Four cities we know street by street.

Beijing is China's political, academic and cultural capital — the best student city for prestige universities and imperial history, and the priciest after Shanghai. Expect four real seasons, world-class transit, and 700 years of monuments in daily view.

Shanghai is China's financial engine and most international city — the best student city for business careers and internships, and the easiest Chinese megacity for foreigners to live in. Plan on the highest living costs in the country.

Guangzhou is China's trade capital and the heart of Cantonese culture — the best city for sourcing trips, Canton Fair visits and business delegations, with lower costs than Beijing or Shanghai and the country's best food scene.

Hangzhou pairs West Lake scenery with China's digital-economy capital — the best student city for value: top-5 university prestige (Zhejiang University) at living costs roughly 30% below Beijing and Shanghai.