16 Pros And Cons of Living in China (2024)

Living in China is an adventure that captures thousands of people every year.

Tens of thousands of students and workers receive visas annually.

China offers surprises and delights most visitors can hardly imagine. China is diverse and seems almost endless.

No two foreigners living in China have exactly the same experience.

Still, there are general pros and cons of living in China that most foreigners tend to agree on.

Pros of Living in China

So what are the biggest benefits of living in China?

Here are some of the top things that ex-pats have to say.

1. The Food Is Delicious

Authentic Chinese food is full of flavors, textures, and ingredients that blow foreigners away.

A number of dishes popular around the world are available here and with even better results.

But the Americanized buffet style is only scratching the surface.

China is home to eight major cuisine styles based on region.

Many cities have their own further specialized cuisines.

Xi’an cuisine, for example, uses lots of different noodle styles, often with spicy peanut-based sauces.

2. Salaries Are Comparable To Living Costs

The average salary in China varies significantly from region to region.

As in most other countries, you can expect to earn more money if you live in a large urban area than a less-developed or rural one.

Though the average worker in China earns less than in many other highly-developed countries (the equivalent of about $54,422), most residents find that they can afford all their necessities.

3. There Are Many Job Opportunities

The Chinese economy is booming and that means there are loads of job opportunities.

China has a complex hiring process, and visa application can be difficult.

But there are many job opportunities for foreigners with competitive salaries and benefits.

There are tons of jobs for editors, copywriters, video game writers and designers, models, actors, and far more.

4. Cost Of Living Is Low

The cost of living in China varies depending on location– like anywhere else in the world.

But most places in China are relatively affordable.

It is fairly straightforward to work, live, and save money.

Many ex-pats are shocked by the low costs of housing, food, utilities, and transportation, even in larger cities such as Beijing.

5. Living Standards Are High

Living standards in China leave those of many Western nations far behind.

There have been widespread efforts since the turn of the 21st century to improve life for residents.

These have affected the Chinese economy as well as transportation, food safety, measures against violent crime, and more.

Most ex-pats find themselves extremely impressed by their quality of life in China.

6. You’ll Have Access To Amazing Destinations

China is home to many of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and historical sites.

Travelers worldwide dream of visiting the Xi’an Terracotta Army and the Great Wall.

Beijing and Shanghai are some of the top-tier cities anywhere in the world.

Living in China gives me a much better opportunity to visit these sites and really take them in.

And right nearby are worthwhile locations like Nepal, Vietnam, Mongolia, and more.

7. Crime Rates Are Low

China is quite safe. Foreigners commonly walk around after dark almost anywhere without issue.

People leave their apartments and homes unlocked regularly.

Families leave shoes and bicycles outside apartment doors.

Thefts are highly uncommon.

Some of this has to do with recent updates in public safety measures, as well as widespread surveillance.

8. There Is a Kind And Welcoming Community

Chinese people are remarkably kind!

Foreigners widely report Chinese people to be friendly and eager to lend a hand.

Most locals are easy to befriend and willing to help you out.

They are also open about sharing their culture and customs with newcomers, especially if they express an interest in learning.

Foreigners who move to China often find deep, meaningful relationships with many native Chinese people.

Cons of Living in China

Chinese culture is significantly different from that of many Western countries, and assimilating may be a challenge for some.

Here are the biggest hurdles that come with moving to China.

1. There Are Different Food And Hygiene Practices

Food safety in China has been a longstanding concern, not only because of lax public hygiene laws but also because of toxic food additives.

Though recent laws have improved food safety, some ex-pats may feel uncomfortable knowing that restaurant hygiene is significantly less strict than in most Western countries.

You might also find some public toilet etiquette difficult to get used to — for example, many public restrooms do not stock toilet paper.

2. Workloads Are Tough

Chinese society is a hardworking one, which unfortunately can affect a healthy work-life balance.

In fact, some workplaces require a 72-hour work week, which involves working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week.

While this isn’t the norm in every company — and there have been growing calls for the government to make these practices illegal — “996” schedules are definitely not unheard of.

3. Surveillance Is High

Chinese society is under high surveillance.

This is part of what cuts down on theft and other crimes.

Cameras are all over public spaces from classrooms to stores and city streets.

It’s common to see microphones hanging from ceilings.

Depending on your personality and values, this may be more or less of a con in your eyes.

Many people value surveillance and transparency, while other visitors feel violated by it.

4. There Is a Tough Visa Process

Very few people are approved to become permanent residents in China each year.

The government is currently revising the visa process to allow foreigners to receive a “Chinese Green Card,” but this is not finished yet.

Most immigrants to China have ethnic Chinese backgrounds.

To successfully get a work visa, you’ll need the help of an employer.

You’ll also need a comprehensive medical exam, recommendation letters, and criminal background check.

5. The Language Barrier Can Be a Challenge

Mandarin, the major language of China, can be brutal to newcomers.

Lots of people are likely to misunderstand you until you get it right.

They may even assume you’re speaking English.

Mandarin uses four tones that you have to get just right to be understood.

Simply studying Chinese characters will get you through reading street signs and menus.

True communication can take years to accomplish.

Having digital translation tools handy can be a lifesaver.

6. There Are Different Cultural Concepts Of Personal Space

China is highly populous, so Chinese people are used to crowds.

Public transit can be a little disorienting for newcomers.

People have no issue pushing past each other to get where they need to go.

People often speak very closely to each other, compared to Western countries.

Apartments can be small, so people are used to crowded living quarters, too.

Even bathrooms are set up quite differently than in western countries.

7. There Are Ongoing COVID-Related Difficulties

China is still taking COVID-19 very seriously.

To many foreigners, the public health measures still in place are surprising.

Yet, they are why China has had such comparatively low infection rates throughout the pandemic.

In the face of some unrest, Chinese government authorities have begun loosening some restrictions.

This is currently the case with those traveling to China from elsewhere, too.

But COVID-19 has temporarily changed China’s social atmosphere in many ways that will affect any trip or move.

8. People Might Stare

Depending on where you live in China and what you look like, you might need to get used to people staring at you.

This is especially true if you have light hair or eyes, which are exceedingly rare in China.

Staring doesn’t necessarily have the same connotation of rudeness as it does in many Western countries, and ex-pats have found that they need to get used to locals openly staring at them or even taking pictures.

Pros And Cons of Living in China – Summary Table