Both Hong Kong and Shanghai are better known for being economic centres, while Beijing has traditionally been China’s cultural and political centre. That being said, Beijing has asserted itself as a fertile ground for start-up businesses and innovative entrepreneurs. Expats interested in working in this sort of environment, rather than a strictly corporate atmosphere would be right to consider Beijing.

Otherwise, the city has a large financial sector, both Chinese and foreign, that drives much of Beijing's economy. This includes many foreign banks with offices in Beijing, also sources of expat jobs in Beijing.

Furthermore, the city has a large electronics and computer industry, retail industry and tourism industry. 
 
This urban centre is increasingly open to foreign investment. For example, in the healthcare industry China has accepted foreign-owned hospitals and has found itself relying on foreign businesses to revamp its state run medical centres.
 
Even more indicative of the city's desire to do international business is the large number of English language schools. These institutions employ a large community of expat English teachers, and are the easiest places to find employment in Beijing. Teaching wages are usually lower than the salary received from working expat jobs in other sectors.

Expats hired or relocated from overseas will typically have a much higher salary and more relocation benefits than expats hired from within Beijing.

It's important to note that a Chinese work permit is needed for an expat to work in Beijing.