Often selecting the best location to live and work in China for the first time can be a daunting process. With offers in so many cities it can be difficult to make a decision you're happy with. In China, unlike back home, cities are very similar in culture, language, scenery and way of life. We recommend you only focus on key factors such as population, size, weather and location. In this article there are a few pointers to put you in the right direction.
Cities in China are huge! Where a small city starts at around 1-2 million residents, large cities top 30 million. As an expat looking to work in China for the first time you should be looking at cities around the 3-5 million residents level, preferably, situated near the coast. These cities offer good salaries, extremely low living costs and easier, more relaxed schedules and work requirements; Ideal for first time expats to China and first time teachers.
Our recommended first time cities to teach English or work in China are:
For expats who have extensive professional and/or teaching experience or those who've already worked in China before you should be looking at working in:
Generally speaking if you're looking to work or teach English in one of these major cities you need to make sure you have at least 2-years post graduate work experience with a reference letter from your employer proving the duration of your employment and the type of work you were doing.
