Top 5 Best Cities to Teach English in China (2025 Guide)

Are you planning to teach English in China in 2025? One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right city to live and work in. China is vast and diverse, and each city offers a unique blend of job opportunities, lifestyle, salary levels, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the rich history of the capital, enjoy the fast-paced international vibe of a bustling metropolis, or settle into a quieter, more affordable city with a relaxed atmosphere, China has something for every type of English teacher.

In this guide, we highlight the top five cities for teaching English in China in 2025: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. These cities consistently rank among the best places to work due to their strong demand for qualified ESL teachers, competitive salaries, and excellent support networks for foreign educators.

Ahead, we will provide a detailed overview of these five cities, covering average salaries, typical rents, local living expenses, and what’s new in 2025. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this guide will equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision and thrive as an English teacher in China.

1. Beijing

Best for: Career-focused teachers who want strong job benefits and cultural depth

As China’s capital, Beijing is home to many of the country’s top international schools, universities, and bilingual academies. It’s a great choice for teachers with prior experience or certifications, especially those looking to work in competitive programs or licensed positions.

Salary range: 20,000 to 30,000 RMB per month
Rent: 7,000 to 10,000 RMB (1-bedroom apartment)
Living expenses: 3,000 to 5,000 RMB per month

Why teach in Beijing:

• Excellent benefits including paid holidays, housing support, and flight reimbursement
• Strong demand in international and bilingual schools
• Rich in history, with access to major landmarks and museums
• Large expat community and growing bilingual public school programs

What’s new in 2025:

• Stricter hiring policies now require a bachelor’s degree and 120-hour TEFL or TESOL
• Air quality has improved with new green policies
• Faster high-speed rail to other provinces makes travel more accessible

2. Shanghai

Best for: Teachers who enjoy a fast-paced, international environment

Shanghai is modern, energetic, and highly global. The city offers some of the best salaries in the ESL market, with opportunities in international schools, training centers, and public education programs.

Salary range: 20,000 to 28,000 RMB per month
Rent: 8,000 to 12,000 RMB
Living expenses: 4,000 to 6,000 RMB per month

Why teach in Shanghai:

• High-paying positions across private and international schools
• Access to international food, entertainment, and English-speaking services
• Excellent metro system and easy lifestyle for foreigners
• Large expat communities with frequent events and support groups

What’s new in 2025:

• Schools are prioritizing candidates with IB or IGCSE curriculum experience
• Metro lines have expanded into new suburban areas
• Some schools now require in-person teaching demos during the hiring process

3. Shenzhen

Best for: Tech-minded teachers looking for growth and modern teaching environments

Located just across the border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is China’s leading tech hub and a magnet for young professionals. It’s full of innovation, energy, and opportunity—especially in education.

Salary range: 18,000 to 26,000 RMB per month
Rent: 5,000 to 8,000 RMB
Living expenses: 3,000 to 4,500 RMB per month

Why teach in Shenzhen:

• Strong demand in kindergartens, primary schools, and edtech programs
• Schools equipped with modern teaching tools and digital classrooms
• Warm weather and excellent public transport
• Easy weekend access to Hong Kong

What’s new in 2025:

• More schools are offering dual-city roles (Shenzhen and Hong Kong)
• STEM and English integrated teaching positions are increasing
• New government platforms now handle visa renewals digitally

4. Chengdu

Best for: Teachers seeking a slower pace, strong food culture, and affordable living

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for teachers. It’s known for its spicy food, panda sanctuaries, and friendly communities. Many teachers here report a good work-life balance and a more relaxed teaching load.

Salary range: 14,000 to 20,000 RMB per month
Rent: 2,500 to 4,500 RMB
Living expenses: 2,500 to 3,500 RMB per month

Why teach in Chengdu:

• Lower workloads and reduced classroom stress
• Affordable living and often subsidized housing
• Strong community feel among locals and foreign teachers
• Active food scene and cultural events

What’s new in 2025:

• Gaining popularity as a hub for remote or part-time online teaching
• Teachers can now renew their residency permits without leaving the city
• New incentives introduced to attract foreign teachers into public schools

5. Hangzhou

Best for: Nature lovers and teachers who prefer calm, scenic living

Hangzhou is famous for its natural beauty, especially West Lake and the surrounding tea mountains. It’s a clean, modern city with a strong education system and a more peaceful atmosphere than larger urban centers.

Salary range: 15,000 to 22,000 RMB per month
Rent: 3,000 to 5,500 RMB
Living expenses: 3,000 to 4,000 RMB per month

Why teach in Hangzhou:

• Steady demand for kindergarten and elementary teachers
• Convenient high-speed train to Shanghai (about 1 hour)
• Clean air and green spaces
• Good options for teachers moving with families

What’s new in 2025:

• Local universities are offering free teacher training programs
• Some schools now include Mandarin lessons as a job perk
• Document authentication for visas can now be done directly in Hangzhou
   

Teaching in China: What to Know in 2025

Z-Visa Required
To teach legally in China, you need a Z-visa. This requires:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate
• A clean background check
• A job offer from a licensed school

Do not accept positions offering tourist or business visas for teaching.

TEFL Preferences
While online TEFL certificates are accepted, schools increasingly prefer in-person or hybrid programs—especially in Tier 1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Contracts and Benefits
Most contracts are 10 to 12 months and include:

• Paid public holidays
• Medical insurance
• Housing or a housing allowance
• Completion bonuses

Always confirm teaching hours, prep time, and any overtime pay in your contract.

Healthcare and Support
Major cities have modern hospitals and clinics that cater to foreign residents. Employers usually cover basic health insurance. Air quality is improving in most areas due to new environmental efforts.

Community and Networking
Use WeChat to find expat teacher groups, apartment listings, and social events. These networks are active in every major teaching city and are a great way to make connections.