The 16 Best Places For Expats To Live In China
Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Qingdao, Kunming, Tianjin, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Dalian, Suzhou, Changsha, Harbin, and Wuhan are the 16 best places for expats to live in China.
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With over 1.4 billion people, China is a massive country with a rich history, culture, architecture, and food. If you are an expat, digital nomad, or long-term traveler looking to settle down in China, this guide will make the selection simpler for you.
We’ll break down their stats, pros, and cons so you can be better informed while preparing to move across the world. We’ll also explore the health insurance options in China so you can get the coverage you need as you settle into your new home.
The 16 Best Cities In China Expatriates Should Move To
The 16 best places for expats to live in China are Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Qingdao, Kunming, Tianjin, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Dalian, Suzhou, Changsha, Harbin, and Wuhan. Read on to learn about each of these places.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou brings in a lot of tourists. It is famous for its silk production and for being the birthplace of China’s longjing (“dragon well”) green tea. It is an export base for east-central China, and it is connected by railway to Shanghai and Ningbo. It also has several universities.
As a large university city, Hangzhou is an excellent location for students. It has Zhejiang University and many affiliated hospitals, including one of China’s top 100 hospitals.
- Population: 12.6 million people
- Location: Mideast, Zhejiang province
- Best City for Expats Who: Are students or solo travelers
Pros:
- One of the safest cities in China
- One of the cleanest cities in China
- Affordable living
- Excellent medical care
- Well-maintained infrastructure
- Good balance of city life and outdoor activities
- Very modern with high-tech start-ups
Cons:
- The internet is noticeably slow
- English is less commonly spoken there
Shanghai
In Shanghai, there is always something for everyone. It is one of the grandest cities in China, with whatever type of lifestyle you want, and it is the most commercially developed. It can be described as “China’s New York City.” It has remarkable scenery and excellent work opportunities.
- Population: 24.8 million
- Location: Mideast, Shanghai municipality
- Best City for Expats Who: Business-minded people and entrepreneurs
Pros:
- It is famous for its awe-inspiring skyscrapers
- It has a modern, western lifestyle
- It has endless opportunities for innovative startups
- It is the home to several major world headquarters
Cons:
- Obvious language barriers
- It can be pretty congested
Beijing
Beijing is bursting with impressive technology developments and has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it very popular for tourists. It has maintained its rich dynasty heritage, making it a fun place to explore. There is great ease of life, culture, business, and educational opportunities.
- Population: 22.6 million
- Location: Northeast, Beijing municipality
- Best City for Expats Who: enjoy rich culture and history, and/or are solo travelers
Pros:
- It is safe compared to other large cities
- The job market is competitive
- It is a great place to live while exploring the rest of Asia
Cons:
- The cost of living can be expensive
- There’s quite a lot of pollution
- It has extreme weather
Shenzhen
If you’re looking to move to a place in China with a fast-paced, foreigner-friendly location with plenty of western-style food available, Shenzhen is the place for you. It has one of the largest economies in China, and is a perfect place for tourists.
- Population: 18 million
- Location: Southeast, Guangdong province
- Best City for Expats who: want to advance their career and/or start their own business
Pros:
- The pollution is notably improved here compared to other large cities
- It has a booming economy and innovation
- Good public transportation
- Home to the “Window of the World” theme park
Cons:
- Petty crimes like pick-pocketing are common
- A lot of the locals smoke, harming the air quality
- Very hot and humid wet season
Chengdu
Chengdu is known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, and it has a numberless quantity of street vendors for food lovers. It also has the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for all those panda lovers and gorgeous outdoor scenery for all those nature lovers! It’s got a little mix of everything.
- Population: 21.47 million
- Location: Midwest, Sichuan province
- Best City for Expats Who: are foodies and/or nature lovers and/or love pandas
Pros:
- The economy is growing in automotive, aviation, and biomedical advancements
- It has a relaxed, touristy vibe with lots of convenience
- Amazing food!
- Affordable living
Cons:
- Air quality is poor
- It rains substantially
- The job market is smaller
Xi’an
Xi’an is home to the largest population of English speakers, which can be important to expats who only speak English. It is designed to make things easier for travelers and is a very tourist-friendly city. It is full of culture and history to explore, such as the archaeological site Terracotta Army.
- Population: 12.95 million
- Location: South-central, Shaanxi province
- Best City for Expats Who: are English speakers and/or history buffs
Pros:
- Lots of authentic cuisine and sightseeing
- Affordable living
- A lively nightlife
Cons:
- It is quite congested with traffic
- Poor pollution and hygiene
Qingdao
The city in China with the biggest reputation as an expat city is Qingdao. It is home to the International Beer Festival, where they are known for their local beer, “Tsingtao.” They also have their Golden Beach, Olympic Sailing Center, and expat-designed social events.
- Population: 7.17 million
- Location: South-facing coast on the Shandong Peninsula, Shandong province
- Best City for Expats Who: want a well-established expat city and/or plan to move with a group
Pros:
- Amazing beer
- Rich culture
- Chill, laid-back atmosphere
- Amazing seafood restaurants
- Designed with expats in mind
Cons:
- Poor air quality
- Expensive housing
- Little job opportunities
Kunming
One of the lesser populated cities, Kunming is great if you don’t like the claustrophobic city life. Being so close to the country, it has ample locations for you to get outside and breathe some fresh air, such as at the Stone Forest, Kunming Green Lake Park, and Grand View Park.
- Population: 5.2 million
- Location: South-west, Yunnan province
- Best City for Expats Who: like the outdoors and want a laid-back city
Pros:
- It is still a big city, but with a more relaxed, smaller feel than many others
- Diverse culturally, biologically, and geographically
- It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding areas
Cons:
- Locals don’t speak English as well
- Cold winters
- Hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community
Tianjin
Tianjin is one of the largest cities in the world, and it is located a 30-minute train ride from Beijing. This city is culturally rich and known for its comedy performance, Xiang Sheng, and its clay figure sculptures. They have elaborate skyscrapers and a booming business atmosphere.
- Population: 14.3 million
- Location: Northeast, Tianjin municipality
- Best City for Expats Who: love culture and history
Pros:
- Excellent international schools
- It has the longest renovated part of the Great Wall of China
- It has some nice nature preserves
- Tianjin teahouses are known for their crosstalk entertainment
Cons:
- Driving in Tianjin as an expat, like many Chinese cities, is dangerous
Nanjing
Nanjing is another excellent city for expats because of its World Heritage sites, higher education opportunities, lively nightlife, and national monuments. It’s one of the few big cities that still has great access to peace and nature sites like Laoshan Scenic Area.
- Population: 9.5 million
- Location: East, Jiangsu province
- Best City for Expats Who: want a big city feel with lots of quiet places to enjoy nature
Pros:
- Has Xuanwu Lake as a peaceful destination
- There are natural sites in unexpected areas of the city
- Housing is affordable
- Plenty of familiar Western food for expats and international students
Cons:
- It seems English is less often spoken there
- The weather conditions can be quite cold in the winter because most buildings don’t have central heating
Fuzhou
Fuzhou is known for its Taiwanese-influenced culture and lifestyle since it is so close to Taiwan. It has a beautiful mountainous landscape, a unique Fujian subculture, and a major industrial and innovation scene. There is also a wealth of history and plenty of famous temples to visit.
- Population: 4.1 million
- Location: Southwest, Fujian province
- Best City for Expats Who: want to experience a variety of cultural styles
Pros:
- Has the Linyang, Xichan, Yunju, and Yongquan temples
- Its Sanfang Qixiang district (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) gives an idea of how ancient Chinese cities were
Cons:
- For those who want a larger city, this one might feel too small
Dalian
Dalian is a coastal city with a vibrant charm and pleasant climate. With beautiful beaches and parks and a cosmopolitan flair, Dalian offers a relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle. Dalian’s modern infrastructure and rich history make it a favorite for those seeking both work opportunities and leisure.
- Population: Approximately 7.5 million
- Location: Northeast, Liaoning province
- Best City for Expats Who: crave a coastal lifestyle with international appeal
Pros:
- Clean, well-planned urban environment
- An abundance of seafood and waterfront leisure activities
- Growing expat community and modern amenities
Cons:
- Winters can be quite chilly
- Fewer English-speaking services compared to mega-cities
Suzhou
Suzhou mixes ancient tradition with modern comfort. Famed for its enchanting classical gardens and historic water towns, the city is a treasure trove for culture enthusiasts. Expats will like Suzhou’s slower pace relative to Shanghai while still enjoying a robust economic and technological presence.
- Population: 12.75 million
- Location: East, Jiangsu province
- Best City for Expats Who: value history, arts, and a balanced pace of life
Pros:
- Stunning classical gardens and waterways
- Excellent connectivity to Shanghai and other major hubs
- Rich cultural heritage and modern industrial growth
Cons:
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Nightlife and international services may be less vibrant than in larger cities
Changsha
Changsha is a dynamic and emerging cultural hub in central China. This energetic city is renowned for its sizzling street food scene and youthful vibe, thanks in part to its many universities and innovation centers. Changsha offers expats a deep dive into authentic local life with a modern twist.
- Population: 10.5 million
- Location: South-central, Hunan province
- Best City for Expats Who: are food lovers and urban explorers seeking an energetic local scene
Pros:
- World-class local cuisine and bustling night markets
- A vibrant, youthful atmosphere with plenty of entertainment
- Affordable living with emerging career opportunities
Cons:
- High humidity and occasional urban flooding
- Limited international exposure compared to coastal metropolises
Harbin
Harbin stands out with its distinctive blend of Chinese and Russian influences and is best known for its breathtaking annual ice festival. Ideal for those enchanted by winter wonderlands, Harbin provides a unique cultural experience paired with a relaxed lifestyle during its milder seasons.
- Population: 10 million
- Location: Northeast, Heilongjiang province
- Best City for Expats Who: appreciate winter sports, cultural festivals, and a taste of European architecture in China
Pros:
- World-famous ice and snow festivals
- Unique architectural blend reflecting Russian heritage
- Lower cost of living relative to other major cities
Cons:
- Extremely cold winters with limited daylight
- English is rarely spoken outside of tourist-centric areas
Wuhan
Wuhan is a bustling metropolis at the heart of China, marked by its iconic riverside views and robust educational and economic sectors. With a rich history and a forward-thinking business environment, Wuhan attracts expats who are eager to dive into both academic and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Population: 13.8 million
- Location: Central, Hubei province
- Best City for Expats Who: are career-driven individuals and education enthusiasts seeking a balanced urban experience
Pros:
- A dynamic cultural scene and a strong local economy
- Well-connected transportation networks, including high-speed rail
- A wealth of historical landmarks along the Yangtze River
Cons:
- High humidity and sweltering summers
- Occasional air quality challenges and seasonal flooding issues
International Health Insurance Available in China
As an expatriate, digital nomad, or long-term traveler, it is important to have international healthcare coverage in case you find yourself in a medical emergency. It’s also important to continue getting well-checks if you plan to spend years away from your home country.
Pacific Prime has excellent travel insurance and healthcare insurance in China to meet all your needs. Here are a few of the possible global health insurance plans you may want while traveling the world:
- International Health Insurance
- Family Health Insurance
- Pre-Existing Conditions
- Short Term Health Insurance
- Expat Health Insurance
- Hospitalization Insurance
- Private Health Insurance
Conclusion
China is a historically rich country with a wonderful culture and opportunities. As an expatriate considering moving there, you’ll want to consider your cities carefully so you find the right balance of lifestyle, convenience, natural beauty, business ventures, and location.
After reading this list, you should have a better overview of the best 16 cities. You’ve also been introduced to Pacific Prime’s top-level insurance policies in China and around the world. To secure your travel insurance or health insurance, check out Pacific Prime now.
You may also want to read about the best places for expats to live in Asia, or you may want to focus on the best places to live in South Korea or the best places to live in Hong Kong.
Wishing you happy travels!
Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
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What are some tips for expats to navigate the healthcare system in China, and are there specific hospitals or clinics that are recommended for foreigners?
Navigating the healthcare system in China as an expat can be challenging, but a few key tips can help. First, familiarize yourself with major international hospitals and clinics, such as United Family Healthcare and Parkway Health in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, which cater specifically to foreigners and offer English-speaking staff. Additionally, securing private health insurance is highly recommended to access quality care and bypass language barriers in local hospitals.
For more guidance on expat health insurance and tailored advice for your move to China, feel free to contact us via our Contact Us page on Pacific Prime!
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