China is a vast country, and most expatriates gravitate toward cities with the greatest business opportunities. While some professions, such as teaching, may take expats to provincial areas, the majority settle in China’s main urban centers, where ancient history meets rapid economic growth.¹

Beijing

Beijing remains a top destination for expats, serving as China’s capital and its diplomatic, cultural, and political hub. The city is home to over 50 Fortune 500 companies and nearly 100 of China’s largest corporations.² Even as many companies manufacture elsewhere, they maintain Beijing offices to manage government relations. The city’s population is now over 21 million, reflecting ongoing urbanization.³

Climate: Summers are hot and humid, with most rainfall from June to July. July averages 79°F (26°C). Winters are cold, with January lows around 25°F (–4°C). Spring and autumn are pleasant but can bring sandstorms and variable temperatures.⁴

Air Pollution: Beijing’s air quality has improved dramatically over the past decade due to aggressive government action, but pollution remains a concern, with occasional spikes into the “unhealthy” range. In 2025, the average PM2.5 concentration was 28.5 µg/m³, a significant improvement, though still above WHO guidelines.⁵ Air purifiers are recommended for homes and offices.⁶

Employment: Beijing’s Yizhuang suburb is a hub for scientific and technological industries, while Haidian District is known as “China’s Silicon Valley.” The city also attracts expats in banking, education, and international business. Major global banks and international schools are well represented.⁷

Cost of Living:

• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (expensive area): ¥15,074 ($2,110)/month
• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (normal area): ¥7,030 ($985)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (expensive area): ¥8,129 ($1,140)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (normal area): ¥4,766 ($670)/month⁸

Shanghai

Shanghai, China’s largest city, is a global financial center and the world’s busiest container port. Its population exceeds 24 million.⁹ The city is a magnet for expats, offering vibrant commerce, finance, and cultural life.

Climate: Shanghai has a mild climate. Winters rarely drop below 39°F (4°C), while summers can reach 82°F (28°C). Autumn remains warm until late in the year.¹⁰

Air Pollution: Air quality is a persistent issue, with PM2.5 levels averaging 28.2 µg/m³ in 2024.¹¹ The city occasionally ranks among the world’s most polluted, especially during stagnant weather.¹²

Employment: Shanghai’s economy is diverse, with opportunities in finance, technology, manufacturing, and education. The city plans to create 600,000 new jobs in 2025, and international companies are major employers.¹³

Cost of Living:

• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (expensive area): ¥15,002 ($2,100)/month
• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (normal area): ¥7,519 ($1,050)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (expensive area): ¥8,017 ($1,120)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (normal area): ¥4,242 ($595)/month¹⁴

Tianjin

Tianjin, a major port city in northeast China, has a population of over 13 million.¹⁵ The city blends European colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers.

Climate: Winters are cold (down to 23°F/–5°C in January), while summers can reach 88°F (31°C). The wettest months are June through August.¹⁶

Air Pollution: Tianjin’s air quality is poor, with PM2.5 levels averaging 38.1 µg/m³ in 2024.¹⁷ The city has issued “red alerts” for pollution, ranking among China’s most polluted cities.¹⁸

Employment: Tianjin is a logistics and manufacturing hub, with strong sectors in aerospace, automotive, and technology. The city is investing in vocational training and aims to boost workforce skills.¹⁹

Cost of Living:

• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (expensive area): ¥4,870 ($685)/month
• 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment (normal area): ¥2,512 ($355)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (expensive area): ¥4,230 ($595)/month
• 480 sq. ft. studio (normal area): ¥2,327 ($325)/month²⁰

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is a major port and economic center with a population of over 18 million.²¹ The city is known for its cultural activities and modern architecture.

Climate: The climate is mild and humid year-round, with monsoon rains in summer and winter lows around 41°F (5°C).²²

Air Pollution: Air quality is generally “unhealthy,” with AQI readings between 100 and 150.²³

Employment: Major industries include automotive, logistics, and electronics. International companies such as Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, and Siemens have a presence. There are also many opportunities in education.²⁴

Cost of Living:

1-bedroom apartment (city center): ¥3,900 ($545)/month

1-bedroom apartment (outside center): ¥2,200 ($308)/month

3-bedroom apartment (city center): ¥7,000 ($983)/month

3-bedroom apartment (outside center): ¥4,000 ($562)/month²⁵

Shenzhen

Shenzhen, bordering Hong Kong, is China’s “Special Economic Zone” and a center for technology and finance, with a population of over 17 million.²⁶

Climate: Subtropical, with mild winters (59–61°F/15–16°C) and hot, humid summers (up to 84°F/29°C). Typhoons can occur from July to September.²⁷

Air Pollution: Shenzhen’s air quality is better than other major cities, often rated as “moderate.”²⁸

Employment: Shenzhen is a hub for software, biotechnology, telecommunications, and finance. The city’s rapid growth offers many opportunities for expats.²⁹

Cost of Living:

• 1-bedroom apartment (city center): ¥6,800 ($865)/month
• 1-bedroom apartment (outside center): ¥3,900 ($500)/month
• 3-bedroom apartment (city center): ¥16,200 ($2,065)/month
• 3-bedroom apartment (outside center): ¥8,500 ($1,085)/month³⁰

Healthcare and Practicalities

When relocating to China, it’s essential to plan for healthcare costs. International health insurance is strongly recommended, as private healthcare and international schools can be expensive.³¹

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