Hey

I think that is not a bad deal at all you got yourself there, be happy about that!
A couple of years ago the price yo mention would have been a little steep, but right now it is really a good price. I have a friend who also lives in Maizidian in an apartment that seems to be roughly similar to what you are describing and he is paying 3700 rmb a month.

I guess you live in what is in Chinese known as minzhai, these are usually rather old compounds from the 80es. If you want to live in a modern appartment in Maizidian, then you would probably be looking at a price between 4500 and 6000 for 65 sqm.

hope my answer is useful and wish you all the best for your time in Beijing

Cheers

I actually rented a small flat in Maizidian in the summer of 2007 for 2 months. It was the worst apartment I've ever lived in in China - riddling with cockroaches day and night, cheap, tacky furniture, a grimey staircase.... At the time, because it was a short-term lease I paid a whopping 4000 RMB a month and I think it was about the same size as yours. I was clearly ripped off so I think you're actually getting a really good deal for 3000 RMB. That location is quite good because you've got lots of restaurants nearby, Chaoyang Park, Jenny Lou's down the street and Schindlers German deli just opposite and not far from Agricultural Exhibition Center subway. Finding flats under 3000 RMB in good Chaoyang locations is becoming a rarity these days.