Setting up home in Beijing can be smooth and simple. Moving costs are low, there are plenty of furniture shops with traditional Chinese pieces, and reliable domestic help is relatively cheap. There will be hiccups and stresses, but these are surmountable. Once you have the house set up, settle in and explore the neighbourhood; most areas are blissfully self-contained. The advantages of living in a modern, densely populated city include abundant services within walking distance – dry cleaners, restaurants, grocery stores and tailors are all nearby.