Shanghai and Beijing are without question the two most popular expat destinations in Mainland China. On one hand, you have a modern international business mecca with a glistening skyline, while on the other you have an ancient political capital that’s leading the rise of an emerging superpower. The differences between the two are night and day, and the same can be said about the expats residing in them. Having lived in both the Pearl of the Orient and the Big Cabbage, I’ve personally been a part of both expat communities. Here are my observations based off the stereotypes I encountered.

1) Internationalism vs Traditionalism
Shanghai expats have flair. They’re more metropolitan and are looking to live in an international first-tier city that has all the fruits and comforts of the West. Shanghailanders (the old colonial term for Shanghai expats) are on top of the latest fashions, global trends, and newest iPhones, and tend to understand other Western cultures more than Chinese culture.

Beijinger expats, conversely, are looking for the “true China experience.” They’re more interested in Chinese language, history and culture, and often isolate themselves from having too much exposure to Western culture. In other words, while Shanghailanders are up to date on the latest trends, their Beijing counterparts are more concerned with what was hip during the Qing Dynasty.

2) Mandarin
Beijing expats generally have better Mandarin than Shanghai expats. In fact, I feel that my Mandarin has gotten worse after moving to Shanghai from Beijing! (Though, reflecting on the internationalism of the city, my Spanish is getting better). This undoubtedly reflects on the two conflicting attitudes of the cities: Shanghailanders see themselves in a globally connected city that’s not “real China,” while Beijingers see themselves in the heart of the Middle Kingdom where Mandarin is not only useful but part of the “real China” experience.

3) Bonjour or Priviet?
The French are the most popular Western expat community in Shanghai. Actually, in some parts of the city you’ll even feel like you’re in France, especially when strolling the promenades of the old French Concession. French bistros and cafes are popping up everywhere to cater to the new-found expat community, and some Chinese are making fortunes by selling “Fabrique en France” goods at 10 times the retail price.

In the great white north, you have the Russians. For some reason there’s a large expat community in the Chinese capital: maybe it’s the geographic proximity or closer political ties between Moscow and Beijing? No one is quite sure why the numbers are so high, but if you walk around the east side of Ritan Park along Yabao Lu (which is also where the world’s largest Russian embassy covers 16 hectares) you’ll feel like you’re in Mockba.

4) Nightlife
Shanghai expats tend to be more clubby. Decking down in slick clothes with a few dashes of cologne/perfume, rocking out in neon-lit discos, and downing cocktails freshly made by a world renowned mixologist is the norm here. And just like any other finance city, from New York to Hong Kong, everybody is working for the weekend and spending their hard earned cash in style.

Beijing expats, however, are more hip and enjoy alternative tunes. They can be found in a cozy hole-in-the-wall bar in the hutongs drinking craft brews, jamming out to a live punk band, or on a roof-top terrace during the warmer months soaking up some Vitamin D. There are a few clubs in Beijing, especially around Workers Stadium, and the average Beijing expat does go to them, but they treat the experience more as a social observation to check out how China’s new youth is passing their time.

5) Daily Life
A common site in Shanghai is an expat dressed in a suit and tie riding around town on an electric scooter trying to get to his or her next meeting. In this town, it’s a rat race through the concrete jungle, rubbing shoulders with other expats and locals aspiring to live the Chinese Dream. On the weekend, a nice champagne brunch will do the trick, and there might even be a meeting with work colleagues between brunch, lunch and dinner to discuss work related events.

In Beijing, you’re more likely to spot a hipster on a fixie rushing to his or her next Chinese lesson. While much of the hip Beijing crowd has non-traditional work schedules due to their jobs teaching English, freelancing, or full time studying, during the weekends and weekdays alike you can find them at a newly-opened art exhibition, touring the millennium-year-old monuments, or relaxing outdoors in a park surrounded by nature.

As mentioned, these are obviously vast stereotypes, and the most fun thing about stereotypes is to have a good laugh. So whether you’re a yuppie climbing the corporate ladder or a hipster enriching your soul with culture, your preference between Shanghai and Beijing ultimately comes down to you. In the end, there’s something for everyone in both cities.

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Keywords: Beijing Shanghai expats differences Expats in Beijing Shanghai