Editor's Note: China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recently released its annual ranking of cities most attractive to foreign talent, based on a survey of 4,816 expats.

The study, conducted by the ministry's Foreign Talent Research Center, evaluated 39 mainland cities on criteria such as job satisfaction, living convenience and environmental friendliness reported by foreign talent living and working in China, resulting in an attractiveness index that reflects each city's overall appeal. 

Top-ranked cities cluster in key economic zones, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Chengdu-Chongqing region. Beijing and Shanghai have held the top two spots for four consecutive years, while cities in the Yangtze River Delta have shown increased appeal.

Open economy has become increasingly important for attracting foreign talent. Initiatives in Shanghai aimed at aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules have enhanced the recruitment environment, while cities like Suzhou and Ningbo have leveraged their export-oriented economies.

Living convenience emerged as the most significant factor for foreign talent when choosing a city. Hangzhou, Qingdao, Chengdu and Kunming scored high, with Hangzhou praised for its digital infrastructure.

Job satisfaction was high among foreign talent, with over 80% saying they've realized personal value in China. Nearly 90% reported good workplace integration, while many expressed positive expectations for the innovation and entrepreneurship climate.

The annual list, now in its 14th year, aims to promote innovative policies and improve living and working conditions for foreign talent, thereby supporting China's goal of becoming a global hub for talent and innovation.

Here are the top 10 cities attractive for foreign talent:

10. Xiamen

An aerial photo taken on Dec. 9, 2021, shows the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center, International Conference Center and surrounding buildings in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The city scored 71.41 on the foreign talent attractiveness index.