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Expat Exchange - 10 Best Places for Families to Live in China
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Shanghai, China


10 Best Places for Families to Live in China

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in China.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to China and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in China.

Shanghai

Shanghai

Shanghai is an excellent place for international families to reside, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun. The Shanghai Natural History Museum also offers children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Century Park, the largest park in the city, or the Shanghai Zoo, which houses over 6,000 animals. The Jing'an Sculpture Park is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Kerry Parkside Centre also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Shanghai Community Sports Club and the Multi-Sport Shanghai offer various sports programs for kids, including soccer, basketball, and swimming. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Shanghai is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

Beijing

Beijing

Beijing is an excellent destination for international families to settle, boasting a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the Beijing Museum of Natural History offers engaging exhibits and educational programs, while the China Science and Technology Museum provides interactive displays that make learning enjoyable. The Beijing Planetarium is another educational hotspot, offering children's activities and shows. For outdoor recreation, families can explore the expansive Beijing Botanical Garden or the Beijing Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Olympic Forest Park, the largest park in the city, offers ample space for picnics and outdoor games. For athletic facilities, the Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, offers a family-friendly swimming pool, while the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, has a gym and various sports courts. Sports clubs such as the Beijing Youth Football Academy and the Beijing Ducks Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural history, modern conveniences, and family-oriented activities, Beijing is a dynamic and hospitable city for international families.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a good place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Guangzhou Science Center is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun. The Guangdong Museum also offers children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Yuexiu Park, the largest park in the city, or the Guangzhou Zoo, which houses a wide variety of animals. The South China Botanical Garden is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Guangzhou Tianhe Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Guangzhou Olympic Sports Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club and the Guangzhou Long-Lions Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including soccer and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Guangzhou is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is an ideal location for international families to reside, offering a wide range of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the Shenzhen Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning enjoyable. The Shenzhen Children's Palace also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Lianhuashan Park, the largest park in the city, or the Shenzhen Safari Park, which houses a diverse range of wildlife. The Shenzhen Bay Park is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Shenzhen Bay Sports Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Shenzhen Ruby Football Club and the Shenzhen Leopards Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern conveniences, and family-oriented activities, Shenzhen is a dynamic and hospitable city for international families.

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Suzhou

Suzhou

Suzhou is a good place for international families to live, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Suzhou Science and Technology Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun. The Suzhou Children's Art Theatre also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of the largest gardens in Suzhou, or the Suzhou Zoo, which houses a wide variety of animals. The Jinji Lake Park is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Suzhou Industrial Park Sports Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Suzhou Dongwu Football Club and the Suzhou Blue Whale Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including soccer and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Suzhou is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is an excellent place for international families to live, providing a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the Hangzhou Science and Technology Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning enjoyable. The Hangzhou Children's Palace also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Hangzhou Zoo, which houses a diverse range of wildlife. The Xixi National Wetland Park is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Hangzhou International Expo Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Hangzhou Greentown Football Club and the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern conveniences, and family-oriented activities, Hangzhou is a dynamic and hospitable city for international families.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Nanjing

Nanjing is a good place for international families to reside, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Nanjing Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun. The Nanjing Children's Cultural Center also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Xuanwu Lake Park, a beautiful scenic spot in the city, or the Nanjing Underwater World, which houses a wide variety of marine life. The Purple Mountain Observatory is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Nanjing International Expo Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Jiangsu Suning Football Club and the Nanjing Monkey Kings Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Nanjing is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

Qingdao

Qingdao

Qingdao is a good destination for international families to settle, offering a wide range of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the Qingdao Municipal Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning enjoyable. The Qingdao Children's Art Theatre also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Qingdao Forest Wildlife World, a beautiful park that houses a variety of animals, or the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, which offers stunning views of the sea. The Badaguan Scenic Area is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Qingdao Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Qingdao International Sailing Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Qingdao Jonoon Football Club and the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Qingdao is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Chengdu

Chengdu is a great place for international families to live, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Chengdu Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun. The Chengdu Children's Art Theatre also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a beautiful park that houses a variety of animals, or the People's Park, which offers stunning views of the city. The Chengdu Botanical Garden is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Chengdu Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Chengdu International Tennis Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Chengdu Blades Football Club and the Sichuan Blue Whales Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Chengdu is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

Dalian

Dalian is a wonderful choice for international families to reside, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the Dalian Modern Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that make learning enjoyable. The Dalian Children's Palace also offers a variety of children's activities, making it a great educational outing. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Dalian Forest Zoo, a beautiful park that houses a variety of animals, or the Dalian People's Square, which offers stunning views of the city. The Dalian Botanical Garden is another great option, featuring a playground and picnic areas. For athletic facilities, the Dalian Sports Center offers a swimming pool, gym, and various sports courts. The Dalian International Conference Center also has a family-friendly gym and a rooftop garden for outdoor activities. Sports clubs such as the Dalian Professional Football Club and the Dalian Dragon Kings Basketball Club offer various sports programs for kids, including football and basketball. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and family-friendly activities, Dalian is a vibrant and welcoming city for international families.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Shanghai, China

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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