Best Places to Teach English in China in 2026

Teaching English in China remains one of the most popular and lucrative options for TEFL-qualified teachers in 2026. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a huge demand for native English speakers, China offers opportunities for both first-time teachers and experienced educators. Whether you’re drawn to futuristic megacities, historic capitals, or laid-back coastal hubs, there’s a city in China to match your lifestyle and career goals.

In this guide, we explore the best places to teach English in China in 2026, including job availability, salaries, lifestyle, and what makes each location unique.

Why Teach English in China in 2026?

China continues to invest heavily in English education, creating consistent demand across public schools, private language centres, international schools, and universities.

Top Reasons to Teach in China

• High salaries compared to cost of living

• Free accommodation or housing allowance included in most contracts

• Flight reimbursements and paid holidays

• Long-term contracts with job security

• Opportunities to save while travelling

With a bachelor’s degree and a 120-hour TEFL certificate, teachers can access well-paid roles across the country.

Best Places to Teach English in China

1. Beijing — History Meets Opportunity

As China’s capital, Beijing offers a huge number of English teaching positions across all education levels. It’s ideal for teachers who want strong career development and cultural immersion.

Why Teach in Beijing?

• Large number of public, private, and international schools

• Competitive salaries and benefits

• Rich cultural heritage, including the Great Wall and Forbidden City

Things to Consider

• Higher living costs than smaller cities

• Fast-paced lifestyle

2. Shanghai — Modern, International & High-Paying

Shanghai is China’s most international city and a top destination for English teachers seeking high salaries and a Western-style lifestyle.

Highlights

• Some of the highest teaching salaries in China

• Large expat community and international amenities

• Excellent nightlife, dining, and transport

Shanghai is perfect for teachers who want city life, career progression, and global exposure.

3. Shenzhen — Innovation & Lifestyle

Located near Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a fast-growing tech hub with a modern feel and excellent quality of life.

Why Shenzhen?

• High salaries with lower living costs than Shanghai

• Modern infrastructure and green spaces

• Warmer climate and coastal lifestyle

Shenzhen is ideal for teachers who want a balance between work, savings, and lifestyle.

4. Guangzhou — Culture, Food & Teaching Demand

Guangzhou is a major southern city with strong demand for English teachers, particularly in language centres and public schools.

Why Choose Guangzhou?

• Strong job market for TEFL teachers

• Famous food scene and cultural heritage

• Proximity to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia

5. Chengdu — Relaxed Living & Cultural Immersion

Chengdu is increasingly popular with teachers looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing career opportunities.

Why Teach in Chengdu?

• Lower cost of living

• Friendly locals and relaxed lifestyle

• Strong demand for English teachers

• Home of the giant panda 🐼

Chengdu is ideal for teachers who want cultural immersion and work-life balance.

6. Hangzhou — Scenic & High Quality of Life

Known for its natural beauty and tech presence, Hangzhou offers excellent teaching opportunities with a calmer lifestyle.

Perks

• Beautiful scenery and clean environment

• Growing international school market

• High standard of living

Other Popular Teaching Locations

• Nanjing: Historic city with strong education sector

• Suzhou: High salaries and scenic canals

• Xi’an: Ancient capital with lower living costs

• Qingdao: Coastal city with beach lifestyle

Teaching Salaries in China (2026)

Many contracts also include:

• Free accommodation or housing allowance

• Flight reimbursement

• Paid holidays

• Medical insurance

Requirements to Teach English in China

To teach legally in China in 2026, you’ll need:

• A Bachelor’s degree

• A 120-hour TEFL certificate

• Native-level English proficiency

• A clean criminal background check

• Z-Visa sponsorship from an employer

When Is the Best Time to Apply?

The main hiring seasons are:

• February–March (Spring semester)

• July–August (Autumn semester)

Language centres hire year-round, making China a flexible destination for teachers.

Is China Right for You?

China is ideal if you:
✔ Want to save money while teaching abroad
✔ Enjoy big cities and modern infrastructure
✔ Are interested in Asian culture and travel
✔ Want strong job security and benefits

Final Thoughts

From global cities like Shanghai and Beijing to relaxed cultural hubs like Chengdu and Hangzhou, China offers some of the best English teaching opportunities in the world in 2026. With high salaries, excellent benefits, and a wide variety of locations to choose from, it’s no surprise China remains a top TEFL destination.

Ready to get started? A Premier TEFL certification is your first step toward teaching English in China and launching an unforgettable international career.

The post Best Places to Teach English in China in 2026 appeared first on Premier TEFL.