Johannesburg guide for Chinese residents

Johannesburg (Joburg) is South Africa’s economic hub and the city with the largest Chinese community, home to the Cyrildene Chinatown, big Chinese wholesale malls and many Chinese-owned businesses. Consular matters for Johannesburg and Gauteng south of Midrand are handled by the Chinese Consulate-General in Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela Bridge and rail lines in Johannesburg – Chinese in Johannesburg — Nelson Mandela Bridge and rail lines in Johannesburg. Photo: Tembinkosi Sikupela / Unsplash

Why so many Chinese people live in Johannesburg

Gauteng is the country’s commercial and financial centre, and Sandton is home to the head offices of many banks and companies. Chinese residents mostly work in wholesale and retail, import and export and restaurants, and many are employed by Chinese companies.

According to Gauteng Tourism, the first Chinatown grew up along Commissioner Street during the gold-mining era of the early 20th century. After waves of Taiwanese and, from 1994, mainland Chinese migrants, the community moved east to Cyrildene, today’s “new Chinatown”.

The Johannesburg Consulate-General covers Gauteng south of Midrand and the Free State; north of Midrand, including Pretoria, is covered by the Embassy. Check which mission covers your address before applying for documents; see Chinese embassy and consulates.

Where people live

Cyrildene and nearby (Bruma, Bedfordview, Edenvale): close to Chinatown and convenient for daily life.
The northern suburbs (Sandton, Rosebank, Fourways): more offices and international schools, but higher rents.
Midrand: between the two cities, handy for commuting to either.

When choosing a home, check security, your commute and backup power. See our renting guide and load-shedding guide.

Getting there

The gateway is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), South Africa’s largest airport. As of October 2026, the main direct service from mainland China is Air China CA867/868: Beijing Capital–Shenzhen–Johannesburg, with a stop in Shenzhen, on an A350. According to AeroRoutes, it goes from three to five flights a week from 25 October 2026; check Air China for the current schedule. You can also connect via Hong Kong, the Middle East or Addis Ababa.

The Gautrain runs from the airport to Sandton and Pretoria. Since 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa must complete an online SARS traveller declaration before they travel. See our visa section and getting-around guide.

Safety basics

Most Chinese residents live and work here without trouble, but burglary, hijacking and robbery do happen:

Watch for cars following you from the airport, and bank shop cash promptly.
Avoid protests. On 10 October 2026 the Chinese Embassy warned of clashes and looting targeting foreign-owned shops in Soweto and elsewhere on 8 October.

Emergency numbers: police 10111, ambulance 10177, 112 from a mobile. The Johannesburg Consulate-General’s 24-hour consular protection line is +27 10 498 6234. More in our safety guide.

Chinese food and shopping

A Chinese gate marks Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene’s main street, lined with Chinese supermarkets, vegetable stalls, tea shops and restaurants; the first weekend of Chinese New Year brings dragon and lion dances. Wholesale trade is concentrated in several large Chinese malls. See Cyrildene Chinatown and the China malls and Chinese supermarkets.

Weekends and nearby casino resorts

Try the Gold Reef City theme park at weekends; Kruger National Park is about four to five hours’ drive, see our Kruger self-drive guide.

Johannesburg also has several provincially licensed casino resorts: Montecasino in Fourways in the north, Gold Reef City casino in the south, and Emperors Palace near O.R. Tambo airport. Casinos are 18+ only; online casinos are illegal in South Africa. See our guide to South African casinos, the gambling section for the law, and responsible gambling.

FAQ

Which Chinese mission serves Johannesburg?

Chinese citizens living in Gauteng south of Midrand (including central Johannesburg, Sandton and the East Rand) or in the Free State are served by the Consulate-General in Johannesburg. People north of Midrand, such as in Pretoria, are served by the Embassy.

Are there direct flights from China?

As of October 2026, Air China flies Beijing–Shenzhen–Johannesburg (with a stop in Shenzhen), five times a week from 25 October 2026. Other routes usually connect in Hong Kong, the Middle East or Ethiopia.

Where is Chinatown?

Johannesburg’s new Chinatown is in Cyrildene, east of the city centre. Its main street, Derrick Avenue, has Chinese supermarkets, restaurants and tea shops.