1.4 billion population, 5 atlas cities profiled. Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) run developed world cost. Tier 3 cities run a quarter of that.
China classifies cities into 5 official tiers based on GDP, population, and political importance. Tier 1 (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) runs developed world prices and salaries. Tier 2 (15 cities including Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing) runs roughly 60 percent of Tier 1 cost with rising salaries. Tier 3 (70 cities) runs at 30 to 45 percent of Tier 1 cost. The atlas profiles Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong (SAR), Shenzhen, and Chengdu.
The Z visa is the working route, employer sponsored, valid 30 days for entry then converted to a residence permit valid 1 year. The R visa is the high talent alternative. The new Q visa (family reunion) and the X visa (study) round out the routes. China does not offer a digital nomad visa. The 144 hour visa free transit is the only short term loophole.
The Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube. NordVPN works inconsistently; ExpressVPN and Astrill are the working alternatives. Payment runs on WeChat Pay and Alipay; foreign credit cards work at hotels and international chains, not at most local businesses. Mandarin is essential for any long term residence.