Best Cities In China

The Top Ten
1 Shanghai Shanghai is one of the four municipalities under the direct administration of the central government of the People's Republic of China, the largest city in China by population, and the second most populous city proper in the world, with a population of 24.28 million as of 2019, it is the most populous... read more

I studied there before. Transportation is convenient, and I met both locals and foreigners. There are amazing tourist spots, including The Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Every Shanghai visitor must try a mixture of Western food and Chinese food in their diet. Also, it's a major economic city in China. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

People who live in Shanghai are more disciplined and educated. Many expats dwell here, and they love the place. I can speak for myself because I've been traveling back and forth to Shanghai.

2 Hong Kong Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is an autonomous territory on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary in East Asia. With over 7.5 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre (426 sq mi) territory, Hong... read more

Hong Kong S.A.R. was a British colony and had been separated from mainland China for 99 years. It has a completely different set of laws, resources, and culture from the mainland. Even now, the "one country, two systems" policy remains.

Let's put it this way: Hong Kong people are allowed to use Facebook, Google, and are not censored. The government is much less corrupt, and people are far more disciplined, educated, hygienic, and open-minded than those in mainland China. There is even a special organization, the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), working effectively to investigate and stop corruption. There is much more freedom in Hong Kong than in any other place in mainland China. People have the right to protest and speak for what they believe in. Incidents that happen in mainland China do not happen in Hong Kong, such as police beating up hawking children or protesters being labeled as having "committed suicide" (meaning the government claims the individual's cause of death was suicide when everyone knows that's not true).

Hong Kong people actually line up, say thank you, and hold the door. As a foreigner, one might easily mistake the rude Chinese people in major amusement parks and attractions in Hong Kong as representatives of the entire Chinese population, but no - they are mainly mainlanders. Most Hong Kongers behave very differently and are also unhappy with such uncivilized and poor behavior in their city. Hong Kong's more civilized manners remain a great advantage over other economically booming cities in China.

Under British influence, Hong Kong's culture, especially its food, is very unique compared to other cities in China. There are foods that are Chinese versions of European classics, such as Hong Kong-style milk tea, French toast, egg tarts, etc. Hong Kong is also called the "World's Fair of Food" and "Gourmet Paradise," providing dining options from around the world. I mean, who doesn't like great food? Plus,... more

3 Beijing

Indigenous people in Beijing are humorous, easygoing, responsible, and generous. Also, many of them are highly educated.

The food in Beijing is also very delicious, like Beijing duck and soybean milk. They are not weird at all. All of them are made from the most common ingredients, like chicken, flour, and beef.

Beijing is a great city with a rich cultural heritage and a long history. In my eyes, Beijing is absolutely the best city in China.

Beijing may not have as many skyscrapers as other cities in China, but that can easily change. However, the rich imperial past that dwells in this city remains the heart of it. It is also one of the most modern cities, with the 8th tallest building in the world.

4 Wuhan

Wuhan is my hometown. It was the first city to rise against the Qing Dynasty in 1911!

The citizens here are really kind. They have the best food in the whole world.

5 Guangzhou

Guangzhou is different from famous cities like Beijing or Shanghai. It makes me feel quiet and serene.

The third biggest city. Unique southern culture.

Best city in China. Beijing and Shanghai are great, but not because of the people who live there. It's due to other forces.

6 Tianjin
7 Shenzhen

Why is this city not listed in the top 3? I'm completely surprised.

Shenzhen is the biggest city without pollution, with strong potential to become a technology center. It's young and still has a lot of space to improve.

Shenzhen is the most prosperous, energetic, and progressive city in China.

8 Shenyang
9 Chongqing
10 Macau

Great for visiting and living, plus it is full of energy.

The Contenders
11 Nanjing

I love the farmlands and plains of Nanjing. It's not as polluted, and I love the non-city parts.

I love this city. The people are friendly, the stores are grand, and there's just so much history.

12 Hangzhou

I guarantee you it's the most beautiful city in China. It's clean and tidy, and the people are polite and warm.

13 Xi'an

This is the most ancient city in China, the best for sure.

14 Chengdu

Chengdu should definitely be number 1. It's a beautiful place to visit, with lots of cute pandas, rich history, and great food. Most importantly, there are lots of pretty girls, lol. I highly recommend visiting this city.

Great city with the greatest food.

15 Nanchang

Awesome for its historical stories. It's a very beautiful city and has been developing fast.

16 Harbin
17 Qingdao

Qingdao is a beautiful city with beautiful beaches, and the people there are very kind.

18 Changchun
19 Dalian

This is the most beautiful of all the cities in China. A drive along the eastern shore showcases the most beautiful life-size and larger-than-life-size art in the world.

20 Guilin
21 Xiamen

I'm from Xiamen. I was born in Xiamen.

22 Urumqi

Urumqi is a nice place in China. It's a very traditional city with lovely people. The style and climate are also very nice.

The best multicultural city in China!

23 Wenzhou
24 Nanning
25 Suzhou
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