12 Best Places to Live in China

China offers a whole host of opportunities for individuals or families hoping to relocate. With one of the largest global populations and increasing economic growth, China may be the perfect fit for those willing to adapt to the potential culture shocks that come with moving country.

Beautiful landscapes and deep, rich culture are only part of what China has to offer.

Let’s look at the best places to live in China for work, families, immigration, retirement, and more.

Sections

Best Places To Live In China

City	Province	Reason
Beijing	Hebei	Best for work
Guangzhou	Guangdong	Best for affordability
Shanghai	-	Best for families
Shanghai, Puxi District	-	Best for immigrants
Suzhou	Jiangsu	Best for retirement
Shenzhen	Guangdong	Best for young adults
Qingdao	Shandong	Best for students
Xi'an	-	Best for food
Beijing, Forbidden City	Hebei	Best for singles
Lijiang	Yunnan	Best for weather
Dalian City	Liaoning	Best for beaches
Fenghuang	Hunan	Best for mountains

Best Places To Live In China for Work

When it comes to settling in China to work, you can’t go wrong with the historic and impressive capital city – Beijing. Known for its immense culture, first-class transport system and bustling population, Beijing is worth the attention it receives.

Beijing is in northern China and is governed as a municipality, meaning the city is directly under the control of the central Chinese government. A municipality has the same political, economic and jurisdictional rights as a province.

Almost all of the main businesses in China have bases in Beijing, as well as the other medium or small businesses, meaning that is a near-constant demand for skilled and unskilled professionals.

Beijing is also one of the most popular cities to work in for foreigners looking to teach English. Depending on the school and the contract, these jobs can also come with additional advantages such as health insurance.

Other prominent cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou are also rife with employment opportunities, particularly in skills such as marketing, e-commerce and IT.

Cheapest Places To Live In China

Despite being one of the economic powerhouses of the globe, the cost of living in China is relatively affordable. You can anticipate some Tier 1 cities to be more expensive, but there is still a range of options available for those hoping to strike the balance between the cost of living and quality of life.

Guangzhou is an example of one of these cities. Located in South China, along the Pearl River, Guangzhou is one of China’s biggest metropolitan cities with over 14 million residents.

Guangzhou is famous for being one of the oldest port cities in China, with a history spanning back to the beginning of Silk Road. The city has a large expat population and a distinct cuisine which replicates the ‘Chinese-style’ food of Western cuisine.

The housing market in Guangzhou is certainly lower than other cities such as Beijing which is a key factor for affordability. In general, opting for Tier 2 or 3 cities will improve your chances of finding lower rental options.

Those looking for a more rural destination might want to consider the stunning city of Hangzhou in East China. The cost of living here is higher than in Guangzhou, but is a trade-off for the quality of life.

Best Places To Live In China for Families

When it comes to moving to China with a family, you may feel overwhelmed with options. However, sometimes the most obvious answer is the best one.

Shanghai, the largest city in China, is located on China’s most central coast. The municipality is the major industrial and commercial hub of China with a considerable ex-pat community, mainly choosing to live in the Puxi district.

The city is renowned for its outstanding public transport system, delicious restaurants and a huge range of exciting attractions such as Shanghai’s Disneyland Park, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Shanghai’s iconic promenade: the Bund.

Shanghai is home to a range of international schools at college and university levels, as well as hosting a huge scientific research infrastructure. Shanghai is also reported as one of the safest cities in China, with the local police particularly diligent at keeping an eye on ex-pat communities.

Other great choices for families include the charming city of Chengdu (notable for its panda bases!) which is renowned for maintaining a work-life balance and has an easy and relaxed attitude.

Best Places To Live In China for Immigrants

Shanghai is well-known for being one of the best cities for immigrants in China; areas of the city mirror Western cities which can be a welcoming factor for those who have recently moved. It has a fantastic infrastructure for individuals who intend to work, as well as many reputable universities.

Shanghai is formed of 16 districts and is the eighth largest city in the world. Puxi is the west side of the city and Pudong is the east – this divide offers a wonderful mix of old culture and tradition with new.

Many immigrants choose the Puxi side of Shanghai, which recreates ‘Old Shanghai’. Popular neighbourhoods are Jing’an, Xuhui and Changning.

Other good choices for new immigrants are Beijing and the relatively new Tier 1 city of Hangzhou. Hangzhou is the capital of China’s Zhejiang Province and is renowned for its natural beauty and Chinese culture.

Best Places To Live In China for Retirement

Suzhou is one of the major areas in China and is located in Jiangsu province, which is west of Shanghai and can easily be reached by train. Suzhou is elegant and filled with canals, earning it the nickname ‘Venice of the East’.

There are ten sections of Suzhou with districts surrounding the old town and city centre. In particular, the Wujiang, Wuzhong and Gusu districts are great areas for retirement, filled with lush gardens and beautiful pagodas.

The cost of living in Suzhou is relatively low, particularly in comparison to cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. There is a strong sense of community in Suzhou, which may be ideal for retirees hoping to enjoy their free time surrounded by natural beauty and good friends.

Another great option for retirees who are budget-conscious but want the perks of city living is Xiamen in the Fujian province. A tourist city, Xiamne has a seascape and thrives with a fun-filled atmosphere.

Best Places To Live In China for Young Adults

A perfect city for young adults and very welcoming to foreigners, Shenzhen has an abundance of Western-inspired food and is so quickly developing that it has been named China’s first ‘Special Economic Zone’.

Due to its vast economic growth, Shenzhen is known as one of China’s most modern cities. There is a really big arts and culture scene in Shenzhen, that is only growing with the city’s increase in investment.

As well as being the hub of China’s electronic economy (Shenzhen makes 90% of the world’s electronics), Shenzhen values books and music with well-stocked and admired libraries and open-mic nights almost every night.

It is one of the most well-connected cities and is home to 20 international schools.

Beijing is another choice option for young adults, particularly as the standard of Mandarin is considered to be very high here making it easy to understand and learn for those who are new to the language.

Best Places To Live In China for Students

Qingdao is located in eastern Shandong Province. It was a German colony in the 19th century, and this influence can still be seen in the city, particularly in European-style architecture.

The city has a mild temperature and easy access to the coastline and offers students more than ten colleges and universities, all with good reputations, for international students. Some of the top universities are Qingdao University, Qingdao University of Science and Technology and Qingdao Technological University.

Due to the Western influence on the city, many of the residents speak English as well as Mandarin.

Tuition fees in Qingdao vary, like many universities, depending on the school and choice of degree. Qingdao is welcoming to foreigners and is one of the safer cities in China; like many other Chinese cities it has excellent public transportation and you can easily travel around the city via bus, train, or ferry.

Students also reportedly have a great time studying in Hong Kong. The city is home to world-renowned such as the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Best Places To Live In China for Food

There are numerous different cuisines in China, all mouthwateringly delicious and packed full of flavour. Different cities are famous for different styles of food, so it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research into the food each city is known for before deciding to move.

Xi’an, located in northwestern China, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food culture. The city is a culinary melting pot where traditional Chinese flavors meld with influences brought by traders along the Silk Road. This rich history makes Xi’an a foodie paradise.

One of the most famous dishes originating from Xi’an are biang biang noodles. These thick, hand-pulled noodles are served with a rich, spicy sauce. The dish gets its name from the sound made when the dough is slapped against a table during preparation.

Another local specialty is roujiamo, often referred to as the Chinese hamburger.

The Muslim Quarter is an essential destination for any food lover in the area. This bustling neighbourhood is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with food stalls and restaurants. Here, you can savor yangrou paomo, a hearty soup made with lamb and pieces of crumbled flatbread, and indulge in skewers of grilled meat seasoned with a blend of spices.

Another must-visit area for food lovers is Yongxing Fang, a laid-back area known for its traditional food markets. Yongxing Fang is an excellent place to try dumplings, with a variety of styles and fillings, and hulatang, a spicy peppery soup that warms the soul.

Xi’an also offers more modern dining experiences. Near the South Gate and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you’ll find upscale restaurants serving authentic Xi’an cuisine as well as innovative dishes that mix local ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques.

These areas reflect the city’s dynamic evolution and make Xi’an a brilliant destination for food lovers.

Best Places To Live In China for Singles

For single people looking for romance, settling in one of China’s bigger cities offers the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections.

Beijing is a great location to look for romance. The high standard of living in the city means that housing is relatively affordable and there are many amenities and attractions which would be ideal as date spots.

In particular, the Forbidden City is one of the best spots to explore with a partner while taking in some history and culture, or stopping for food in one of the delicious eateries.

For those hoping to take advantage of China’s breathtaking landscapes, Guilin in southern China is known for its limestone karst hills and is home to the breathtaking Li River.

Best Places To Live In China for the LGBT+ Community

China is a vast country with a complex political and social view on homosexuality. Although homosexuality has been legal in China since 1997, the country has an attitude that can be widely classed as ‘don’t encourage, don’t discourage, don’t promote’.

In particular, those visiting China should be aware of their censorship laws and how this includes the LGBT+ community.

Aside from the active queer scene in Taiwan, there are few open spaces for members of the LGBT+ community throughout China.

However, this does not mean that LGBT+ plus travellers or immigrants should feel discouraged from visiting China – it is very unlikely you will run into open hostility or unsafety.

Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community tend to be much more liberal in the cities, so areas such as Shanghai and Beijing are good spots for those hoping to find outstanding queer nightlife.

Best Places To Live In China for the Weather

The weather in China varies depending on the exact location – the coastal regions are prone to changeable weather while the further you go inland it is drier and warmer.

Yunnan province is a highly recommended location within China, with three distinct weather zones: cold in the northeast, moderate in the middle and east and tropical in the south and southwest.

In particular, the city of Lijiang is known for its moderate climate and spring-like conditions all year round. Lijiang is a romantic destination with the Old Town a well-preserved testament of China’s past culture.

The climate in Lijiang is relatively warm all year round, with rain anticipated more in summer than in winter. This also means that the city is suitable for outdoor activities all year round – making it the perfect spot for those hoping to move somewhere with near-constant access to the outdoors.

Kunming, another city in the Yunnan province is another wonderful location for those hoping to avoid dramatic weather conditions and experience springtime all year round.

Best Places To Live In China Near Beaches

China has an extensive coastline, offering up some stunning beaches. For those looking for a commercial beach with plenty of nearby resort amenities, then Dalian is the perfect city.

The city is a port city with fishing and marine life as its two main industries. It is a relatively new city, with a history of Russian occupation and is much quieter than some of the more famous Chinese cities, particularly during the winter months.

Located on the Liaodong Peninsula, at the southern tip of China’s Liaoning Province, Dalian City has two fantastic and well-known beaches – Tiger Beach and Golden Pebble Beach.

Both Tiger and Golden Pebble Beach have a series of resorts centred around them for tourists in the warmer months, but Dalian city is much less populated than others, making it a good location for movers hoping for a quieter city to call home.

Another fantastic city with a stunning beach is Sanya City, located at the heart of Hainan Island. Sanya Bay is a clean beach with stunningly clear water and is a fantastic beach spot during the warmer months.

Do note, however, that Sanya Bay can become incredibly busy during the warmer months with tourists and residents alike.

Best Places To Live In China Near Mountains

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in China, Fenghuang is a county located in Hunan Province and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2008.

Capturing ancient architecture, unique ethnic languages and customs, Fenghuang is not only visually stunning but it contains a wealth of culture and history for those wanting to soak up more of China’s traditions.

Fenghuang Ancient Town is a perfect spot for those wanting a taste of what life was like pre-modernisation and the backdrop of sloping green mountains and vast blue skies help to immerse any visitor in the experience.

Those wanting an even closer experience with awe-inspiring mountains should consider Huangshan Prefecture home to the Yellow Mountains and those who are eager to take on an even bigger challenge can head to Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet, for a jaw-dropping look at Mount Everest.