Finding a place to live in China is one of the biggest challenges of moving here. When I first arrived years ago, I remember how overwhelming the process felt: endless WeChat groups, long message threads with multiple agents, and visiting apartments that looked nothing like the photos. Renting in China can feel like a full-time job, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen.
This time around, as my husband and I searched for a new apartment in Beijing, we decided to try something different. Instead of juggling countless chats and confusing listings, we used iStay to help us search, a platform designed to make the whole process of renting in China smoother for expats.
What is iStay and How Does It Help with Renting in China?
iStay is a housing platform that connects renters with apartments across major Chinese cities. You can browse apartments either on their app or through their WeChat Mini-Program, which makes it very accessible.
The idea is simple: instead of working with dozens of agents separately, you work with the iStay team, who coordinate directly with local agents to show you listings that fit your criteria.
Some of the key benefits for expats who are looking for an apartment in China include:
- English support throughout the process, from viewings to signing.
- Listings in multiple cities across China.
- Variety of styles and budgets, from one-bedroom studios to family-sized apartments.
- The ability to search and secure apartments online before you even arrive.
iStay also doesn’t just focus on one type of housing. Whether you’re looking for a shared apartment to save money and meet new people, a high-end space with modern amenities, or a co-living arrangement that blends convenience with community, their listings cover it all. This range makes it easier to find something that actually fits your needs, rather than settling for whatever happens to pop up in a WeChat group.
For anyone who has struggled with the usual system of renting in China, this approach feels refreshingly simple.
Our Experience Apartment Hunting in Beijing
We were specifically looking for a two-bedroom apartment in the north Chaoyang area of Beijing. Before our viewing day, the iStay team sent over a curated list of apartments that matched what we needed.
Tip: When apartment hunting in Beijing—or anywhere in China—it really helps to narrow things down first. Decide on the neighborhoods/areas you’d like to live in and set a budget range. That way, the search process becomes much faster and more focused.
This was already a huge time saver compared to the usual process, where you often need to check with multiple agents (or I’ve heard horror stories of getting dragged to apartments that are completely out of your budget or don’t match your requirements!)
On the day of the apartment viewings, everything ran smoothly. The iStay team arranged the schedule and coordinated with local agents. We met Justin from the iStay team at 10:30 am and stay together until around 1:30pm. We saw 5-6 apartments during that time, some in the Wangjing area, and other around Taiyangong/Sanyuanqiao. We needed time to get to the next apartments via their e-bike or taxi.
Every step of the way, communication was handled in English, which removed a lot of stress from the process. Every listing we saw felt reliable and verified, and their team ensures that apartments are ready for international residents.
Other Apartments with iStay:
There are countless options when it comes to finding your perfect home in China. Here are a few more apartments and styles we didn’t personally view, but that iStay offers. From modern high-rises to cozy shared spaces, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle.
Why iStay Works for Expats Renting in China
What stood out to me about iStay is how tailored the experience felt. Looking for an apartment in China can sometimes feel transactional, but this felt more like a guided process. For expats especially, there are a few reasons why iStay makes sense:
- English-Speaking Support – From initial chats to final lease signing, the language barrier is removed.
- Saves Time – You don’t have to message ten different agents or scroll through endless listings.
- Curated Options – Apartments are pre-selected to fit your budget, size, and location preferences.
- Cross-City Flexibility – If you’re moving between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen, you can use the same platform.
Where to Find iStay
Click through the links and discover more about iStay :
- Explore more listings: icnzone.com
- Contact Us: WeCom link
- APP Download: icnzone.com/download
- Scan The QR code below to open the Mini-program
Finding an apartment in China doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With tools like iStay, the process of renting in China becomes more approachable, transparent, and accessible for expats. Whether you’re moving to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or another major city, iStay offers a way to browse listings, view apartments, and even sign contracts—all with English support along the way.
In the end, we didn’t sign with one of the iStay apartments, but honestly the experience with iStay was so smooth and professional that I’d recommend them to anyone. The process was clear, organized, and way easier than my past apartment hunts in Beijing. Even though we didn’t move forward with one of their listings, the support and transparency made the search so much less stressful.
Note: This article is in collaboration with iStay. While it’s a sponsored post, everything I’ve shared comes from my own genuine experience and honest perspective.
