300x85.png)
Hong Kong
Singapore
China
Dubai
Thailand
United Kingdom
Mexico
China is a massive country with rich history, culture, architecture, and food. If you are an expatriate, digital nomad, or long-term traveler looking to settle down in China, this guide will tell you the 16 best places for you to live, such as Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, or Chengdu.
Discover the world’s top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
With over 1.4 billion people living in China, how can you know the best place for you to move? To make it simpler for you, we’ve compiled the top cities expatriates love to live in.
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 you have so you can get the coverage you need as you settle into your new home.
You may also be interested in reading about the best places for expats to live in Asia.
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, and Fuzhou. Read on to learn about what each city has to offer, where it is located, how big it is, and some brief pros and cons about it.
#1 Hangzhou
Hangzhou brings in a lot of tourists. It is famous for its silk production and for bring 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: 11.9 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
#2 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 like the United States’ 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
#3 Beijing
Beijing is bursting with impressive technology developments, and it has 7 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, and business and education opportunities.
- Population: 21.54 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:
- Cost of living can be expensive
- There’s quite a lot of pollution
- It has extreme weather
#4 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: 12.4 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:
- Common small crimes, like pick-pocketing
- A lot of the locals smoke, harming the air quality
- Very hot and humid wet season
#5 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: 14.4 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
#6 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 archeology site Terracotta Army.
- Population: 12 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
#7 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: 9 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 sea-food restaurants
- Designed with expats in mind
Cons:
- Poor air quality
- Expensive housing
- Little job opportunities
#8 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: 3.5 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 LGBTQ+ community
#9 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 their comedy performance Xiang Sheng and their clay figure sculptures. They have elaborate skyscrapers and a booming business atmosphere.
- Population: 15.5 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
#10 Nanjing
Nanjing is another excellent city for expats because it has wonderful World Heritage sites, it has higher education opportunities, the nightlife is lively, and it has 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: 8.3 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 winter because most buildings don’t have central heating
#11 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: 2.7 million
- Location: Southwest, Fujian province
- Best City for Expats who: want to experience a variety of culture 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
#12 Dalian
Dalian is a picturesque coastal city known for its vibrant maritime charm and pleasant climate. With beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and a cosmopolitan flair, Dalian offers a relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle for expats. Its blend of modern infrastructure and rich history makes it a rising 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
- 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
#13 Suzhou
Suzhou effortlessly marries 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 appreciate Suzhou’s slower pace relative to Shanghai while still enjoying a robust economic and technological presence.
- Population: Around 10 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
#14 Changsha
Changsha is a dynamic and emerging cultural hub in central China. Bursting with energy, this 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: Approximately 8.4 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
#15 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: Roughly 10.6 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
#16 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: Approximately 11 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 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 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 to live in South Korea and the best places to live in Hong Kong.
Wishing you happy travels!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
- How to Compare Travel Insurance Plans the Smart Way – October 21, 2025
- Best Hospitals in the UAE: Top Picks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – October 21, 2025
- How Much is a Doctor Visit in Dubai Without Insurance? – October 21, 2025
