Country guide
Teach English in China
International schools, training centers, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia.
China's ESL market shifted significantly after 2021 when online tutoring of K-9 students inside China was banned. The current market is in-person: international schools (the top tier of pay), licensed training centers for adults and high schoolers, public schools, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia, especially in Tier 1 cities.
Salary
International schools: 25k to 45k RMB per month. Training centers: 18k to 30k RMB. Public schools: 12k to 22k RMB. Universities: 10k to 20k RMB with long vacations. Most contracts include housing or stipend.
Visa
Z visa. Requires bachelor's, two years of post-graduation work experience, a 120-hour TEFL, and a notarized criminal record check. Citizenship from one of seven native English countries is standard. Age cap of 60 is typical.
Best for
Experienced teachers who want to maximize savings. Two years of teaching in China can clear 30k USD in savings if you live carefully.
Open positions in China
17 active listings mentioning China.
ESL Teacher - Training Center
BrightPath Language Center · Shanghai, China · Full-time
English Teacher – China | Graduate & Experienced | Visa Sponsored
China Link ESL · Southampton, Hampshire, GB · Contract
Entry Level English teacher in China
Teach TEFL in China · Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, GB · Full-time
Teach English in China – Training, Visa Support & Career Development
English 1 China · China · Full-time
Teach English Abroad 2026 – Paid Jobs in Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Indonesia & More | Housing + Visa Support
TEFL UK · Various · Full-time
ESL positions China with Working Visa
Meidongli Culture Company · International · Full-time
Kindergarten English Homeroom teacher
Shanghai Meiji Culture Communication Co. Ltd · Shanghai China, China · Full-time
ESL Teachers Needed in Different Cities Around China Now and For New Semester
Cheyenne's TESOL Recruitment Center · China · Full-time
25-28K, IB MYP English Teacher Wanted In Shanghai, Sep. 2026
ClickChina Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd · Shanghai, China · Contract
WANTED: Kindergarten English Teachers (Beijing)
Beijing RZD Culture · Various · Full-time
Native English Teacher - Zhangjiajie College Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
Jishu University Zhangjiajie College · China · Full-time
High-Paying English ESL Teaching Jobs in Top Cities in China
eChinaCareers · China · Full-time
Kindergarten English teachers needed in Beijing
Beijing RZD education · China · Full-time
English Teacher / ESL Teacher Needed in Guangdong Province, China
Shaoguan University · China · Full-time
English for Academic Purposes Teachers needed. Long-running University business program.
QIBA · China · Full-time
Chain Kindergarten and schools recruiting English teacher for non native and native speakers English
Dalian GM Education Company · China · Full-time
26k-38k Kindergarten Homeroom/ESL teacher needed in Shanghai shenzhen beijing guangzhou etc. whole china
Eric Talents · China · Full-time
Common questions about teaching in China
Is online teaching of Chinese students still possible?
Not for K-9 students inside China. Adult-focused online teaching to Chinese learners through global platforms is allowed but pays much less than the old VIPKid era.
What's the salary difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities?
Tier 1 (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) pays 30 to 50 percent more, but cost of living absorbs much of that. Tier 2 cities often have better savings rates.
How long does the visa take?
Plan on 8 to 12 weeks from offer to arrival. The criminal background check authentication is the slowest step.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in China
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Visa guides for China
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Teach English in specific cities in China
Teach in Shanghai
International schools and adult training centers at the top of the China pay range.
Teach in Beijing
Capital city with strong university and international school markets.
Teach in Shenzhen
Tech-economy city with a growing international school market.
Teach in Guangzhou
Southern China hub with deep international school and training center demand.
Other countries in Asia
Teach in South Korea
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
Teach in Japan
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
Teach in Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
Teach in Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
Teach in Taiwan
Buxiban (cram school) work plus growing public school programs.
Teach in Cambodia
The easiest legal entry point in Asia. No degree required by law.