Beijing hukou: an untouchable myth

Just like Shanghai people enjoy being referred as Shanghainese, people in Beijing call themselves Beijingers.

But don't be so naive to think that because you have worked or lived in Beijing for several years, you are entitled to call yourself a Beijinger. The title of Beijinger belongs to those people who have Beijing registered residence permit, or hukou.

Registered residence permit represents a lot of things other than residency. Unless you are born with one, you have to work really hard in order to get one in Beijing.