As a global business hub, there is no shortage of opportunities when it comes to English teaching jobs in China. Teaching in a country which has an enormous international presence will only reinforce your resume and foster professional development.
In addition to the high salary, teaching benefits, moderate costs of living, and the ability to immerse yourself within a unique culture, it’s no wonder why so many people decide to teach English in China as their next venture.
However, as a vast country with a diverse landscape and an abundance of megacities, it can be difficult to choose where to teach English in China. While there is no single best place to teach in China, our list aims to provide you with insight into some of the cities which you may resonate with while teaching abroad.
Based on the salary, quality of life, and the potential for career advancement, here are some of the best places to teach English in China!
Why teach English in China?
There are many reasons to teach English in China, whether you’re looking to expand your worldview, gain international experience, or you’re looking to develop your career as a teacher.
Some of the benefits of teaching English in China include:
International experience: Not only are you travelling the world, but you’re gaining insight into a unique foreign work culture. International work experience is something which many people lack across different industries, and this can make your resume stand out among the crowd. Employers in China or in international businesses seek those who have cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills.
Personal development: Going beyond your comfort zone, overcoming language barriers, culture shock, and meeting new people are just some of the examples of things which will make you grow as a person while teaching abroad.
Salary & benefits: While it isn’t necessarily the lowest, the cost of living in China is offset by an excellent teaching salary and benefits that offer a more than comfortable lifestyle and also the ability to save up. Additionally, teachers often receive accommodation or a stipend, airfare reimbursement, and more.
Read more: Your Guide to TEFL Jobs in China
The 5 Best Places to Teach in China in 2025
1. Shanghai
Salary range: ¥18,000 to ¥30,000 per month
Cost of Living: Relatively high
Great for: International community, networking, nightlife
Thriving with international businesses, expat communities, and an enchanting skyline, Shanghai is a popular TEFL destination for many reasons. With high earning potential, opportunities from international, private, and public schools, and an excellent quality of life, teaching English in Shanghai can provide a more than comfortable lifestyle.
While Chinese culture is vastly different to the west, Shanghai’s cosmopolitan culture offers a compromise which eases teachers into a new environment while teaching in China.
Outside the classroom, teachers have a wealth of opportunities for activities. Visit the Jade Buddha to gain deeper insight into China’s Buddhist roots, or head to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck to gain an aerial view of the city’s illuminated skyline.
Whether they want to engage in something traditional, modern, authentic or foreigner friendly, there is an abundance of things to do when teaching English in Shanghai.
2. Beijing
Salary range: ¥15,000 to ¥25,000 per month
Cost of living: Relatively high
Great for: Culture, arts, history
While Shanghai may be the international hub of China, Beijing is its cultural heart. As the capital city, Beijing is full of archaic architecture, historic monuments, picturesque palaces, and luscious green spaces. Those teaching English in Beijing can embrace its cultural heritage by visiting the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, or indulge in the region’s specialty dish - Peking Duck.
Despite its tangible and visible cultural monuments, Beijing also boasts of a lively international community. As the capital, Beijing offers opportunities for career advancements and professional networking especially within the education sector. With a strong demand for English speakers, English teaching jobs in Beijing are in wide availability.
3. Shenzhen
Salary range: ¥16,000 to ¥22,000 per month
Cost of living: Moderate to high
Great for: Tech and finance graduates
Although not as frequented as Shanghai and Beijing, Shenzhen shouldn’t be overlooked among the best cities to teach in China. Located in southeastern China’s Guangdong Province, Shenzhen is another dynamic city that offers Chinese heritage combined with modernity for English teachers.
Home to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and known for its tech industry, the city is an economic hub, and teachers who specialize come from a tech or finance background can capitalize on their niche by teaching business English and ESP.
With good wages and teaching benefits, an excellent transportation system, and close proximity to other locations such as Hong Kong and Macao, teaching English in Shenzhen offers an excellent lifestyle.
4. Chengdu
Salary range: ¥10,000 to ¥18,000 per month
Cost of living: Low (affordable housing, food, and transport)
Great for: Food, affordability
Located in the heart of Sichuan province which is known for its luscious greenery and its bamboo gnawing pandas, Chengdu is a less frequently considered - yet enriching - destination among those looking to teach in China. Full of idyllic teahouses and gastronomical heritage, Sichuan province is the birthplace of dishes such as dan dan noodles and mapo doufu, making Chengdu a foodies’ dream.
Those considering teaching English in Chengdu will be pleased to hear that its cost of living is lower compared to other megacities in China. While the teaching English salary may be lower than in Shanghai or Beijing, it can stretch further in Chengdu.
5. Hangzhou
Salary range: ¥14,000 to ¥22,000 per month
Cost of living: Moderate (more affordable than Shanghai, but slightly higher than Chengdu)
Great for: Natural scenery, green spaces
As the least populous city on this list, Hangzhou offers bountiful greenery and lakeside pagodas besides a modern skyline. As a popular holiday destination, Hangzhou can cater to the inquisitive introvert who thrives on culture or the extroverted outgoer who seeks a vibrant social and nightlife.
Due to its popularity among tourists - domestic and international alike - the demand for English speakers is high. As a likely result, opportunities for English teaching jobs in Hangzhou are plentiful. Those teaching English in Hangzhou can embrace a slower pace of life in a city which boasts of green spaces, peaceful walking spots, archaic temples, and more.
Teach English in China in 2025!
Teaching English in China offers plenty of opportunities for professional, personal, and spiritual growth. While the best cities to teach English in China will vary from one list to another, it should inspire you to understand what you want out of your teaching destination. Whether you are intrigued by China’s deep-rooted history or its thriving innovation, understanding the difference between the top cities in China can help you determine which location is right for you.
Kickstart Your Teaching Journey in Shanghai Today!
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