In a nation as large as China, there is a wide range of languages, cultures, and ways of life. Despite the fact that Beijing and Shanghai are the two most popular destinations for instructors, there are many more places to select from.
Choosing a new home may be a daunting task, particularly if you’re moving for a year or more! We at Go Overseas have put up a list of the finest cities in China to teach English.
Explore Best Cities To Teach in China
Hangzhou
Population: 8 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Average Salary: 8,000-1,2000 RMB/month
Consider moving to one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities. That’s where you should be. It’s hard to believe that Hangzhou is just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s city center.
Hangzhou Lake, a traditional teahouse, or a KTV night out with your Chinese colleagues are all great ways to spend your leisure time while you’re not teaching.
You’ll be close to major cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing, so weekend trips to other parts of China won’t be difficult. You’ll be the envy of many of your Chinese and international friends if you choose to call this city home.
You won’t have a difficulty obtaining a job in this city, which is full with local schools, colleges, and ESL academies.
Nanjing
Population: 7 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese, Nanjing dialect
Average Salary: 8,000-1,2000 RMB/month
It’s little wonder that Nanjing, China’s “Southern Capital,” is renowned as “the city of culture” since the city is so rich in Chinese history and culture. There are few better ways to fall in love with China than strolling around gorgeous Xuanwu Lake or touring the Presidential Palace, which is located just north of Shanghai.
Nanjing’s numerous parks are a great place to spend your free time learning Chinese or playing mahjong with the city’s elderly residents.
Even though Nanjing has less employment, you’ll have no problem finding a work as a foreign language instructor. You’ll be able to stretch your teaching income farther if you move to a place with a cheaper cost of living.
Nanjing, the former southern capital of China, may be just the spot for you if you want to teach in a metropolis but don’t want to be surrounded by the commotion of Beijing and Shanghai.
Beijing
Population: 20 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Average Salary: 1,0000-1,6000 RMB/month
Is it a passion of yours to study about world politics? Do you like learning about the past? Do you have aspirations of becoming fluent in Chinese? Then Beijing is where you should go! Beijing, China’s capital and largest city, is a must-see for every visitor, but it’s also a fascinating spot to settle down and make your home.
In addition to being a great place to study Chinese, Beijing is the de facto standard-bearer for Mandarin Chinese. Ask whether your school offers Chinese language lessons as part of your teaching package if you’re interested.
The Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Beijing’s Hutongs are all great places to spend your weekends if you have the time.
And what about work? As one of the major cities in China, Shanghai offers a wide range of career opportunities. You may discover a job that’s a perfect match for your skills and expertise in a variety of settings, including major cram schools that take instructors with little to no experience, smaller private academies, public schools, or language schools that specialize in business English.
Population: 14 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese
Average Salary: 1,0000-1,4000 RMB/month
Do you have a schedule full with activities, excursions, and meetings? Do you long for the hustle and bustle of a large city? Do you shudder at the thought of Harbin’s frigid winters? Located between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a great option for you.
Shenzhen is a significant economic hub within a short metro or boat journey from Hong Kong, a very young city by Chinese standards. Shenzhen, with its mild winters and steamy summers, is the perfect place for those of you who can’t stand the cold. Even better, you’ll never run out of things to do or places to work since it’s jam-packed with pubs, restaurants, shops, and KTVs. So many foreign schools, ESL schools, and kindergartens are located in Shenzhen, so you’ll have a lot of possibilities when you begin your job search in this city. You won’t have any trouble making friends with other expats who share your interests.
Shanghai
Population: 23 million
Language: Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese
Average Salary: 10000 – 16000 RMB/month
People from all over the globe congregate in Shanghai, making it a challenging place for some, but a perfect match for others. Because Shanghai is one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities, expats and school instructors flock here for a reason.
You may have a city life in Shanghai. Visit a pub in the French Concession or stroll the Bund at night to take in the spectacular vista of the Financial Center’s skyscraper-studded skyline. Afterward, take the world’s biggest subway system (if you’ve gotten the hang of it!) home after filling up on Chinese and Western food.
Opportunities to teach English in a country where the majority of the population has a global outlook are certain to arise. Shanghai is a great place for instructors who want to work with adults or those who want to teach corporate English.