A practical guide to hiring an ayi (domestic helper) in Beijing — which apps and agencies to use, what hourly and live-in help actually costs, and the etiquette that keeps the relationship smooth.
If you're staying in Beijing for more than a few weeks, hiring an ayi (阿姨, literally 'auntie') is one of the best quality-of-life upgrades you can make. Ayis handle cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and often cooking, typically for US$5–10 (CNY 35–70) per hour [verify before travel]. The catch for first-timers: most hiring happens through Chinese-language apps and agencies, and expectations on both sides are shaped by unwritten etiquette. This guide walks you through the whole process.
There are three main routes. Domestic-service apps are the fastest — the big names include 58到家 (58.com's home services arm) and e家洁, which let you book hourly cleaning much like ordering a taxi [verify before travel — availability and app coverage change often]. Second, licensed 家政公司 (housekeeping agencies) do background checks and can arrange replacements if an ayi doesn't work out; expect an agency placement fee, often one to four weeks' salary [verify before travel]. Third, and often best for expats, is word of mouth — ask your compound's front desk, property management, or fellow foreign tenants. Many ayis already work in your building and have a free slot. Note that most apps require a Chinese phone number and WeChat Pay or Alipay, so set up payments first (see our payments guide). English-speaking ayis are rare; if you don't speak Chinese, ask the agency for someone experienced with foreign families, and expect to communicate via a translation app or simple written routines.
Hourly (钟点工) help is the default for most expats. A typical arrangement is two to four hours, two or three times a week, covering cleaning, laundry and sometimes a cooked meal. Live-in (住家) ayis, who room in your apartment or have their own nearby, make sense for families with small children or elderly relatives — they cook, clean and provide childcare for a monthly salary. Full-time live-in arrangements are less common among Western tenants and involve real legal and practical considerations: the ayi needs suitable accommodation, statutory holidays, and — if she's a migrant worker from another province — clear agreement on her living situation [verify before travel on current regulations]. Whatever the model, put the essentials in writing: days, hours, tasks, wage, holiday policy, and notice period. A simple bilingual one-page agreement prevents most misunderstandings.
A good ayi relationship in China runs on mutual respect and a little formality. Pay on time, in cash or via WeChat/Alipay as she prefers, and never 'test' her with hidden inspections. Small gifts at Chinese New Year (a red envelope bonus, commonly equal to one month's or several days' pay depending on your arrangement [verify current norms with your agency]) are customary and greatly appreciated. Be direct but polite about standards — showing her how you like things done once is far better than silently redoing her work. Also expect differences in habit: she may mop floors daily, dry laundry outdoors on a rack, or advise you on food storage 'the Chinese way'. Treat her suggestions as genuine care, not criticism. Do not ask about politics or private family matters, and don't treat her as a servant — in most good placements she becomes a trusted, semi-familial figure. If something isn't working, raise it once kindly; if it still isn't, use the agency's replacement service rather than an abrupt dismissal.
China's largest on-demand home-services platform: book hourly cleaners, maternity nurses and more, with vetting and insurance built in. Interface is Chinese-only; you'll need a Chinese phone number, real-name verification and WeChat Pay or Alipay. Good for a quick one-off clean or to trial hourly help without agency fees.
Brick-and-mortar agencies in most districts screen ayis, handle contracts, and supply replacements — the safer route if you don't speak Chinese or want a long-term regular. Expect a placement fee and slightly higher rates than app bookings. Ask specifically for an ayi experienced with foreign families, and request her health certificate (健康证), which reputable agencies provide.
The most underrated resource. Front-desk staff at expat-heavy compounds in Chaoyang, Haidian and Fengtai often know ayis who already clean in your building, have spare slots, and come pre-vouched-for by your neighbours. Communication is easier too — the front desk can translate the initial conversation for you.