On September 28, 2024, the annual survey Amazing China -- the Most Attractive Chinese Cities for Expats 2023 revealed its findings. A total of 39 cities were selected, with 4,816 valid responses gathered from expats across China. The cities were evaluated based on three dimensions: job satisfaction, living convenience, and environmental friendliness, offering a thorough overview of the key factors that make these cities attractive to foreign residents.
Teach in China in 2025
A significant proportion of expats working in China are employed in the education sector, making this survey especially relevant for international teachers. Whether you're already teaching in China or considering it, these rankings highlight the cities that not only provide fulfilling teaching opportunities but also offer comfortable living conditions. With cities excelling in job satisfaction, living convenience, and environmental sustainability, you can use this information to choose locations that align with your professional aspirations and lifestyle preferences.
1. Beijing 北京 - The Heart of Chinese Heritage and Innovation
- Why Teach Here: As the capital, Beijing is a hub of history and innovation. Teach in a city where you can explore the Forbidden City, hike the Great Wall on weekends, and still enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle.
- Highlights: Known for its top international schools and language institutions, Beijing offers competitive salaries and an endless list of networking opportunities.
- Cost of Living: Higher than average but manageable with competitive teaching salaries.
2. Shanghai 上海 - China’s Cosmopolitan Hub
- Why Teach Here: Shanghai is an ideal blend of East and West. It’s bustling, high-energy, and offers countless international teaching roles, especially in private and bilingual schools.
- Highlights: Get a taste of China’s modernity with its iconic skyline, trendy arts scene, and diverse expat community. Teachers here have access to some of the best professional development in the country.
- Cost of Living: Higher but balanced by high salaries, especially in international schools..
3. Hangzhou 杭州 - China’s Scenic and Digital Oasis
- Why Teach Here: Famous for its West Lake and scenic beauty, Hangzhou combines nature with cutting-edge tech companies. It’s the headquarters of Alibaba, so the city is both traditional and tech-forward.
- Highlights: Spend weekends cycling around the West Lake, exploring tea fields, or diving into a growing tech and education industry.
- Cost of Living: Moderate, with excellent public amenities and access to nature.
4. Guangzhou 广州 - The Food Lover’s Paradise
- Why Teach Here: Known for its fantastic cuisine and laid-back vibe, Guangzhou is a top choice for teachers who want a taste of authentic southern Chinese culture. The demand for English teachers is also consistently high.
- Highlights: Close to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou has a more affordable lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Try dim sum on the weekends, or take a quick train to explore the vibrant neighboring cities.
- Cost of Living: Moderate with good salary-to-expense ratio.
5. Suzhou 苏州 - The “Venice of the East” with a High Quality of Life
- Why Teach Here: Known for its elegant canals, classical gardens, and historical architecture, Suzhou offers a picturesque setting for teachers looking to experience traditional Chinese culture while living close to modern amenities. It's also very close to Shanghai, providing easy access to a bigger city vibe when you want it.
- Highlights: Suzhou is home to a number of international schools and language centers, and it offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to Shanghai, with a lower cost of living. Weekends can be spent exploring its famous gardens or sampling local cuisine along the canals.
- Cost of Living: Moderate, especially attractive for those wanting a scenic environment without the high price tag of bigger cities.
6. Shenzhen 深圳 - The City of Innovation
- Why Teach Here: Just across the border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is one of China’s fastest-growing cities, brimming with tech giants and innovation hubs. Teaching jobs here often come with great perks and benefits.
- Highlights: Known for its modern infrastructure and youthful vibe, Shenzhen offers a unique cityscape of skyscrapers and green spaces, perfect for teachers who love the energy of a rising metropolis.
- Cost of Living: Moderate to high but balanced by excellent job benefits.
7. Qingdao 青岛 - A Beautiful Coastal City with European Charm
- Why Teach Here: Known for its seaside cliffs and beaches, Qingdao is a vibrant port city with German architectural influences, thanks to its colonial history. The city has become a cultural and educational hub, with a growing demand for English teachers.
- Highlights: In Qingdao, you’ll experience unique cultural events like the annual International Beer Festival, and the city’s beaches are ideal for unwinding after a busy teaching week. With its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, Qingdao is perfect for educators seeking a coastal lifestyle.
- Cost of Living: Moderate to low, with an affordable lifestyle and plenty of opportunities to save while enjoying the scenic views.
8. Nanjing 南京 - A Historic City with a Young, Lively Vibe
- Why Teach Here: Once China’s capital, Nanjing is rich with history but also has a youthful vibe, thanks to its many universities and growing expat community. Nanjing offers numerous teaching opportunities in both public and private schools, as well as language centers.
- Highlights: Educators will love Nanjing’s mixture of historical sites, like the ancient city wall and Ming tombs, and its bustling shopping and dining scenes. The city is very walkable, and it has a great public transport system, making it easy to explore.
- Cost of Living: Moderate, with lower living costs than Shanghai and Beijing, making it an ideal city for teachers who want a balance of history and modernity.
9. Chengdu 成都 - The Relaxed and Scenic City
- Why Teach Here: For those who prefer a slower pace, Chengdu offers a unique mix of nature and culture. Known for its pandas and spicy food, Chengdu has a warm and welcoming community of teachers.
- Highlights: This city is a gateway to China’s most beautiful natural landscapes. With an affordable lifestyle, you’ll have more freedom to explore Sichuan’s breathtaking mountain ranges and cultural festivals.
- Cost of Living: Low to moderate, enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with many of the cultural perks of larger cities like Shanghai and Beijing, without the hefty price tag, ideal for teachers looking to save.
10. Xiamen 厦门 - An Island Gem with a Relaxed, Sunny Atmosphere
- Why Teach Here: Known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, Xiamen offers a more laid-back lifestyle. Located on the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is a popular choice among teachers looking for an escape from big-city life while still enjoying excellent teaching opportunities.
- Highlights: Xiamen has a vibrant cultural scene, with nearby attractions like the island of Gulangyu and the Fujian Tulou villages. Teachers here can enjoy a warm climate year-round and a growing international community.
- Cost of Living: Moderate, especially favorable for those who love the outdoors and coastal lifestyle, with lower expenses than major cities.
Cities Ranked 11-20 for Teaching in China
The latest survey of top cities for living and teaching in China reveals some interesting changes. Haikou, Dalian, and Hefei have made their first-ever appearance on the list. At the same time, Ningbo and Kunming have both risen, each moving up two spots. On the flip side, a few cities experienced a decline: Chongqing, Xi’an, Changsha, Changzhou, and Ji’nan all saw their rankings slip. Of those, Changzhou and Ji’nan took the hardest hit, with each city dropping a notable six positions compared to the previous survey.
11. Haikou 海口 (new on the list)
12. Chongqing 重庆 (↓2)
13. Dalian 大连 (new on the list)
14. Ningbo 宁波 (↑2)
15. Kunming 昆明 (↑2)
16. Xi'an 西安 (↓1)
17. Changsha 长沙 (↓4)
18. Changzhou 常州 (↓6)
19. Hefei 合肥 (new on the list)
20. Ji'nan 济南 (↓6)
Tips for Teaching in China in 2025
Stay Up-to-Date with Visa Policies
Policies for foreign teachers can vary, so keep your paperwork in order and follow the latest requirements. Make sure to start early on preparing your documents - check out our guide to get everything you need for your application and avoid delays.
Explore Contracts Carefully
Teaching contracts in China often include benefits such as housing allowances, flight reimbursements, health insurance, and completion bonuses, though terms can vary widely. Look out for probation periods, during which benefits may be adjusted, and notice requirements if you decide to leave, as giving adequate notice is often essential to avoid penalties. Also, check for additional perks like paid holidays, sick leave, and whether housing is directly provided or covered by an allowance. Reviewing these details thoroughly ensures a smooth and well-supported teaching experience.
Learn Basic Mandarin
While you can get by in bigger cities, basic Mandarin will open doors to a more enriching experience, especially in smaller cities.
So, whether you're looking to make a fresh start, switch jobs, or simply explore a new environment, China’s cities in 2025 offer endless opportunities for educators eager to grow, inspire, and experience a new way of life. Explore new teaching opportunities for 2025 in China here and begin your teaching adventure!
