When choosing a city in China for study and career development, young people tend to consider more than the quality of a university. The living environment, employment opportunities, cost of living, transport, culture and ease of adaptation can all have a significant impact on their experience during their years of study and work.

Alongside Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chongqing, Guangzhou is another city worth considering. As one of southern China’s major economic centres, Guangzhou offers a combination of education, commerce, services and urban life that can appeal to young people looking to study, gain experience and develop their careers in China.

The symbolic Hang Chau Bridge

GUANGZHOU – A MAJOR CITY IN SOUTHERN CHINA

Guangzhou (广州), the capital of Guangdong Province, is one of the most important cities in the Pearl River Delta region.

According to official statistics, Guangzhou had a permanent resident population of approximately 19.1 million at the end of 2025, with an urbanisation rate of 87.56%. The city's GDP reached approximately RMB 3.204 trillion, representing a 4% increase compared with 2024. The service sector continued to account for a significant share of the economy, while trade, manufacturing, logistics and technology remained important areas of development.

With its large population and strong economy, Guangzhou has the characteristics of a major international city: busy, dynamic and full of opportunities, while also requiring young people to be proactive and adaptable.

STUDYING IN GUANGZHOU: MORE THAN JUST LEARNING CHINESE

For international students, Guangzhou offers a wide range of study options in fields such as economics, international trade, engineering, technology, business administration, languages and services.

One notable advantage is Guangzhou’s location within the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, one of China’s most developed and highly connected economic regions.

Studying in Guangzhou can therefore give students opportunities to experience not only their academic programmes but also a broader business, commercial and international environment.

For Vietnamese students, Guangzhou can be particularly interesting for those who wish to improve their Chinese while gaining a deeper understanding of the Chinese market, which has increasingly close trade and investment ties with Vietnam.

COST OF LIVING – AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TO CONSIDER

Living costs are always an important consideration for students and parents when choosing a study destination.

In Guangzhou, actual expenses vary depending on accommodation, housing arrangements, eating habits and personal needs. Students living in university accommodation will have a different cost structure from those renting private accommodation, while living in central areas may require a higher budget.

Rather than simply asking whether “Guangzhou is expensive”, students should plan their budget according to the following categories:

• Tuition fees and school-related expenses

• Accommodation or rent

• Food

• Transport

• Mobile phone and internet

• Insurance

• Personal and leisure expenses

One advantage of living in a large city such as Guangzhou is the wide range of lifestyle options. Young people can adjust their spending according to their accommodation and personal preferences.

TRANSPORT AND URBAN LIFE

With a permanent resident population of nearly 20 million, transport plays an important role in everyday life in Guangzhou.

The city’s developed public transport network allows young people to travel between universities, accommodation, commercial areas and other parts of the city without necessarily owning a private vehicle.

However, living in a major city also means dealing with longer travel distances and a high population density. Students who are accustomed to living in smaller cities may need some time to adjust to the faster pace of life, crowds and differences between neighbourhoods.

This is also part of the experience of becoming more independent: managing time, planning journeys and organising daily life.

A bustling pedestrian street alongside a modern transport network

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES – ONE OF GUANGZHOU’S KEY ADVANTAGES

From a career perspective, Guangzhou has a particularly clear strength: a diverse economy.

In 2025, Guangzhou’s total import and export value reached approximately RMB 1.241 trillion, with exports reaching RMB 825.65 billion, an increase of 17.8%. During the same year, the city recorded more than 350,000 new urban jobs.

These figures demonstrate the scale of Guangzhou’s business and employment market.

For young people, some potentially attractive fields include:

• International trade

• Import and export

• Logistics and supply chain management

• Business and management

• Technology

• Marketing

• International services

• Manufacturing and corporate management

For Vietnamese professionals who can use Chinese and have an understanding of the Vietnamese market, knowledge of both markets may also become an advantage in areas such as trade, logistics and business cooperation.

CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WORK PART-TIME?

This is an issue that requires particular attention.

International students in China should not assume that they can work freely alongside their studies. Under regulations issued by China’s National Immigration Administration, international students holding residence permits for study who wish to undertake part-time work or internships outside their university must obtain approval from their institution and complete the required procedures to have the relevant workplace, working hours or internship information recorded on their residence permit.

If the required information has not been added to the residence permit, students should not undertake external employment or internships.

For foreign nationals taking up formal employment in China, appropriate work permits and residence permits are also required.

Therefore, if an international student hopes to gain work experience while studying, it is important to understand the relevant legal requirements and consult the university before accepting any position.

WHAT MAKES LIFE IN GUANGZHOU SPECIAL?

Guangzhou is not simply a city of modern buildings and commercial activity.

It is also a city with a distinctive Cantonese cultural identity. For young people from overseas, living here can provide an opportunity to experience a culture with a long history that remains deeply connected to modern everyday life.

Food is one of the most noticeable aspects. Guangzhou is famous for Cantonese cuisine and yum cha, as well as dim sum, noodles, congee and a wide variety of local dishes.

Alongside modern urban districts, the city also has historic neighbourhoods, traditional markets, heritage buildings and distinctive cultural spaces.

This combination of tradition and modernity gives life in Guangzhou a character that goes beyond business and economic activity.

ADVANTAGES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

From the perspective of international students and young people looking for opportunities to develop, Guangzhou offers several notable advantages.

First, its large-scale economy.
The city has a diversified economy, particularly strong in trade, services and manufacturing.

Second, its diverse educational environment.
Students can access a wide range of academic fields while using Chinese in real-life situations.

Third, its exposure to international commerce.
As a major commercial centre, Guangzhou can be particularly relevant to young people interested in business, international trade and logistics.

Fourth, its diverse urban lifestyle.
Young people can experience both modern city life and the traditional culture of Guangdong.

WHAT SHOULD YOUNG PEOPLE PREPARE FOR?

Alongside its opportunities, life in Guangzhou also requires a certain level of preparation.

First is Chinese language ability. In everyday life, Chinese can make communication, shopping, travelling and dealing with practical matters considerably easier.

The second is the ability to manage personal finances and time. Living in a major city requires young people to take responsibility for accommodation, transport, food and budgeting.

Finally, adaptability is important. Differences in language, communication styles, food, services and daily routines may create challenges at first, but they are also an important part of the international study experience.

The Quang Chau University

WHO IS GUANGZHOU SUITABLE FOR?

Guangzhou may be worth considering for young people who:

• Want to study in a major Chinese city.

• Are interested in the Chinese language and culture.

• Plan to study economics, international trade, logistics, technology or services.

• Want to understand China’s business and international trade environment.

• Plan to develop a career connected with China and Vietnam.

• Want to experience life in a major city while still being surrounded by a distinctive local culture.

On the other hand, those who prefer a quieter environment, a slower pace of life or a smaller city may need to consider whether Guangzhou is the right choice for them.

GUANGZHOU – IS IT A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?

The answer depends on each individual’s goals.

If Beijing is known for its history, education and cultural depth; Shanghai stands out for finance and its international environment; and Shenzhen is associated with technology and innovation, Guangzhou has its own distinctive character: commerce, the real economy, education, culture and urban life.

For international students, Guangzhou can be a place to study, improve their Chinese and experience life in one of China’s largest cities.

For young professionals, it can provide an environment in which to gain experience, expand professional networks and develop a deeper understanding of China’s commercial landscape.

Therefore, rather than simply asking “Is Guangzhou a good place to live?”, a more practical question is:

“Is Guangzhou the right city for my study goals and career plans?”

When choosing a city in which to study and work, this is ultimately the most important consideration.

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