China · Housing & Home

Beike (Lianjia)

A major Chinese real estate platform for buying, selling, and renting property, built on the legacy of the well-established Lianjia brokerage.

What it helps with

Finding a rental flat with real listingsBeike shows verified listings with floor plans, photos and VR viewings of flats in Chinese cities.
Renting through an agent who handles paperworkLianjia agents arrange viewings, contracts and the handover of the flat.
Checking prices in a districtRecent transaction and listing prices help judge whether a rent is fair.

About Beike (Lianjia)

Beike (贝壳), operating under the well-known Lianjia (链家) brand for its brokerage services, is one of China's largest online-to-offline real estate platforms, combining online property listings with a network of physical brokerage offices and agents.

Key Features

Extensive Listings: Large database of properties for sale and rent across Chinese cities.
Agent Network: Access to Lianjia's established network of real estate agents for in-person support.
VR Property Tours: Virtual reality walkthroughs available for many listings.
Transaction Support: Assistance through the buying or renting process, not just listing discovery.

How to Get Started

Download the Beike or Lianjia app and search for your desired city and property criteria.
Browse listings, using VR tours where available to preview properties remotely.
Contact the listing agent to arrange an in-person viewing.
Work with the agent through the offer, contract, and transaction process.

Before you use it

Fees: Agency commission is charged when the lease is signed and is often a large share of one month’s rent; ask the exact amount before viewing.
Sign-up: Foreign tenants sign with a passport, and the landlord or you must register the stay with the local police within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Beike (Lianjia) work with a foreign bank card in China?: Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Beike (Lianjia) available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Beike (Lianjia)?: No, an international phone number generally works for Beike (Lianjia).
Do I need local ID or residency for Beike (Lianjia)?: No, Beike (Lianjia) doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Beike (Lianjia)?: iOS · Android · Web
How much does Beike (Lianjia) cost?: Free to search; agency commission is charged when a lease or purchase is signed