With the ever-increasing development of Beijing, the city landscape is constantly altering. Improvements to the general infrastructure are continually under way, such as the widening of roads and addition of subway lines that will be coming into operation in the next few years.

Changes are also occurring with regard to the shopping and retail section, with vast shopping malls springing up around subway stations and at other locations more accessible by road. A new supermarket has just opened near my home, bringing the total within walking distance to three.

Supermarkets are already a big presence in many areas of Beijing, with several of the world's top five retailers becoming an ever-present sign among the urban furniture. There's a Carrefour seemingly within easy reach of most major locations, alongside many others vying for prime position.