Where are the 5 best jobs teaching English in China?

01 September 2025 • China

Are you feeling the call of East Asia?

Spending hours daydreaming about exploring the ancient history and iconic landmarks you’ve seen in film and TV?

TEFL jobs in China are the best way to make this dream a reality!

But which is the right job for you while you explore, see the sights, and try the cuisine? Read on to find out more from the experts at TEFL UK.

Top 5 provinces and cities to see in China

1. Hohhot

Situated in the North of China, Hohhot is the capital and the largest city of Inner Mongolia.

It has a long history, emerging first as an important military base during the early Han dynasty, but is now known for an array of museums, temples, tombs, statues, and monuments, as well as the vast Inner Mongolian Zhaohe grasslands.

To fund all of this exploration, why not work and teach English as a foreign language to children aged 6-15? It comes with a range of added benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries
• Your own apartment
• Monthly food allowances
• Free transport
• Paid holidays and trips
• Flight bonuses
• Training sessions and free Mandarin classes

Don’t let not having a degree stop you – starting your TEFL in Hohhot is the ideal solution for those looking to earn, explore, and even eat their way across China!

2. Shanghai

Originally a small fishing village and market town, Shanghai has grown into the largest city in China, thanks to domestic and foreign trade and a sought-after port location.

But this doesn’t mean it has left tradition behind. Visitors to the city can enjoy a blend of ancient tradition and modernity thanks to the combination of futuristic skyscrapers and cultural highlights like Chinese gardens.

If you choose TEFL Shanghai to fund and enhance your Chinese adventure, expect amazing benefits, such as:

• Great salaries and housing allowances
• Flight contributions
• Paid time off for public holidays, plus a week in both the summer and winter
• Health insurance

Plus, with flexible arrival dates that mean you can start at any time – so you don’t need to put it off any longer!

3. Sichuan

If you love nature, Sichuan is the hidden gem of Chinese provinces.

Home to giant pandas, the UNESCO-listed Jiuzhaigou Valley, and the awe-inspiring Mount Emei, you can experience the full range of natural wonders while also indulging in the world-famous spicy cuisine or traditional teahouses.

At your TEFL Sichuan internship, you can enjoy a host of perks as part of your 5-month placement, including:

• Full training on arrival plus airport meet and greet
• A plentiful monthly stipend
• Flight contributions and housing or housing allowances
• A choice of arrival dates – February or August
• Visa reimbursement and health & accident insurance

Making it ideal for those who would like to dip their toes in TEFL jobs in China without the commitment of a full academic year.

4. Beijing

The captivating capital of China has it all, from iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, to traditional opera, restaurants, and blissful gardens and parks.

Plus, as a major transport hub, you can easily access other parts of China from Beijing if you want to explore further.

With TEFL jobs Beijing-wide, you can enjoy a range of added benefits that include:

• Competitive salaries and housing allowances
• Financial incentives, paid leave, and flight allowances
• Visa support and airport pick-up
• Health insurance
• Small class sizes
• No teaching experience needed

So, what are you waiting for? Start TEFL in Beijing – you’ll never want to leave!

5. Shenzhen

Do you want to combine a bustling metropolis full of innovation with the calm of nature and recreation? Is life better on the beach?!

In Shenzhen, you can truly have it all!

Bordering Hong Kong on the central coast of Guangdong, Shenzhen is sometimes referred to as ‘China’s Silicon Valley’ – showcasing the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the city.

At your TEFL, Shenzhen teachers like yourself can expect perks such as:

• A choice of primary, middle, or high school positions
• Competitive salaries and generous leave, including official holidays as well as summer and winter vacations
• Full training and orientation
• Health insurance
• Innovative education technology for use in lessons

Choose China for TEFL adventures

No matter where you go in China, you’ll find welcoming people, glorious sights, and food to help you capture memories.

But, for those looking to discover the world, jobs teaching English in China allow UK residents to escape the humdrum of the 9-5 lifestyle while still earning an excellent wage.

So, if you’ve decided on TEFL jobs in China or have some burning questions that need to be resolved before you pack your bags, the experienced TEFL UK team are here to help!

To get in touch, simply email [email protected] with a few details or your query, and we’ll do our best to help you choose the best option for your future!