This article originally appeared on ABACUS Think of a city in China, and the image that springs to mind is likely Shanghai or Beijing. But there are over 100 cities with a population of 1 million in the country. Far from being focused in a few huge megacities, China’s internet population is almost evenly split between the big cities and the smaller cities. And the two are also evenly split in other ways: The apps you use and even the phone you own will likely be different depending on where you live. To make it easier when discussing a country with so many enormous cities, many group China’s cities into “tiers.” So Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou (to name just three) are Tier 1 cities, while Daqing, Zhuhai and Wenzhou -- population 9 million -- are Tier 3 cities. How are they ranked? There’s actually no universal definition. The Chinese government doesn’t provide an official ranking of cities. And depending on who you ask, the same city can be categorized into different tiers. That’s because while some people take into account only GDP and population, others may also look at factors like livability and business opportunities. Having said that, we’ve picked some typical, widely-agreed examples in each city tier to give you a general idea. As a whole, living costs go down as you move from a higher-tier city to a lower one. Some tech giants have moved some of their offices in a bid to cut down expenses. In October 2018, internal documents circulating among Chinese media suggested that Xiaomi was encouraging some employees to move from Beijing to Wuhan, a second-tier city. Staff members were reportedly promised US$4,300 as part of a relocation package. How Xiaomi forged a unique path Tastes and living style can also vary between different city tiers. For example, while the majority of smartphone users in tier 1 and 2 cities have used apps to order fresh produce, those living in lower-tier cities are more likely to watch short videos in apps instead. For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters , subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast , and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report . Also roam China Tech City , an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus .
