China is like no other. It’s a country that offers a completely different cultural experience to the Western world, and this is part of what makes it so alluring for expats. It’s also an economically thriving country that offers ample career opportunities and incredible earning potential in a wide range of industries.
If you’ve made the decision to move to China and start afresh, you might be wondering which areas are the best. China is a huge country and this can make it difficult to choose a good place based on your needs and wants.
Whether you want to live in the city center or somewhere a little more peaceful, there is a place for you in China. To make your decision easier, here are the best places to live in China and why you might consider moving to each one.
1. Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and it’s one of the most popular expat destinations for travel or permanent relocation. Despite being a popular capital city, Beijing has a lower cost of living than other capitals across the world, including London and Tokyo.
With a booming economy, the Beijing job market is growing year by year, and there are plenty of great-paying jobs available for expats. You’ll be able to enjoy life’s many luxuries without worrying about paying your utility bills and feeding yourself.
You won’t be short on things to do in your spare time if you move to Beijing. There are thousands of entertainment facilities, including theaters, music venues, and restaurants.
2. Shanghai
As another incredibly popular city, Shanghai is an area that should be near the top of your list of places to live in China. It’s a friendly and exciting city that welcomes people of all backgrounds, and it’s home to millions of successful global businesses.
Currently, Shanghai’s population is three times higher than the population of China’s capital city, Beijing, which shows just how popular it is for natives and expats.
You can enjoy a relatively low cost of living in the outer areas of Shanghai. However, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom flat is around $1,300 a month in the city center. Food and entertainment are also relatively inexpensive, so you can enjoy socializing with your friends on your days off without worrying about the associated costs.
Be prepared to deal with extreme weather conditions in Shanghai. The winters are chilly, and the summers are hot and humid.
3. Shenzhen
Located in the south of China, Shenzhen is a hotspot for expats and tourists. Its economy has been slowly growing over the last few years, and this means that there are now millions of jobs available for locals and expats.
One of the major advantages of choosing to live in Shenzhen over any other city in China is its direct connection to Hong Kong. You can access Hong Kong via a bridge that connects it to China via the South China Sea. Shenzhen is also relatively affordable compared to other cities in the country.
In Hong Kong, you can access a wide range of shopping facilities, western restaurants, and foreign products that are not widely available in mainland China.
Shenzhen receives great weather, especially during summer, although there is a high risk of typhoons in the area, which is something to be aware of before you move.
4. Chengdu
Chengdu has two international airports, making it easily accessible for expats and tourists. It also has a great public transport system, including a high-speed train that speeds all the way to Beijing in just 8 to 10 hours.
Currently, additional high-speed train routes for other parts of China are being planned. Direct transport to other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, is in the works too.
You can enjoy plenty of sunshine and clear skies in Chengdu, and there are lots of things to do, including dining in one of the many teahouses or restaurants, skiing at one of the main three ski resorts, or enjoying the local sights.
5. Hangzhou
Hangzhou has a lower population density than some of the other cities that are mentioned in this article, but you shouldn’t underestimate it! This city has one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, and it’s an export base for multiple areas of east-central China.
With natural beauty and breathtaking sights, Hangzhou is the perfect place for those of you who love getting outside in nature. It’s renowned for its architecture and gardens, and is full of historical monuments and sights.
The summers are hot, but not too hot, and the winters can be a little chilly, but it’s nothing that a thick jacket won’t fix!
