A recent survey of 72,000 expatriates in mainland China either by in-person questionnaires or a poll run on the China Daily website has shown Shanghai to be the highest rated city followed by Beijing and Tianjin.
The top ten cities were as follows:
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Tianjin
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Xiamen
- Nanjing
- Suzhou
- Hangzhou
- Qingdao
A total of 29 cities were present in the poll with cities being ranked across 17 different categories with the top 10 all being based in eastern China. Shanghai was regarded as being friendliest to foreigners and excelled in job salaries, children’s education, healthcare and rights protection. However both Shanghai and Beijing scored the lowest for the quality of their environment.
Reports of serious air pollution issues in recent years has led to an increased awareness both within the Chinese government and the general population leading to the government to introduce measures to curb pollution, including subsidies for electric cars, and targets to reduce the use of coal.
With over half a million expatriates (foreign experts) reported to be living in China according to the State Administration of Foreign Expat Affairs some said they would like to see more expat-friendly policies to help them better integrate into society.
The survey titled ‘Amazing China – The Most Attractive Chinese Cities for Foreigners’ started in 2010 and has broadly had the same cities in the top ten since its inception.
Read the full article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2013-11/27/content_17133569.htm
