Choosing the right co-working space can affect your productivity, networking opportunities, and sense of belonging while living abroad.
Shanghai and Beijing each host dozens of options ranging from global brands to boutique communities tailored to startups and international professionals.
This guide focuses on spaces that serve expats well, highlighting English-friendly communities, international amenities, flexible memberships, and locations convenient for newcomers.
How I chose these spaces
I prioritized co-working providers and locations that:
- Have known international or English-friendly communities.
- Offer flexible membership options appealing to short-term or mobile expats.
- Appear frequently in recent roundups and traveler reports for Shanghai and Beijing.
Quick picks at a glance
| City | Top recommended spaces | Why pick them |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | WeWork; XNode; Agora Space; Kr Space; BeePlus | Global networks; strong expat communities; events; startup support |
| Beijing | WeWork; ArcSpaces; DreamPlus; SOHO 3Q; Prototype Co-working | Proximity to Zhongguancun; accelerator ties; investor access |
Sources: Starter Story Life From A Bag orange-transfer.com Starter Story Life From A Bag coworkbooking.com.
Shanghai — overview and neighborhood map
Shanghai is China’s most international city and a major hub for multinational companies, startups, and freelancers.
The city’s co-working scene blends large global operators and local boutique spaces with strong English-language support, frequent community events, and international-standard amenities.
Popular neighborhoods for co-working among expats include Jing’an, Huangpu (People’s Square/Nanjing Road), Xintiandi/Former French Concession, Pudong Lujiazui, and Hongqiao.
What expats typically need in Shanghai
- Reliable bilingual staff and event programming in English.
- Flexible month-to-month or daily passes for short stays.
- Good public transport access (metro lines) and nearby international dining options.
Top co-working spaces in Shanghai (detailed)
WeWork (multiple locations)
WeWork operates several flagship locations across Shanghai, including Pudong and Jing’an, and is known for consistent international standards, networking events, and professional meeting facilities.
For expats, WeWork’s global network can be an advantage when traveling or working remotely between cities.
XNode
XNode is tailored to startups and international entrepreneurs.
It frequently hosts accelerator programs and investor demo days, making it a strong pick for founders seeking connections in China’s ecosystem.
Agora Space
Agora is a popular boutique option that emphasizes community events, workshops, and a welcoming environment for digital nomads and remote professionals.
Kr Space
Kr Space offers multiple locations with modern facilities and a balance of private offices and open coworking areas.
They are often competitive on price and provide flexible terms suitable for small teams and freelancers.
BeePlus
BeePlus combines cozy café-like atmospheres with professional amenities and community programming that appeals to creatives and independent professionals.
Shanghai — membership options and price expectations
Typical options you’ll find:
- Day passes: convenient for visitors or nomads.
- Hot desks: flexible-month or monthly packages for single users.
- Dedicated desks and private suites: for small teams or longer-term commitments.
Pricing varies greatly by neighborhood and provider. Expect hot desk monthly rates to range widely depending on location and included perks; global operators generally charge more for premium addresses and full-service perks.
Beijing — overview and neighborhood map
Beijing’s co-working market is shaped by its position as China’s political and tech research capital.
Zhongguancun (the “Silicon Valley of China”) and the central business districts (Chaoyang, CBD) attract startups, incubators, and international professionals.
Beijing spaces often focus on tech acceleration, investor access, and enterprise clients while still providing flexible options for freelancers and expats.
What expats typically need in Beijing
- Easy access to Zhongguancun or Chaoyang depending on industry focus.
- English-speaking community managers and event programming that includes international topics.
- Clear contract terms and assistance with local business services if incorporating a China entity.
Top co-working spaces in Beijing (detailed)
WeWork (Ciyunsi and others)
WeWork’s Beijing centers serve multinational teams and remote workers with consistent amenities, meeting rooms, and international networking events.
ArcSpaces
ArcSpaces is known for premium locations and enterprise-grade services in Beijing, often preferred by international companies and professional services firms.
DreamPlus
DreamPlus is an incubator-style space with strong ties to larger enterprise partners and events that connect startups to corporate resources and investors.
SOHO 3Q
SOHO 3Q offers multiple locations and flexible office solutions and remains a common choice for teams that need scale and central locations within Beijing’s business districts.
Prototype Co-working
Prototype and similar boutique spaces provide a community-driven environment favored by freelancers and creative professionals for their design-forward workspaces and smaller community sizes.
How to compare and choose: a practical checklist
Location and commute
- Is the space close to your residence or metro line? Choose a location that minimizes daily commute time.
Community and events
- Look for regular events, workshops, or networking nights in English if you’re seeking connections — spaces with startup programming (accelerators, demos) are useful for founders.
Flexibility and contract terms
- Prefer spaces with day passes or month-to-month hot desks if you’re uncertain about the length of stay.
Amenities and services
- Essential: fast reliable Wi-Fi, printing/scanning, meeting rooms, quiet zones, and bike or parking options if needed. For teams: mail handling and reception services.
Cost vs. value
- Don’t chase the cheapest option; evaluate included credits for meeting rooms, event access, community perks, and administrative support.
Legal and business support
- If you need company registration, look for spaces that offer local business services or partner with agents who can help set up a legal entity.
Practical tips for expats using co-working spaces in China
Language and communication
- Confirm the primary language for front-desk support and community events. Larger global chains and well-known local operators commonly have English-speaking staff.
Payment and contracts
- Check whether payments require local bank accounts, Alipay/WeChat Pay, or accept international cards. Some landlords or operators may prefer local payment methods.
Networking and meetups
- Attend community events in your co-working space and related Meetup or industry events in the city to build purpose-driven connections.
Trial days and tours
- Book a tour and try a day pass before committing to a monthly plan. Use the trial to assess noise levels, Wi-Fi performance, and community vibe.
Seasonal demand
- Campus-style spaces and accelerator-linked hubs can be busiest during demo day cycles and local startup festivals; reserve meeting rooms in advance.
Case studies: matching profiles to spaces
Solo remote worker who values social events
- Best fit: Agora Space (Shanghai) or Prototype Co-working (Beijing) for a friendly, event-driven environment and easier integration into local social circles.
Startup founder needing investor access
- Best fit: XNode (Shanghai) or DreamPlus (Beijing) because of accelerator ties, pitch events, and a founder-focused community.
Enterprise/consultant needing professional facilities
- Best fit: WeWork (both cities) or ArcSpaces (Beijing) for consistent meeting room quality, professional reception services, and reliable infrastructure.
Sample monthly budget (estimate)
- Day pass: low-cost option for visitors.
- Hot desk: mid-range monthly cost; varies by neighborhood and provider.
- Dedicated desk / private suite: higher monthly cost; suitable for teams.
Expect a substantial range by provider and location; check current price lists or aggregator pages for real-time offers and special promotions.
Events and community programming to watch for
- Startup demo days, pitch nights, international business panels, language exchange gatherings, and industry-specific meetups. Spaces tied to accelerators or global networks often host the most investor-facing events.
Safety, accessibility, and workplace norms in China
- Security checks in building lobbies are common in commercial towers; plan a few extra minutes for daily entry during peak hours.
- Meeting room etiquette and quiet zones vary by space — observe posted rules or ask staff for guidance.
- Understand local holiday closures (e.g., Chinese New Year) which can affect 24/7 access in some locations.
Useful links and where to find more up-to-date lists
- Starter Story’s Shanghai and Beijing coworking roundups for detailed location lists, amenities, and approximate pricing.
- LifeFromABag’s city-specific guides for digital nomads with curated suggestions.
- CoworkBooking for booking options and verified reviews across Chinese cities.
Final recommendations
- If you plan a short-term stay (weeks to a few months): prioritize spaces offering day passes and trial tours — this lets you compare vibe, connectivity, and convenience firsthand.
- If you plan to scale a team: look for operators with multiple locations and enterprise services to make expansion smoother.
- If community and networking matter most: choose accelerator-linked or boutique spaces that host regular founder events and investor nights.
Sources and further reading
- Life From A Bag — 14 Terrific Coworking Spaces in Shanghai.
- Starter Story — The 15 Best Coworking & Shared Work Spaces In Shanghai.
- orange-transfer.com — Top Co-Working Spaces in Shanghai.
- Starter Story — The 11 Best Coworking & Shared Work Spaces In Beijing.
- Life From A Bag — Top 15 Coworking Spaces in Beijing.
- coworkbooking.com — Best coworking spaces in Beijing listings and reviews.
About the Author
