually do things.

Renato: I landed in CBD when I came to China for the first time. I was training in a gym in Dongdaqiao where I got to meet people from different background and culture. I've felt very comfortable and convenient for everything we have here.

Q2

What do you like best about the area?

Maiker: Being able to find everything in one place.

Helena: You can come here to play sports, to shop, to have dinner or drink. Basically you can get anything you want in this area.

Juan: I like the fact that you can meet people from all parts of China and all over the world in CBD. I think that would be the best for me because I love having a diverse, multi-cultural environment. 

Renato: Everything is close which makes living here a breeze.

Q3

Favourite place to eat in CBD after work?

Maiker: China World Mall

Helena: Migas Mercado

Juan: Susu

Renato: Latina

Q4

Favourite bar for an after-work drink or nightcap in CBD?

Maiker: Beersmith

Helena: Atmosphere

Juan: QMex

Renato: Mei Bar

Q5

If you have to describe CBD during the day in one word?

Maiker: Busy

Helena: Alive 

Juan: Sharp 

Renato: Convenient 

Q6

One word to describe CBD after dark?

Maiker: Party 

Helena: Impressive 

Juan: Cosmopolitan 

Renato: Sleepless 

Q7

From a scale of 1 (mama huhu) to 3 (excellent), how would you rate CBD’s food scene? 

Maiker: 3

Helena: 2

Juan: 2.5

Renato: 3 

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