So I moved to to Fulicheng 富力城. Literal translation: Rich and Powerful City. As can be said about the names of many new apartment complexes in Beijing, it's ridiculous. But, concordantly it also happens to be one of the most expensive areas in downtown Beijing. Luckily, though housing rates are skyrocketing here, the conversion rate still means that it's affordable. While the average person in Beijing earns around 3200RMB/month ($450), I spend 3800RMB/month on my apartment ($500). A steal? Not really, considering it's about a quarter of my monthly income. But still a pretty sweet deal.
Specs: built in 2002, 68m², single bedroom, 3pc bath, modern kitchen with gas range and double-sink, marble floor in living space, hardwood in bedroom, two enclosed balconies, air con, tv with cable (only Chinese cable, though I could get satellite if I wanted)
Perks: Within a gates community with lots of park area, buildings surround it so there is no city noise, there is a lake with carp and a bridge and several fountains, my building is attached to a modern supermarket (I literally need only go to my basement level and walk about 100m to get to it) and 15min walk to Guomao, financial centre of the city
Negatives: Couch isn't very comfortable, I need to put up new curtains but am too lazy to find someone with a drill to help me install the curtain rack, shower leaks a bit, bed's a bit hard (but big)... that's about all I can think of
The view from the entrance
The view from the living room balcony door
The bathroom
The bedroom, still missing the curtains that I've bought but am too lazy to mount
The kitchen
The washing machine room
My Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
