Coworking Spaces in China: The Complete Guide for Remote Workers

China went through a coworking boom between 2015 and 2019, when venture capital flooded the space and thousands of coworking locations opened across the country. The bust that followed wiped out many, but the survivors are solid, well-run, and surprisingly affordable compared to Western equivalents.

Today, the market has split into two tiers: national chains offering standardized corporate-style spaces, and indie operators running creative studios, maker labs, and community-focused spaces. Both serve remote workers well, but the vibe and pricing are very different.

One important note: coworking in China is heavily app-based. Most spaces manage bookings, access, and payments through WeChat mini-programs or dedicated apps. Having WeChat set up with a working payment method is essentially a prerequisite. Walk-in day passes are usually available, but you will get a better rate and smoother experience by booking through the app.

Kr Space (36Kr) is China's largest domestic coworking chain, with locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and other major cities. Spaces are modern and clean with reliable WiFi (100-300 Mbps), phone booths, meeting rooms, and free coffee. Day passes run 60-100 CNY ($8-14). Monthly hot desks cost 800-1,500 CNY ($110-210). The app is Chinese-only, but staff at major locations can usually help in basic English.

Distrii is another domestic chain with a similar footprint and price range. Their spaces tend to lean more corporate, attracting startup teams and freelancers. They offer flexible membership plans including 10-day punchcards around 500-700 CNY ($70-97), which are great for nomads who do not need a full month.

WeWork still operates in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, though it has scaled down from its peak. Pricing is higher -- 2,000-3,500 CNY ($280-490) per month for a hot desk, 150-200 CNY ($21-28) for a day pass. The advantage is English-language service, international community events, and spaces that feel familiar if you have used WeWork elsewhere. For short stays in Shanghai, WeWork in Jing'an or the French Concession is a safe bet.

The most interesting coworking in China happens outside the chains. Independent spaces cater to creatives, makers, and remote workers who want community, not just a desk.

In Shenzhen, x.factory in Nanshan is a maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters, and a community of hardware entrepreneurs. Trouble Maker near OCT-LOFT mixes coworking with art gallery energy. Both offer day passes for 50-80 CNY ($7-11).

In Chengdu, spaces like NU Space and local community studios in the Yulin neighborhood blend tea culture with work culture. Expect tatami-style seating, rooftop gardens, and a slower pace. Prices are low -- 30-60 CNY ($4-8) per day.

In Dali, formal coworking is rare, but several guesthouses have evolved into de facto work-from-stay spaces with dedicated desk areas, decent WiFi, and a built-in community of other nomads. Places change seasonally, so ask in WeChat nomad groups for current recommendations.

Beijing has a thriving hutong coworking scene -- converted courtyard houses turned into intimate work studios. These are charming but can be cold in winter and hot in summer due to the old architecture.

For many nomads in China, cafes are the primary workspace. The cafe scene has exploded in the past five years, and many shops actively encourage laptop workers with ample outlets, fast WiFi, and no purchase-per-hour requirements.

Luckin Coffee is the most ubiquitous chain, with locations on practically every block in major cities. WiFi is available but quality varies. Drinks cost 10-25 CNY ($1.40-3.50). It works for quick sessions but is not ideal for long stretches -- seating is often limited and turnover is high.

Manner Coffee, a Shanghai-born chain, offers better atmosphere for working. Clean design, reliably fast WiFi, outlets at most seats, and excellent coffee for 15-25 CNY ($2-3.50). They have expanded to most major cities.

Independent specialty cafes are the real gems. In Chengdu, the Tongzilin and Yulin neighborhoods have dozens of indie shops where you can work for hours without judgment. Shenzhen's OCT-LOFT creative park area is packed with design-forward cafes. Kunming's Wenlin Jie (near Yunnan University) has a strip of student-friendly cafes with cheap drinks and tolerant attitudes toward laptop squatters.

Budget tip: order a single Americano, sit for four hours, and nobody bats an eye. The total daily cost is 20-35 CNY ($3-5).

China's public libraries are an underused resource for nomads. Major city libraries are modern, air-conditioned, have free WiFi, and offer quiet workspaces. The Shanghai Library East (opened 2022) is architecturally stunning. The Shenzhen Central Library in Futian is a local landmark. Entry is free -- just bring your passport for registration.

University campuses are another option. Many Chinese universities have open cafes, study halls, and green spaces. Campus access policies vary -- some require registration, others are openly walkable. The areas around universities always have a concentration of cheap cafes and restaurants, making them natural nomad zones.

Shopping malls might sound odd, but higher-end malls in China often have quiet upper floors with comfortable seating areas and free WiFi. Some even have dedicated reading rooms or quiet zones. Mix Bund in Shanghai, MixC malls across multiple cities, and Wanda plazas all have pockets where you can work comfortably.

Hotel lobbies in international chains also tolerate laptop workers, especially during off-peak hours. Order a coffee from the lobby bar and you have a quiet workspace with reliable WiFi and air conditioning.

Shanghai: WeWork in Jing'an or Xuhui for international vibes. Naked Hub (now part of WeWork) for design-forward spaces. Manner Coffee on Yongkang Lu for casual sessions. Shanghai Library East for a free architectural experience.

Shenzhen: Kr Space in Nanshan for reliable corporate coworking. x.factory or Trouble Maker in OCT-LOFT for creative and maker energy. The numerous cafes along Shenzhen Bay for waterfront working.

Chengdu: NU Space or indie cafes in Yulin for lifestyle-oriented coworking. Kr Space Chunxi Lu for a more structured option. The cafe strip on Kuixinglou Jie for variety and ambience.

Kunming: The area around Wenlin Jie and Yunnan University has the highest concentration of work-friendly cafes. Formal coworking options are limited -- Regus has a location downtown. The Kunming Municipal Library is modern and welcoming.

Dali: No chain coworking presence. Ask in WeChat groups for current guesthouse-coworking spots -- they rotate seasonally. Several cafes near Renmin Lu in the old town have become regular nomad hangouts. Expect slower WiFi (30-80 Mbps) than big cities.

Across all cities: join the local WeChat expat or nomad group first and ask for current recommendations. The coworking landscape shifts quickly.