What are Tier Cities for Teaching English in China?
- William Davies
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Choosing where to teach abroad can be difficult enough, but there’s much to consider once you’ve narrowed down your choice. If you’re deciding where to teach English in China, you’ve probably come across the terms Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. But, what do these tiers actually mean, and how will it affect your teaching in China experience?
Read on to find out more about the different tier cities in China, and how you can decide on the perfect tier as an English teacher.
What Does “Tier City” Mean in China?
The “tier system” in China is an informal - but practical - framework that both locals and foreigners use to understand how different cities compare according to their size, economic power, and level of development.
Cities are typically grouped into Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, (and sometimes Tier 4) categories. These classifications reflect how significant a city is in terms of economy, business opportunities, international exposure, and quality of life. Several key factors influence where a city falls within the system:
Population Size: A larger population often signals greater economic activity and business opportunities. While population alone doesn’t equal development, China’s biggest urban centers usually attract the most investment, jobs, and international communities.
Economic Strength: Cities are ranked by their overall economic output, industrial development, and importance both domestically and globally. For example, Tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing are financial and political powerhouses, whereas Tier 2 and 3 cities are still developing but growing rapidly.
International Presence: This refers to how connected a city is to the global market. Factors include the presence of multinational companies, a diverse expat population, English-speaking communities, and cultural exchange opportunities.
Infrastructure & Lifestyle: High-speed transport networks, advanced healthcare, modern housing, and leisure facilities all play a role in making a city more “livable” and therefore higher in the tier system.
Although the tier system is unofficial, it is extremely useful for foreign teachers planning to work in China. For TEFL teachers, a city’s tier can give you a clear idea of:
Salary expectations: Higher-tier cities often offer higher pay, but living costs rise too.
Cost of living: Rent, food, and entertainment vary widely between city tiers.
Quality of life: From modern conveniences to cultural immersion, your experience will differ greatly depending on where you live.
In short, understanding the city tier system helps TEFL teachers make informed choices about where they want to live, work, and save money while teaching in China.
Read more: The 5 Best Places to Teach English in China
What are Tier 1 Cities in China?
Tier 1 cities are China’s largest, wealthiest, and most internationally recognized urban centers.
Examples of Tier 1 Cities
Beijing: The political and cultural capital.
Shanghai: China’s financial and international hub.
Guangzhou: A trade and manufacturing powerhouse
Shenzhen: The tech capital near Hong Kong
Pros and Cons of Teaching English in Tier 1 Cities
Tier 1 cities are generally thought to be best and most suitable for teachers who want to earn big, enjoy city life, and network with other expats. Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide whether teaching at a tier 1 city in China is for you:
Pros:
High salaries: Teachers in tier 1 cities will receive an excellent salary and benefits for their work, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 USD (¥14,000–25,000 RMB) or more!
Excellent job perks: Teachers often benefit from job perks such as free housing, reimbursed airfare, and so on.
Huge TEFL job market: Although jobs may be more competitive, there is more TEFL job availability in tier 1 cities.
Large international communities and conveniences: Tier 1 cities in China may feel more cosmopolitan, offering a greater level of western facilities and an international feel that can ease your cultural adjustment.
Cons:
High cost of living: The high cost of living can mean lower saving potential if you aren’t careful with your spending habits.
Competitive job market: Most TEFL teachers in China will search for jobs at Tier 1 cities, making the job search more competitive and potentially difficult.
Fast-paced lifestyle: Not everyone thrives in the big city, as it can be overwhelming living somewhere that is more intense to the senses. From the traffic to loud public spaces and a potentially greater workload, the fast-paced lifestyle in a Tier 1 city requires you to keep up.
Tier 2 Cities in China
Despite not being as famous as Tier 1 cities, Tier 2 cities are large, modern, and rapidly developing. They can offer a happy compromise between the bustling city and a slower pace of life. Many of these cities are transitioning into their own category - “new Tier 1 cities.”
Examples of Tier 2 Cities
Chengdu: Relaxing environments, panda capital, foodie paradise.
Hangzhou: The home of West Lake and tech giant Alibaba.
Wuhan: A central transport hub with a strong education sector, often classed as a “new Tier 1 city.”
Nanjing: Rich in both history and culture, also considered by some to be a “new Tier 1 city.”
Xi’an: An ancient capital and home of the Terracotta Warriors
Zhuhai: A coastal city near Macau with significant economic development.
Kunming: Known as the “Spring City” for its year-round mild climate.
Teaching English in Tier 2 Cities
Tier 2 cities are thought to be best for teachers who want a balanced lifestyle, good savings potential, and a strong mix of modern life and tradition. Here are the pros and cons of teaching at a tier 2 city in China:
Pros:
Good salaries: TEFL teachers at Tier 2 cities can expect to earn around $1,400-$2,800 USD (¥12,000–20,000 RMB/month) per month.
Lower cost of living compared to Tier 1: Despite a lower salary, Tier 2 cities offer far lower costs of living that can help you maximise earning potential.
Balance between authentic and convenient: Tier 2 cities offer an excellent balance between cultural immersion and modern conveniences.
Growing expat communities: Many TEFL teachers in China prefer Tier 2 cities, meaning that you’ll still find an excellent community of teachers in the region.
Cons:
Fewer Western amenities: The more intense cultural experience can be intense for some people and exacerbate culture shock.
Lower level of English speakers: The significantly fewer English speakers can make getting around or making friends with locals more difficult.
Fewer networking opportunities: If you’re looking to network, whether for other TEFL jobs or to side-step industries, you’ll find fewer opportunities at a Tier 2 city.
Tier 3 (and Below) Cities in China
Tier 3 cities are smaller, less developed urban centers. They may not have the same international pull, but they offer significant cultural immersion for English teachers in China.
Examples of Tier 3 Cities
Guiyang: The gateway to Guizhou province’s minority cultures.
Guilin: Famous for its stunning karst mountains and rivers.
Nanping: A picturesque city in a mountainous region.
Hengyang: The second largest city of Hunan Province.
Teaching English in Tier 3 Cities
Tier 3 cities are suitable for teachers who want to maximise the level of cultural immersion and make a real impact in local communities. Here are the pros and cons of teaching English in a Tier 3 city in China:
Pros:
Authentic cultural immersion: If you want to maximise cultural immersion while teaching in China, you can do this by teaching English in a Tier 3 city.
Lower cost of living: The cost of living - whether it’s rent, food, entertainment, and so on - is significantly cheaper in Tier 3 cities.
High demand for English teachers: Despite fewer TEFL jobs, TEFL teachers will be able to find work in Tier 3 cities because of the region’s high demand for English teachers.
Greater language learning opportunities: Teaching in a Tier 3 city will lead to constant language exposure, and can help you accelerate your language development.
Cons:
Lower salaries: TEFL jobs salaries will range from around $1,000-$1,800 USD (¥8,000–15,000 RMB) per month in these locations.
Limited international services: Whether it be western food, nightlife, and international products, you’ll have far fewer western amenities and products here.
Smaller expat communities: With fewer English speakers and foreign teachers, it can feel more isolating living and teaching in a Tier 3 city.
Salary & Cost of Living by Tier
Here’s a quick comparison of what you might expect:
Which Tier is Best for You as a TEFL Teacher?
Choose Tier 1 cities if you're career-driven or financially oriented and want the highest salary, networking opportunities, and modern lifestyle (even if it means spending more).
Choose Tier 2 cities if you want a balanced lifestyle, a decent salary, and a mix of local culture and modern comforts.
Choose Tier 3 cities if you’re open to new experiences and want to embrace cultural immersion at its heart - with lower living costs!
FAQs About City Tiers in China
Is the city tier system official? No, it’s an informal but widely used system.
Can you save money in a Tier 1 city? Yes, but only if your employer provides housing and you avoid expensive expat luxuries.
Are Tier 2 cities better for first-time TEFL teachers?
They can be. This is because they offer a balance of modern conveniences and affordability.
Which tier has the most TEFL jobs?
Tier 1 cities in China have the largest job market, but Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities often have a lower level of competition but still a high demand.
Conclusion
The city tier system in China isn’t just business jargon, it’s a practical way for TEFL teachers to decide where they’ll live, work, and thrive. Whether you want the bright lights of Shanghai, the balance of Chengdu, or the quiet authenticity of Guilin, there’s a tier that fits your lifestyle and teaching goals.
Read more about teaching English in China:
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