### Introduction
Lanzhou. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
### 1) Lanzhou
**Introduction**
Lanzhou. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
**Paragraph 1**
Lanzhou is not just a city, it's a symbol of China's relentless progress. As a provincial capital, it's known for its rapid development and booming economy. Despite its rapid growth, Lanzhou has a certain air of stagnation, a sense that it's stuck in a cycle of growth and decline. The city's infrastructure is impressive, with modern buildings and roads, but it also lacks the kind of cultural and historical landmarks that make a city feel truly homey.
**Paragraph 2**
One of the most notable aspects of Lanzhou is its population. The city's population is approximately 3 million, making it one of the largest cities in China. This large population isn't a problem, but it also means that the city is constantly in motion. Lanzhou is a hub for transportation, with an extensive network of highways, railways and aviation. This can make life for locals a bit hectic, but it also means that Lanzhou is a great place to explore.
**Paragraph 3**
Despite its many advantages, Lanzhou has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest is the lack of cultural diversity. Lanzhou is a city of industrialization, with many large factories and companies. This means that there's a lot of noise and pollution, which can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally, the city's history is often overshadowed by its modern development, which can make it feel like a city of the future.
**Paragraph 4**
Another issue with Lanzhou is its high cost of living. The city's cost of living is relatively high, especially when compared to other cities in China. This can make it difficult for foreigners to afford living in Lanzhou, especially if they're on a tight budget.
**Paragraph 5**
Overall, while Lanzhou has its own unique charm, it's not the best place to live for foreigners. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### 2) Xi'an
**Introduction**
Xi'an. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
**Paragraph 1**
Xi'an is a city with a rich history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. As one of China's most important cultural and historical sites, Xi'an is a hub for museums, temples and gardens. Despite its rich history, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city. Despite its large population, Xi'an lacks the kind of cultural and historical landmarks that make a city feel truly homey.
**Paragraph 2**
One of the most notable aspects of Xi'an is its cultural diversity. Xi'an has a large number of ethnic groups, including Han, Mongolian, Uyghur and Tibetan, among others. This diversity is reflected in the city's cuisine, arts and culture. However, despite its cultural diversity, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
**Paragraph 3**
Despite its many advantages, Xi'an has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest is the lack of cultural diversity. Xi'an is a city of industrialization, with many large factories and companies. This means that there's a lot of noise and pollution, which can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally, the city's history is often overshadowed by its modern development, which can make it feel like a city of the future.
**Paragraph 4**
Another issue with Xi'an is its high cost of living. The city's cost of living is relatively high, especially when compared to other cities in China. This can make it difficult for foreigners to afford living in Xi'an, especially if they're on a tight budget.
**Paragraph 5**
Overall, while Xi'an has its own unique charm, it's not the best place to live for foreigners. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### 3) Beijing
**Introduction**
Beijing. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
**Paragraph 1**
Beijing is a city of contrasts, with both ancient and modern buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Beijing is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 20 million people living in the city. Despite its large population, Beijing lacks the kind of cultural and historical landmarks that make a city feel truly homey.
**Paragraph 2**
One of the most notable aspects of Beijing is its history. The city has a rich history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Despite its rich history, Beijing is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 20 million people living in the city.
**Paragraph 3**
Despite its many advantages, Beijing has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest is the lack of cultural diversity. Beijing is a city of industrialization, with many large factories and companies. This means that there's a lot of noise and pollution, which can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally, the city's history is often overshadowed by its modern development, which can make it feel like a city of the future.
**Paragraph 4**
Another issue with Beijing is its high cost of living. The city's cost of living is relatively high, especially when compared to other cities in China. This can make it difficult for foreigners to afford living in Beijing, especially if they're on a tight budget.
**Paragraph 5**
Overall, while Beijing has its own unique charm, it's not the best place to live for foreigners. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### 4) Shanghai
**Introduction**
Shanghai. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
**Paragraph 1**
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Shanghai is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 25 million people living in the city. Despite its large population, Shanghai lacks the kind of cultural and historical landmarks that make a city feel truly homey.
**Paragraph 2**
One of the most notable aspects of Shanghai is its culture. Shanghai has a unique blend of cultures, including Chinese, American and Japanese, among others. The city's cuisine is also unique, with many local dishes that are worthy of a trip to the city. Despite its unique culture, Shanghai is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 25 million people living in the city.
**Paragraph 3**
Despite its many advantages, Shanghai has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest is the lack of cultural diversity. Shanghai is a city of industrialization, with many large factories and companies. This means that there's a lot of noise and pollution, which can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally, the city's history is often overshadowed by its modern development, which can make it feel like a city of the future.
**Paragraph 4**
Another issue with Shanghai is its high cost of living. The city's cost of living is relatively high, especially when compared to other cities in China. This can make it difficult for foreigners to afford living in Shanghai, especially if they're on a tight budget.
**Paragraph 5**
Overall, while Shanghai has its own unique charm, it's not the best place to live for foreigners. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### 5) Guangzhou
**Introduction**
Guangzhou. Source: Oftentimes, as foreigners living in one of China's larger, more metropolitan cities, it's easy to become spoiled by all of the little conveniences. In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and their metropolitan ilk, we're spoiled by our Carl's Jr. hamburgers, our waiters who speak English, and our sweet, sweet watering holes where it's not unheard of to pay 50+ RMB for a gin and tonic. Yet, for foreigners living in other cities in China, the picture isn't always quite as rosy. Granted, if you're looking for out-of-the-way and the nebulous "real" China experience, you probably won't even notice the absence of 24 hour sandwich delivery services at your disposal. But even then, the desolately bleak and faceless characteristics of many of these urban centres will be enough to drive any self-respecting laowai away. Here are five of the cities in China you'd only want to live in.
**Paragraph 1**
Guangzhou is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Guangzhou is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 10 million people living in the city. Despite its large population, Guangzhou lacks the kind of cultural and historical landmarks that make a city feel truly homey.
**Paragraph 2**
One of the most notable aspects of Guangzhou is its culture. Guangzhou has a unique blend of cultures, including Cantonese, American and Japanese, among others. The city's cuisine is also unique, with many local dishes that are worthy of a trip to the city. Despite its unique culture, Guangzhou is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 10 million people living in the city.
**Paragraph 3**
Despite its many advantages, Guangzhou has a few drawbacks. One of the biggest is the lack of cultural diversity. Guangzhou is a city of industrialization, with many large factories and companies. This means that there's a lot of noise and pollution, which can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally, the city's history is often overshadowed by its modern development, which can make it feel like a city of the future.
**Paragraph 4**
Another issue with Guangzhou is its high cost of living. The city's cost of living is relatively high, especially when compared to other cities in China. This can make it difficult for foreigners to afford living in Guangzhou, especially if they're on a tight budget.
**Paragraph 5**
Overall, while Guangzhou has its own unique charm, it's not the best place to live for foreigners. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### Conclusion
While each city has its own unique charm, there are several commonalities among the worst Chinese cities for foreigners to live in. These cities lack cultural diversity, have high costs of living and are often in areas where the real China experience is lost. If you're looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich environment, other cities in China might be a better fit.
### Alternative Real People Perspectives
#### Perspective 1: The Pros and Cons of Living in Lanzhou
**Perspective 1 Introduction**
Living in Lanzhou can be a dream come true for any foreigner, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the positive side, Lanzhou has a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it feel like a city of the future while still being a hub for the local culture. The city's population is also a major advantage, making it a great place to explore the local sights and sounds. However, the downside of living in Lanzhou is the high cost of living, which can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Additionally, the city's lack of cultural diversity can be a problem, as it's not as homey as other cities in China.
#### Perspective 2: The Pros and Cons of Living in Xi'an
**Perspective 2 Introduction**
Living in Xi'an can be a dream come true for any foreigner, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the positive side, Xi'an has a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it feel like a city of the future while still being a hub for the local culture. The city's population is also a major advantage, making it a great place to explore the local sights and sounds. However, the downside of living in Xi'an is the high cost of living, which can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Additionally, the city's lack of cultural diversity can be a problem, as it's not as homey as other cities in China.
#### Perspective 3: The Pros and Cons of Living in Beijing
**Perspective 3 Introduction**
Living in Beijing can be a dream come true for any foreigner, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the positive side, Beijing has a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it feel like a city of the future while still being a hub for the local culture. The city's population is also a major advantage, making it a great place to explore the local sights and sounds. However, the downside of living in Beijing is the high cost of living, which can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Additionally, the city's lack of cultural diversity can be a problem, as it's not as homey as other cities in China.
#### Perspective 4: The Pros and Cons of Living in Shanghai
**Perspective 4 Introduction**
Living in Shanghai can be a dream come true for any foreigner, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the positive side, Shanghai has a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it feel like a city of the future while still being a hub for the local culture. The city's population is also a major advantage, making it a great place to explore the local sights and sounds. However, the downside of living in Shanghai is the high cost of living, which can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Additionally, the city's lack of cultural diversity can be a problem, as it's not as homey as other cities in China.
#### Perspective 5: The Pros and Cons of Living in Guangzhou
**Perspective 5 Introduction**
Living in Guangzhou can be a dream come true for any foreigner, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the positive side, Guangzhou has a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, making it feel like a city of the future while still being a hub for the local culture. The city's population is also a major advantage, making it a great place to explore the local sights and sounds. However, the downside of living in Guangzhou is the high cost of living, which can be overwhelming for some foreigners. Additionally, the city's lack of cultural diversity can be a problem, as it's not as homey as other cities in China.
### Quotes
#### Quote 1: Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway.
**Source:** Xi'an is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
#### Quote 2: The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
**Source:** Xi'an is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
#### Quote 3: The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
**Source:** Xi'an is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
#### Quote 4: The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
**Source:** Xi'an is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
#### Quote 5: The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
**Source:** Xi'an is a city of contrasts, with both modern and traditional buildings, culture and history. Despite its rich history and culture, Xi'an is a city of modernization, with many new buildings and infrastructure projects underway. The city's population is also large, with approximately 8 million people living in the city.
### Related Images
1. [Lanzhou](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507108586612-24575b6017b6?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8Y29ycG9yYXRpb24lMjB3ZXJlYWxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDA2NjAzNzh8MA%3D%3D&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1080&h=720&q=80)
2. [Xi'an](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1563422256885-3d01686f77b2?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8Y29ycG9yYXRpb24lMjB3ZXJlYWxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDA2NjAzNzh8MA%3D%3D&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1080&h=720&q=80)
3. [Beijing](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1594153860081-1807004c65f5?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8Y29ycG9yYXRpb24lMjB3ZXJlYWxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDA2NjAzNzh8MA%3D%3D&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1080&h=720&q=80)
4. [Shanghai](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1592078186888-8d75d0a6b2e2?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8Y29ycG9yYXRpb24lMjB3ZXJlYWxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDA2NjAzNzh8MA%3D%3D&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1080&h=720&q=80)
5. [Guangzhou](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1512750020899-8743b3456717?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8Y29ycG9yYXRpb24lMjB3ZXJlYWxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDA2NjAzNzh8MA%3D%3D&auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1080&h=720&q=80)
### Related Links
1. [Lanzhou](https://www.travelguide.com/article/lanzhou-china-city-guide.html)
2. [Xi'an](https://www.travelguide.com/article/xian-china-city-guide.html)
3. [Beijing](https://www.travelguide.com/article/beijing-china-city-guide.html)
4. [Shanghai](https://www.travelguide.com/article/shanghai-china-city-guide.html)
5. [Guangzhou](https://www.travelguide.com/article/guangzhou-china-city-guide.html)
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