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POV: What Apartment Hunting in China Is Actually Like
POV: What Apartment Hunting in China Is Really Like
I went apartment hunting in China for one of my friends to show what the process is actually like. In this POV tour, you’ll see how the apps work, what apartments look like, and how much they really cost. From contacting agents to visiting places in person, this is what finding an apartment in China...
I went apartment hunting in China for one of my friends to show what the process is actually like. In this POV tour, you’ll see how the apps work, what apartments look like, and how much they really cost. From contacting agents to visiting places in person, this is what finding an apartment in China is really like. 🏠
Lizzy takes viewers on a practical, no-frills look at renting in China through a POV apartment-hunting journey. She explains how housing apps function, shows typical layouts and finishes of apartments, and demystifies the costs behind renting in Chinese cities. The video follows the real steps: reaching out to agents, scheduling visits, inspecting spaces in person, and comparing what you can get for your money. It’s a behind-the-scenes tour that helps future renters understand what to expect, what questions to ask, and how the process unfolds from inquiry to viewing to decision. If you’re curious about the day-to-day realities of securing a rental in China, this video lays out the practical workflow and common touchpoints in a clear, relatable way.
I went apartment hunting in China for one of my friends to show what the process is actually like. In this POV tour, you’ll see how the apps work, what apartments look like, and how much they really cost. From contacting agents to visiting places in person, this is what finding an apartment in China is really like. 🏠
In this video, Lizzy takes viewers along as she goes apartment hunting in China for a friend who is new to the country. The process begins with her using a Chinese app to find listings, messaging an agent to arrange viewings of multiple apartments in one day. She first grabs a quick snack from a local market, noting the low cost of bread and cherries. The journey includes a scenic ebike ride through spring weather, passing large government buildings and a mall with rows of shared bikes. The first apartment they tour is modern and spacious, priced at 2,800 RMB per month (with a six-month lease), but a bit over the friend's 2,200 RMB budget. The second apartment is larger but older, while a loft option is small and noisy due to nearby construction. The final one is a stylish two-level unit with a hotel-like bathroom. Throughout, Lizzy highlights common Chinese rental norms: apartments come furnished, you often pay rent six months in advance, and negotiation is expected. She also points out local lifestyle details, like charging stations for EVs, package shops in communities, and elderly people playing mahjong. The video ends with her admitting the first apartment set the bar high, and she hopes her friend will be able negotiate a better price.
Join Because I'm Lizzy as she navigates the wild world of apartment hunting in China for a friend. From haggling prices to dodging sketchy lofts, it's a crash course in Chinese renting. Expect ebike rides, cherry snacks, and a whole lot of real estate drama.
Lizzy apartment hunts for a friend in China, showing the process, prices, and surprises from app contacts to in-person tours.
Apartment Hunting in China: Inside Look at Rentals & Costs
3:11 Use a local rental app to browse listings, then contact one agent to show multiple apartments in a single day for efficiency.
4:16 Most apartments in China come fully furnished, including fridge, washing machine, and basic furniture, so you don't need to buy everything new.
5:53 Rent is often quoted for a six-month lease. Negotiation is common, so don't accept the first price; ask if paying upfront lowers the rate.
10:10 When viewing apartments, check for issues like construction noise, lack of a stove, or a combined shower-toilet area that may need a divider.
3:11 Use a local rental app to browse listings, then contact one agent to show multiple apartments in a single day for efficiency.
4:16 Most apartments in China come fully furnished, including fridge, washing machine, and basic furniture, so you don't need to buy everything new.
5:53 Rent is often quoted for a six-month lease. Negotiation is common, so don't accept the first price; ask if paying upfront lowers the rate.
10:10 When viewing apartments, check for issues like construction noise, lack of a stove, or a combined shower-toilet area that may need a divider.
0:01 Intro to apartment hunting
0:42 Buying bread and cherries
1:11 Ebike ride through spring
2:52 Arrival and rental process explained
4:16 First apartment tour (2,800 RMB)
5:53 Price check and negotiation
6:55 Second apartment tour (2,600 RMB)
8:25 Loft apartment tour (1,900 RMB)
10:18 Last apartment tour (2,300 RMB)
12:06 Final thoughts and tips
0:01 Intro to apartment hunting
0:42 Buying bread and cherries
1:11 Ebike ride through spring
2:52 Arrival and rental process explained
4:16 First apartment tour (2,800 RMB)
5:53 Price check and negotiation
6:55 Second apartment tour (2,600 RMB)
8:25 Loft apartment tour (1,900 RMB)
10:18 Last apartment tour (2,300 RMB)
12:06 Final thoughts and tips
apartment huntingchina rentalchinese apartment tourexpat life chinarenting in chinachinese real estatenegotiation tipsHow do you find apartments in China?
I use an app to scroll through listings, then message one agent to take me to see multiple apartments in one day.
Are apartments in China furnished?
Yes, most come with furniture, a fridge, and a washing machine. You just need to bring your personal stuff.
How much does rent typically cost?
The apartments we saw ranged from 1,900 to 2,800 RMB per month, but you can negotiate the price down.
Do you pay rent monthly or yearly?
Usually people pay six months at a time. Some landlords accept three months, but it might cost more.
What should I watch out for when viewing apartments?
Check for construction noise, a separate shower area, and whether the apartment has essential appliances like a stove.
