I'm Xingru, a Singaporean who landed in Shanghai in 2018
to start my bachelor's degree. What began as an exciting
new chapter turned into a seven-year adventure of
learning, growing, and adapting to life in this vibrant
city. In 2021, I took the leap from student dorms to my
own apartment—not just for more space, but also because I
wanted to adopt two stray cats from campus, which was
something I couldn't do while living in the dorm. Now, I
work at Wellcee, helping fellow expats navigate the local
rental market and make the city feel like home.
So, you've arrived in China, ready for a new adventure.
But before you dive into the vibrant culture and street
food scene, the first task is securing a place to live.
Renting in China can feel like navigating a maze, but this
guide will break it down into manageable steps. Whether
you're looking for Shanghai renting tips, considering
agent-free renting in Beijing, or
exploring slower-paced options in other smaller cities,
this guide will walk you through the unique aspects of
renting in different cities across China. Let's make this
journey as smooth as possible.
Types of Properties in China: Categories You Need to Know
When renting in China, you'll encounter various types of residential properties. Understanding these
options will help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Here's a breakdown of the major
property types:
Residential Properties: Gated Communities
In most cities, you'll find residential
properties located within gated communities,
known as xiaoqu in Chinese. These
neighborhoods are designed for convenience and
comfort, offering shared amenities such as
parks, shops, and sometimes gyms. The living
spaces within these communities are typically
residential buildings that vary in quality,
from basic to luxurious. The benefit of living
in such communities is that you'll likely have
a higher level of security and more accessible
public services, but the rent can also be
higher depending on the location and amenities
offered.
Modern gated communities in China
Youth Hostels: Budget-Friendly Transitional Options
For those seeking more affordable,
short-term accommodation,youth hostels or
commercial apartments—such as Vlinker, Mofang Apartment, Goyoo —offer budget-friendly
alternatives. These properties are typically smaller
and feature basic yet functional
interiors, offering dormitory-style
rooms with communal spaces,including
shared amenities like kitchens and
laundry areas.
Vlinker Youth Community
These properties are great for
expats
who are new to the city and need a
temporary place to stay while they
search for more permanent housing.
However, they tend to come with
higher
utility costs and may lack the
privacy
and comfort of longer-term options.
Major Cities in China: A Quick Overview
Renting in China differs depending
on
where you're located. Major cities
like Beijing and Shanghai are known
as
"super first-tier" cities. These
cities have a competitive and
fast-paced rental market, with a
wide
variety of housing types and
services.
In contrast, smaller cities, known
as
"Tier 2" or "Tier 3" cities, offer
more affordable rental options but
may
have fewer housing choices and
rental
platforms. Understanding the rental
landscape of these different tiers
will help you navigate the market
more
easily, no matter where you are.
Tier 0 Cities:
1. Shanghai
Shanghai is often seen as the
business
and cultural heart of China. As a
global financial hub, it offers
incredible job opportunities,
particularly for professionals in
finance, tech, and business. The
city
combines its futuristic skyline with
pockets of rich history and cultural
diversity. Renting here can be
expensive, especially in the central
districts, but it also offers a vast
range of options—whether you want
the
buzzing energy of Puxi or the modern
skyline of Pudong.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥3000–5000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥6000–8000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Shanghai skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui financial district
Shanghai's
lane
houses,
found in areas like
the French
Concession, offer a
unique
glimpse into local
heritage
with their
traditional
architecture.
However, they
can have issues like
poor
soundproofing and
plumbing,
and may require more
maintenance.
Traditional Shanghai Lane House
2. Beijing
As China's capital, Beijing offers a unique blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge modernity. The
city is home to some of the most iconic historical sites, like the Great Wall and the Forbidden
City, but it's also a bustling metropolis with dynamic nightlife, a thriving arts scene, and
numerous business opportunities. While living costs can be high in central areas, Beijing offers
more affordable housing in its outer districts and growing suburbs, providing options for those
willing to live a bit further from the hustle and bustle.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥3000–5000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥6000–8000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Overlooking the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park
In Beijing, you'll also encounter hutongs — traditional courtyard homes that are
typically found in tight passageways. Living in a hutong gives you a truly historic and culturally
rich experience, but much like lane houses, they come with their own set of challenges. The lack of
modern amenities, potential for poor insulation, and outdated infrastructure might not make them the
most comfortable choice in the long run. However, the charm and historic value of hutongs make them
a sought-after option for those looking for a truly authentic Beijing experience.
Beijing hutong
3. Shenzhen
Shenzhen is China's tech capital, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley" of the country. The city
has grown exponentially over the last few decades, transforming from a small fishing village into a
high-tech cosmopolitan city. It's home to some of the world's largest tech companies, including
Tencent and Huawei. The city is ideal for expats in the tech and business sectors, offering a modern
lifestyle with impressive infrastructure, shopping, and entertainment options. Rent can be steep in
the more desirable areas, but the rapid development means that new housing options are constantly
becoming available.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥2500–4000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥4000–7000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Shenzhen skyline featuring Futian CBD and Shenzhen
Bay Ferris
Wheel
4. Hongkong
Hong Kong is a vibrant, global financial hub and one of Asia's most dynamic cities, known for its
towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping, and rich cultural blend. As a former British colony,
Hong Kong has a unique heritage that is reflected in its food, architecture, and traditions. It's a
city where ancient temples sit beside luxury shopping malls, and traditional tea houses coexist with
international restaurants. Despite the high cost of living, Hong Kong remains an attractive city for
expats due to its thriving economy, ease of access to international business, and high quality of
life.
-
Shared Apartment: HKD4000–8000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: HKD10000–20000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Hong Kong Skyline featuring Victoria Harbour
Other Major Cities:
5. Guangzhou
Located in southern China, Guangzhou is the country's southern economic powerhouse. Known for its
thriving import and export industry, the city attracts a large number of international businesses.
The city offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to the fast-moving Tier 0 cities, with a warm
climate year-round and a more affordable cost of living. The food scene, particularly Cantonese
cuisine, is world-renowned, making it a great place for food lovers. Guangzhou also offers a wide
variety of housing options, from modern high-rises to traditional neighborhoods.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥2000–3000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥3000–5000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Guangzhou cityscape featuring Zhujiang New Town and Canton Tower
6. Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city on the rise, known for its booming e-commerce and live-streaming industries. With
a mix of modern development and natural beauty, including the iconic West Lake, Hangzhou is becoming
a key hub for tech innovation and digital entrepreneurship. While rent in the city center can be
high, it remains more affordable than in Shanghai or Beijing, making it an attractive option for
expats seeking a balance between work and lifestyle.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥2000–3000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥3000–5000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Qianjiang New Town in Hangzhou
7 .Chengdu
Chengdu, often considered China's cultural and culinary capital, is known for its laid-back
atmosphere, spicy food, and relaxed lifestyle. It's also becoming a tech hub, with a rapidly growing
number of tech companies calling the city home. As the gateway to Tibet, Chengdu has a rich cultural
history and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Rent in Chengdu is more affordable
compared to Tier 0 cities, making it a popular choice for expats looking for a slower pace of life
while still living in a city with plenty to offer.
-
Shared Apartment: ¥1500–2000/month
-
Living Alone in a 1-Bedroom Apartment: ¥2500–4000/month
(Prices based on central areas)
Chengdu Twin Towers in Tianfu New Area
Subways: Key to Urban Mobility in China
China is home to one of the most efficient, extensive, and affordable subway systems in the
world. With over 40 cities operating subway networks, China leads globally in both the number of
lines and total track length. As of 2023, Shanghai's subway network alone spans 831 kilometers,
making it the longest in the world.
China's subway: 7,000+ km, 54 systems, billions of commuters daily
The subway offers a fast, affordable, and reliable way to navigate cities, with fares typically
ranging from ¥2 to ¥5 per ride, making it an accessible option for millions. The subway systems
connect residential areas to business hubs, ensuring easy commutes across major urban centers.
For expats, proximity to a subway station can significantly enhance convenience and reduce
reliance on other forms of transport.
Renting as a Foreigner: Key Things to Know
As a foreigner renting in China, one important step after moving in is to register your
residence with the local police within 24 hours. If you don't complete this
registration, you may face penalties. Additionally, some buildings simply do not allow
foreigners to live there, so it's crucial to verify this with your landlord before signing the
lease.
Breaking Your Lease
If you decide to leave before the end of your lease, the standard practice in China is to help
the landlord find a new tenant to take over your lease. This process, known as "subletting," is
common and necessary in order to get your deposit back. On the other hand, if you're moving out
at the end of your lease, all that's required is to clean the apartment and leave it in good
condition.
Tips for Finding the Right Place
When viewing apartments, be sure to inspect for common issues such as mold, inadequate
maintenance, or signs of general wear. For older buildings, keep in mind that the drainage
system may not support flushing toilet paper, so it's advisable to dispose of it in the trash to
avoid potential clogs. Additionally, confirm whether the electricity is billed at residential or
commercial rates, as commercial rates often result in significantly higher utility costs.
A Welcoming Market for Foreigners
One of the benefits of renting in China is the generally accessible and straightforward process
for foreigners. Compared to some countries where rental regulations can be more rigid or there
may be challenges for non-locals, China offers a relatively flexible market. Landlords in China
typically do not impose higher rent prices for foreigners, which can sometimes occur elsewhere.
Additionally, the rental regulations here are often more straightforward, making the process
smoother and less complicated.
Platforms such as Wellcee further enhance this experience by connecting expatriates with
international, English-speaking landlords and roommates. This support network helps make the
process even more seamless, ensuring that foreign tenants can find suitable accommodations with
ease.
Renting Solutions: Major Platforms and Wellcee
When it comes to renting in China, there are a few key platforms you'll want to explore.
Lianjia, 58, and Beike are the main channels
where you can find listings for apartments across the country. Lianjia is known for its large
inventory and real-time listings, making it a reliable option for finding both high-end and
affordable properties. 58 offers a more budget-friendly selection but often has listings with
less detail or verification. Beike focuses on providing detailed information and professional
management, ideal for higher-end rentals. However, all three platforms charge agent fees, which
can add to the cost of renting.
If you're looking for a hassle-free rental experience without the agent fees,
Wellcee is the answer. We offer a no-agent-fee rental platform
in China, that lists apartments without the middleman, giving you the opportunity to work
directly with landlords. Whether you're searching for a shared apartment or a private unit,
Wellcee provides a seamless and affordable way to find your home. We're not humble about it—we
are the best agent-free platform in China, offering the most
trustworthy and budget-friendly renting experience!
Shared Apartments: An Easy Way to Integrate
One of Wellcee's core offerings is our shared apartment service. This option
not only provides a more cost-effective living arrangement, but also offers an excellent
opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. By sharing an apartment, you can meet new
people, experience Chinese culture firsthand, and build meaningful connections. It's a great way
for newcomers to integrate into their new environment while balancing affordability and social
engagement.
At Wellcee, we facilitate connections, helping you find the ideal roommate—whether a local
resident or fellow expat. Renting a shared apartment through us is more than just finding a
place to stay; it's a chance to deepen your understanding of China while enjoying the experience
of shared living.
Community Safety: Your Peace of Mind
China is renowned for its high level of security, making it one of the safest
places for expats to live. Whether you're exploring the city's nightlife or taking a late-night
walk, you can rest assured that safety is a top priority. Many residential complexes are
equipped with 24-hour security, and local police regularly patrol neighborhoods to ensure the
well-being of residents. This strong sense of security allows you to enjoy your time in China
with peace of mind, knowing you're in a safe and supportive environment.
For Other Renting Tips, Please Visit Wellcee
Curious about renting in other cities?
Wellcee has you covered. For rental guides and listings in cities across
China, check us out! We've got all the tools to help you find the perfect place to call home—no
agents, no fees, just great apartments!
