In the list of the top 10 most attractive Chinese cities for foreigners this year, Qingdao, a coastal city of east China's Shandong province, moved up two places to fourth.

The rankings were based on a survey of about 25,000 expatriates nationwide in December and January. It evaluates Chinese cities' living environment, health care, public security, job opportunities and potential for self-development, work environment, incentives and public services for foreign professionals, cosmopolitan atmosphere and inclusiveness.

Shanghai has been the most attractive Chinese city for expatriates for the fifth year in a row. Beijing and Hangzhou rank second and third. Changchun enters the list for the first time.

Qingdao scored much higher than Shanghai and Beijing in terms of air pollution and traffic congestion.

The annual ranking, first compiled in 2010, surveys foreigners living and working in China.