Best Cities to Live in China for Expats

Are you thinking about moving to China? It’s an exciting prospect, filled with vibrant culture, incredible history, and opportunities. But where should you live as an expat? China is a massive country, with a mix of megacities, modern hubs, and more relaxed, culturally rich cities. Choosing the right city will have a huge impact on your experience, from work opportunities to lifestyle and community. In this guide, I’ll break down some of the best cities for expats, highlighting what makes each unique, what you can expect in terms of cost of living, and how well they cater to the expat lifestyle. Let’s dive in and explore where you should consider calling home in China.

Shanghai: The Global Metropolis

If you're looking for a city with international appeal, Shanghai should be at the top of your list. It’s the financial hub of China, with many multinational companies setting up their headquarters here. As a result, the expat community is large, and you’ll find plenty of English speakers, making it easier to navigate daily life. The city itself is known for its futuristic skyline, high-end shopping, and dining scenes, as well as historic sites like The Bund and Yuyuan Garden.

Shanghai offers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle, but it comes with a high cost of living. Rent in the city center can be expensive, and Western-style groceries and restaurants tend to be on the pricier side. However, the salaries for expats are typically higher, especially if you’re in industries like finance, tech, or education.

For those with families, Shanghai has some of the best international schools in China, including Shanghai American School and British International School. Healthcare is also top-notch, with expat-friendly hospitals such as Shanghai United Family Hospital offering world-class services.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: High, particularly in the central districts.
• Best For: Professionals in finance, tech, and education, families seeking excellent international schools.
• Expat Community: Large and diverse, English is widely spoken.
• Top Neighborhoods: French Concession, Jing’an, Xuhui.

Beijing: A Capital Full of History

Beijing, the capital of China, offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern development. As an expat, you’ll be surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China. The city is also a major political hub, home to embassies and international organizations, making it a hot spot for diplomats and expats working in NGOs or media.

Living in Beijing comes with its own challenges, however. The air quality can be a concern, especially during the winter months, and the traffic is notoriously bad. On the upside, the cost of living in Beijing is slightly lower than in Shanghai, particularly when it comes to rent and food. Like Shanghai, Beijing also boasts excellent international schools such as Western Academy of Beijing and Beijing City International School.

The city’s expat community is well-established, and you’ll find pockets of foreign culture, especially in neighborhoods like Sanlitun and Chaoyang, where international restaurants and bars abound. If you’re someone who enjoys a balance of modern and historical experiences, Beijing may be the right city for you.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: Moderate to high, but generally lower than Shanghai.
• Best For: Expats in diplomacy, media, and education.
• Expat Community: Large, particularly in the diplomatic circles.
• Top Neighborhoods: Sanlitun, Chaoyang, Dongcheng.

Shenzhen: The Tech Powerhouse

Shenzhen is a city of innovation and is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China." It’s one of the fastest-growing cities, attracting tech-savvy expats from around the world. Major companies like Huawei and Tencent are headquartered here, and the city offers ample opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. If you’re in the tech industry, this is where you’ll want to be.

One of the biggest draws of Shenzhen is its proximity to Hong Kong, which allows expats to easily travel between the two cities. The cost of living is lower than in Shanghai and Beijing, especially when it comes to rent. The climate is subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city is known for being modern and efficient, but it doesn’t have the same depth of culture and history as other Chinese cities.

Shenzhen’s expat community is still growing, but there are plenty of international schools, expat-friendly services, and English-speaking professionals. It’s a great city for young expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech world.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: Moderate, with affordable rent compared to Shanghai and Beijing.
• Best For: Tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and young expats.
• Expat Community: Growing, with a focus on the tech industry.
• Top Neighborhoods: Nanshan, Futian, Luohu.

Guangzhou: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Guangzhou, located in southern China, offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the fast-paced cities of Shanghai and Beijing. It’s the third-largest city in China and is known for its vibrant Cantonese culture, delicious food, and trade opportunities. Guangzhou has long been a hub for international trade, especially with Southeast Asia, and it has a strong expat community.

The cost of living in Guangzhou is relatively low, especially in terms of housing and food. The city is also famous for its cuisine, particularly dim sum, and expats will love exploring the local food scene. English isn’t as widely spoken as in Shanghai or Beijing, but there are still many international schools, and the expat community is welcoming.

For those who prefer a mix of tradition and modernity, Guangzhou offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the hustle of the business districts, while also taking a step back to explore the city’s rich history and culture.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: Affordable, particularly in housing and food.
• Best For: Expats in trade, education, and those looking for a balance of work and leisure.
• Expat Community: Strong, particularly in the business sector.
• Top Neighborhoods: Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu.

Chengdu: A Laid-Back City with a Cultural Twist

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is known for its relaxed vibe, spicy food, and cultural richness. If you’re looking for a city that offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing modern amenities, Chengdu is a great choice. The city is famous for its giant panda breeding centers and its delicious cuisine, particularly its spicy hotpot.

The cost of living in Chengdu is much lower than in cities like Shanghai or Beijing, making it an attractive option for expats who want to save money while still enjoying a high quality of life. Rent, food, and transportation are all affordable, and there’s a growing number of expat-friendly services and international schools.

Chengdu’s expat community is smaller than in Shanghai or Beijing, but it’s a tight-knit group. The city is particularly popular among English teachers, freelancers, and those working in the creative industries. It’s also a great place for expats who want to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, as the city has a rich history and is less internationalized than other major cities.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: Low, with affordable rent and food.
• Best For: English teachers, freelancers, and those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
• Expat Community: Small but growing, particularly in the education and creative sectors.
• Top Neighborhoods: Jinjiang, Wuhou, Qingyang.

Hangzhou: A Scenic Gem

Hangzhou, located near Shanghai, is often regarded as one of China’s most beautiful cities, thanks to its stunning West Lake and lush green hills. It’s a much quieter city compared to the likes of Shanghai or Beijing, making it perfect for expats looking for a peaceful and scenic environment.

While Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty, it’s also a growing tech hub, with companies like Alibaba headquartered here. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable housing and food options. The city is also home to several international schools and expat-friendly healthcare services.

Hangzhou’s expat community is smaller compared to other major cities, but it’s growing, particularly among professionals in the tech and education sectors. It’s an excellent city for families and those who enjoy outdoor activities, as the city offers plenty of parks and nature trails.

Key Points:

• Cost of Living: Moderate, with affordable housing.
• Best For: Tech professionals, families, and those who appreciate natural beauty.
• Expat Community: Small but growing, particularly in the tech sector.
• Top Neighborhoods: Xihu, Binjiang, Xiaoshan.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right City

Choosing the best city in China to live as an expat depends largely on your personal preferences and professional needs. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced, international vibes of Shanghai, the historical richness of Beijing, the tech innovation of Shenzhen, or the relaxed lifestyle in Chengdu, China offers something for everyone. Take your time, consider what’s most important to you—whether it’s job opportunities, cost of living, or cultural immersion—and you’ll find a city that feels like home.