Understanding Furnished and Equipped Flats in China
If you're planning a short-term stay in Shanghai or elsewhere in China, you’ll likely come across listings for "furnished" or "equipped" apartments. While these terms can be confusing, especially if you're relocating from abroad, the good news is: most short-term rental flats in China come both furnished and equipped.
So what’s the difference between them? It’s all about how complete the setup is—and how move-in ready the flat really is.
🇨🇳 The China Standard: Furnished and Equipped by Default
Unlike in some countries where an “unfurnished” flat might be completely bare (no appliances, not even light fixtures), short-term rental apartments in China—especially in major cities like Shanghai—are almost always furnished and equipped to a baseline standard.
This typically includes:
🛋️ Furniture:
Bed and mattress
Wardrobe or storage
Sofa and coffee table
Dining table and chairs
Curtains and lighting
🍳 Kitchen Appliances:
Refrigerator
Stove or induction cooker
Microwave or oven (sometimes)
Washing machine
🛁 Bathroom:
Shower or bathtub
Water heater
Basic storage
🛋️ What Varies: The Level of Furnishing
What does differ from flat to flat is the level of detail—especially important if you’re looking for something truly move-in ready.
Here’s how it breaks down:
What’s Included:
✅ Basic Furnished & Equipped - Furniture + appliances, but no soft furnishings, kitchenware, or cleaning tools. You’ll need to buy your own bedding, towels, plates, etc.
⭐️ Fully Furnished & Equipped - Everything above plus bed linens, pillows, towels, cookware, utensils, dishes, kettle, cleaning supplies—even a hairdryer in some cases. Just bring your suitcase.
💬 What to Ask the Landlord or Agent
Since listings may use the same terms, it’s best to confirm the actual contents with the landlord or agent. Ask:
Are bedding and towels provided?
Is the kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and utensils?
Is there a microwave or oven?
Are cleaning tools (like a mop, broom, or vacuum) included?
Are utilities (Wi-Fi, water, electricity) already set up?
These details can save you unexpected shopping trips right after moving in.
🏡 Who Needs Fully Furnished & Equipped?
👨💼 Expats relocating for work with no time to shop
🧑💻 Digital nomads or business travelers staying for 1–6 months
🧑🎓 Students or interns on exchange or short-term programs
If you're only in China for a few months, it's usually worth paying a little more for a flat that’s fully ready to live in.
✍️ Final Tips
✅ Double check the photos: Listings can look more complete than they are.
✅ Use local rental platforms or work with an agent experienced with expat needs.
✅ Ask for an inventory list if possible before signing the lease.
