It may have a history stretching back 3,000 years, but Beijing is fast becoming today’s modern ‘it’ city. With amazingly fast internet, access to cutting-edge technology like facial recognition software, significant investment in artificial intelligence and an unrivalled cosmopolitan energy, China’s capital is among the most exciting cities for enterprising expats.

“‘If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere’,” said German expat Clemens Sehi, referencing Frank Sinatra’s ode to New York City. “If Sinatra lived today, he would probably sing about a city like Beijing.” Sehi, who is creative director at Travellers Archive, says living in the city means you feel like you are “living in the new age” and always up to date.

“There’s a general feeling of being at the centre of something big, which is quite hard to put your finger on but which keeps a lot of expats there for a long time,” said Simon Norton, originally from England but who recently lived in Beijing and blogged about his experiences at 4Corners7Seas. “They want to see where it goes, and be there when it gets there.”

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