Best City in China

However, for every job that is available in large Chinese cities, there are numerous more that fewer foreigners consider. These roles in education could be the top of the best for a variety of reasons. You might say it's the cream of the crop! That's because many teachers find that life in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city is better than life in a megalopolis.

Connectivity is not limited to being in central Shanghai. Consider this: what if you lived only an hour or so away, in a much smaller and calmer city? The convenience of being near to the airport and other "big city" sights won't be lost on you, and neither will the relaxed pace of life that will make your coworkers in Shanghai green with envy. While we recognize the allure of China's major cities, we also recognize that they may quickly become overwhelming. Pick a city in Tiers 2 or 3 that is near to a city in Tier 1 and you'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The following are a few of the "Best of the Rest" places in China where people often go for job. And remember that opportunities for employment, in both old and new locales, are always appearing.

Situated on the eastern coast of China, Ningbo Just 200 kilometers (120 miles) south of Shanghai (two hours by rail), Ningbo is a bustling Tier 2 city where residents are likely to approach you on the street for an English conversation or a photo (they loooove selfies with foreigners). Ningbo, with a population of just 6 million (we know, little, right? ), may seem quite welcome and be slightly easier on the soul, particularly for first-time teachers traveling overseas. Ningbo's maritime heritage and multiethnic population help to mitigate the effects of culture shock. Ningbo is a fascinating and extremely satisfying city to teach in because of its unique mix of buildings, with shiny skyscrapers sitting next to old temples and shiny new supermarkets competing for consumers with local open-air markets. High-caliber ESL educators are in high demand.

Qingdao is located on China's eastern coast, exactly halfway between Shanghai and Beijing. It is often regarded as one of the country's most livable cities. What more of a draw could there be than the fact that it is the site of China's second-largest brewery? Despite its underappreciation, Qingdao is a major city in China with excellent opportunities for ESL educators. Qingdao is an off-the-beaten-path teaching destination that has it all—entertainment, attractions, and a wicked lifestyle—because it is a historically significant city with a multi-cultural heritage that is not typically encountered in China.

Nanjing is one of the most lovely destinations due to its beautiful lake, magnificent palace, and kind locals. How great would it be to live here permanently, given that it serves as a haven for Shanghaiites on the weekends and a haven for instructors seeking a break from the busy city pace? Nanjing is the best place to teach English since it has excellent public transportation, cleaner air, and a more authentic Chinese culture.

Kunming, one of China's most beautiful cities, is a gem waiting to be unearthed. One of the most pleasant places to teach is this city, because to its high concentration of parks, beautiful lake, and laid-back atmosphere. Kunming's tiny but close-knit expat community offers the best of the West while keeping the focus very much on real China, and you can still find French bakeries and foreign-owned pubs and restaurants. Do yourself a favor and put Kunming on your map even if you don't wind up teaching here so you can visit for a long weekend.

Hangzhou is appealing for many reasons, not the least of which being its innate tranquility and the city's remarkable blend of ancient and modern architecture. It's crazy to think that Shanghai is just an hour away from this beautiful city on the train. The picturesque Hangzhou Lake can be found in the middle of the city, and it is surrounded by historic architecture and cultural landmarks. Hangzhou may be the T to your scone, with its historic silk industry, innovative bike-sharing system, burgeoning digital innovation culture, and charming tea-growing villages just beyond the city's boundary. While living and teaching in this area will surely reduce your desire to "get away from it all" on the weekends, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore close by.

Dalian, the largest city on China's Liaodong Peninsula, is a gateway to South Korea and a beautiful coastal destination that's especially stunning in the summer (but brutally cold in winter thanks to the Siberian winds making their way across). Dalian, although being one of China's ten biggest cities, has the sense of a little town because to the city's friendly expat and native communities.

Guilin is one of the most beautiful Chinese Tier 2 teaching cities. It is stunning in every aspect. Guilin is the epitome of a southern beauty, set as it is between limestone hills that seem to soar enchantedly into the skies and two lakes. You will live a life rich in absorbing experiences and rooted in tradition. However, what Guilin lacks in expat amenities (like as superb western cuisine and coffee) it more than makes up for in authenticity. All around China, foreigners flock to Guilin in the summer for the city's many weekend activities, hip nightlife, lively night markets, and delicious, genuine cuisine. Don't worry that you won't be able to get about; this little city has excellent connections, particularly to the south.