Relocating to Hefei for work or study can be an exciting step, but choosing the right rental property is just as important as securing your job. Many expats quickly realize that the city’s districts are quite different in terms of lifestyle, rent prices, and professional opportunities. Selecting a district that aligns with your career and daily needs can greatly enhance your overall experience in Hefei.

Below is a detailed guide to help you understand Hefei’s core districts and what each has to offer professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.

1. Shushan District (蜀山区): A Paradise for E-commerce and Freelancers

Shushan is Hefei’s innovation hub and a natural magnet for young professionals in the digital economy. It’s home to iFlytek (科大讯飞)—China’s AI giant—and a cluster of makerspaces, coworking offices, and internet start-ups.

Who it’s for:  Expats in tech, freelancers, online entrepreneurs, and digital nomads (ages 20–35).

Rent prices: ¥1,500–¥2,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Living environment:

• Excellent transportation (metro, buses, access to high-speed train).
• Shopping malls, coffee shops, gyms, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Parks and cultural spots to balance work and leisure.

Expat tip: Many foreign tech workers and freelancers gravitate here, so it’s easier to network and find English-speaking peers.

👉 If you want a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle while staying close to Hefei’s tech scene, Shushan is your best bet.

2. Baohe District (包河区): A Cradle for E-commerce Startups and Part-timers

Baohe is an energetic area with a thriving e-commerce ecosystem and strong logistics support. The district has attracted many start-ups and small online businesses, and its shopping areas ensure a steady flow of customers.

Who it’s for: Young entrepreneurs, side hustlers, e-commerce beginners, and part-timers.

Rent prices: ¥1,300–¥2,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Living environment:

• Business clusters and warehouses for e-commerce logistics.
• A lively commercial area with restaurants, markets, and nightlife.
• Affordable housing with easy connections to other districts.

Expat tip: Baohe is a good choice if you’re starting your own online business in China—it’s easy to find affordable office spaces, warehouses, and like-minded entrepreneurs to collaborate with.

👉 Ideal for expats looking to launch or grow a business while enjoying a balance of affordability and urban convenience.

3. Luyang District (庐阳区): A Hub for Finance, Customer Service, and Administration

Luyang is Hefei’s financial and commercial core, home to numerous banks, insurance companies, and office towers. It’s more formal and business-oriented compared to Shushan or Baohe.

Who it’s for: Finance professionals, administrative staff, corporate employees (ages 25–40).

Rent prices: ¥1,200–¥1,800/month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Living environment:

• Excellent metro connections and bus lines for daily commuting.
• Established communities with supermarkets, schools, and hospitals.
• Professional atmosphere—great for career-minded expats who prefer stability.

Expat tip: If your company provides housing allowance, Luyang offers a convenient location with solid infrastructure. It’s also close to Hefei’s city center, which is useful for networking.

👉 A practical choice for those who want to work in structured industries and enjoy reliable city amenities.

4. Yaohai District (瑶海区): Affordable Living for Manufacturing, Logistics, and Service Workers

Yaohai is Hefei’s industrial and logistics heartland. It’s not as polished as Shushan or Luyang, but it offers a lower cost of living and strong transportation links. Many factories, warehouses, and courier companies are based here.

Who it’s for: Factory staff, logistics workers, food delivery riders, and expats on tighter budgets.

Rent prices: ¥1,000–¥1,800/month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Living environment:

• Affordable rents with basic but sufficient amenities.
• Close to industrial zones, saving commuting time.
• Simple, working-class communities with local eateries and markets.

Expat tip: If you’re new to Hefei and want to keep costs low while settling in, Yaohai is a good starting point. Just note that it’s more functional than fashionable.

👉 Perfect for those who prioritize saving money and proximity to industrial work zones.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Expats

Don’t just look at rent—consider commute, lifestyle, and the local community.

• Shushan = tech & creative energy.
• Baohe = start-up & e-commerce growth.
• Luyang = finance & stable careers.
• Yaohai = budget-friendly & industry-focused.

Areas near metro stations are particularly valuable for long-term convenience.

Expats working in food delivery, street vending, or online businesses should consider neighborhoods with high foot traffic and easy access to commercial areas.

✨ Final Word:

Choosing the right rental area in Hefei is more than finding a roof over your head—it’s about building a lifestyle that matches your professional goals and personal comfort. Whether you’re a young tech worker, a start-up founder, or someone looking for budget housing near factories, Hefei offers a district tailored to your needs.