Booming ‘Burb

Beijing’s northeastern suburb of Shunyi has long held a reputation in the minds of expats as a sleepy suburb, good for families who want to shack up in its gated villa compounds and send their kids to expensive expat schools, but otherwise a bit of a recreational, commercial and culinary wasteland. However, that reputation has been undergoing a rapid change over the past two years as restaurants, shops and services have rushed in to fill the gaps.

The latest edition of the Immersion Guides’ Shunyi Area map included inside the August 2007 issue of that’s Beijing magazine (can’t find it? Contact Zoe at distribution@immersionguides.com) shows how far the area has come over the past few years towards being a true suburb, not just for parking the family but for dining and recreation as well.

The Shunyi Area Guide describes 160 different venues in and around Shunyi, and taking one look makes even the most die-hard downtowner feel a tinge of jealousy. The place is hopping, and northwest of villa central there’s even an area some are comparing to Houhai – a smattering of local and international eateries that have sprung up along the banks of Roma Lake.

More than 40 restaurants and bars now vie for “share of tastebud” of area residents, from old standbys such as Mrs Shanen’s Bagels, The Orchard and Annie’s to newer choices in Mexican, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese and Taiwanese cuisines. Those who rarely venture out that far will also be surprised to learn the number of shopping opps in the district, from organic groceries and kites to imported barbeque grills and Australian-made wood furniture.

Recreationally speaking, the place has more and more going for it, with three equestrian centers, two golf courses, two waterslide parks, and a soon-to-be open year-round skating rink.

Add the new airport expressway due to open prior to the Olympics and construction of a light rail due to break ground before 2010, and the future is looking bright for Shunyi as a place not just to live but to enjoy.