China Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in China

Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the People’s Republic of China. As one of the world’s largest economies, China offers opportunities in manufacturing, technology, engineering, logistics, education, finance and international trade, with fast-growing major cities and extensive infrastructure. Visa, work permit and residency rules can change — always confirm details with official Chinese government sources before relocating.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to China, providing export packing, ocean & air freight, customs coordination and final delivery to major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Tianjin, Chongqing and Wuhan.

1. Before You Move to China

1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements

Most foreigners must obtain a visa before arriving in mainland China. Common long-term or work-related categories include:

Z Visa (Work): for foreign employees with a confirmed job offer
M Visa (Business): for short-term business visits and meetings
R Visa (High-Level Talent): for highly skilled professionals in demand
X1/X2 Visa (Student): for long-term and short-term study
S1/S2 Visa (Family Visit): for family members of foreigners working/studying in China
Q1/Q2 Visa (Family Reunion): for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents

Tip: For employment, the typical process is: secure a job offer → employer arranges a work permit notice → apply for a Z visa → enter China → convert to a residence permit at local authorities.

1.2 Working in China

Key industries hiring foreign professionals include:

Manufacturing, engineering & automotive
Technology, software & telecommunications
Finance, banking & insurance
Education (especially English-language teaching in schools and universities)
Logistics, shipping & supply chain
Consulting and corporate management roles in multinational companies

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Housing standards vary by city. Expatriates commonly live in modern apartments or serviced residences in areas with international schools and amenities, such as:

Shanghai: Jing’an, Xuhui, Lujiazui, Minhang, Hongqiao
Beijing: Chaoyang, Shunyi (villa & compound areas), Dongcheng
Shenzhen: Nanshan, Futian, Luohu
Guangzhou: Tianhe, Yuexiu, Haizhu
Chengdu & Chongqing: growing expat communities and modern housing

Typical rental requirements:

Security deposit (often 1–3 months of rent)
First month’s rent in advance
Signed lease contract (in Chinese, sometimes with an English version)
Proof of employment or income

1.4 Banking & Finances

China’s currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Chinese Yuan (CNY). To open a local bank account, you may need:

Passport
Valid visa and residence permit (or at least a Z visa and proof of registration)
Local mobile phone number
Local address registration slip (issued by the police station/hotel)

1.5 Healthcare & Medical Insurance

Large cities have modern hospitals and international clinics. Many foreign employees are covered by employer-provided insurance, and some also purchase additional international medical coverage for private clinics and hospitals.

Important: Check whether your employer’s policy covers treatment in international hospitals and whether direct billing is available, as paying out-of-pocket for major medical care can be expensive.

1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving

Passport (with sufficient validity and blank pages)
Work contract and invitation letter from employer
Work permit notice (for Z visa applicants)
University degree(s) and professional qualifications (often notarised/legalised)
Police clearance certificate if required by local authorities
Birth & marriage certificates for dependants (notarised/legalised)
Passport-size photos

2. Your First Weeks in China

2.1 Arrival & Entry Formalities

Upon arrival, immigration officers will check your visa, take fingerprints in many cases, and stamp your passport. Keep your documents and employer contact details readily available.

2.2 Temporary Registration

Foreigners must complete temporary residence registration with the local public security bureau (PSB):

If staying in a hotel: the hotel normally registers you automatically.
If staying in a private apartment: you or your landlord must register at the local police station within the required timeframe (often 24 hours in major cities).

2.3 Residence Permit

Long-term workers usually convert their Z visa to a residence permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration within a set period after arrival. This permit acts as your multiple-entry visa during its validity.

2.4 Everyday Setup

Local SIM card and mobile plan
WeChat/Alipay setup for mobile payments
Bank account activation
Utility accounts if renting directly (electricity, gas, water, internet)

3. China at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Major Regions

China is geographically vast, with coastal megacities, inland industrial hubs and historic cultural centres. Major urban regions include:

Beijing – capital and political centre
Shanghai – financial and commercial hub
Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (Shenzhen, Guangzhou and others)
Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing)
Chengdu–Chongqing region in western China
Tianjin and northern industrial cities

3.2 Politics & Economy

China is a socialist country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with a rapidly developing, globally integrated economy. It is a major player in manufacturing, exports, logistics, technology, e-commerce and infrastructure.

3.3 Climate & Weather

Climate conditions vary widely:

Northern regions can be very cold in winter.
Southern and eastern coastal areas are humid and hot in summer.
Some regions experience monsoon rains and occasional typhoons.

4. Why Many Canadians Choose China

Opportunities in fast-growing industries and multinational companies
Experience working in one of the world’s largest markets
High-speed rail, major airports and modern city infrastructure
Exposure to Chinese language, culture and business practices
Diverse regional cuisines and cultural experiences

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

Costs vary significantly among cities:

Tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) have higher rents and daily costs.
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities often offer more affordable housing and services.

Typical monthly expenses include:

Rent and building management fees
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, heating where applicable)
Mobile and internet services
Groceries, markets and dining out
School fees for international schools (if applicable)

Tip: In many areas, using local apps and e-wallets for food delivery, taxi rides and shopping becomes part of daily life very quickly.

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Large Chinese cities are known for extensive public transport systems:

Subways and metro networks in major cities
City buses and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems
High-speed rail linking major regions nationwide
App-based taxis and ride-hailing services

6.2 Driving in China

China drives on the right-hand side. Foreigners usually must convert their licence to a Chinese driving licence; an International Driving Permit (IDP) alone is not sufficient for long-term driving.

6.3 Air Travel

China has numerous large international airports, including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an and Chengdu Tianfu, offering extensive domestic and international connections.

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

Mandarin Chinese is the official national language; many regions also use local dialects.
Business culture emphasises relationships, hierarchy and preparation.
Meals and shared dining are important for building relationships.
Cities offer a mix of traditional markets, modern malls and international brands.

7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions

Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall access points, historic hutongs
Shanghai: The Bund, Pudong skyline, historic French Concession
Xian: Terracotta Army
Guilin & Yangshuo: Karst landscapes and river scenery
Chengdu: Giant panda research bases and Sichuan cuisine
Hangzhou & Suzhou: West Lake, classical gardens and canals

China Country GuideYour Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in China