Smaller, more laid-back, friendlier, and, in many ways more rewarding and authentic, our Best of the Rest teaching destinations offer a unique experience to ESL teachers. Here, away from impressive ex-pat crowds and touristed centers, you’ll find the real China, the one many people never get to see. You’ll stand out more in a more remote location – although the term ‘remote’ is relative – will enjoy superior privilege among your peers and, although you may be paid less than in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you will also have much lower living costs, allowing you to save even more than you otherwise would. Salaries may only be 20% lower but living costs could easily be 50% lower and there’s your saving gap exponentially increase. Living as a TEFL professional in China, more savings usually means more luxuries, more fun, and much, much more travel!

Nanjing – With its wonderful lake, glorious palace and welcoming atmosphere, Nanjing is one of the most delightful places you could choose. This is a hub for weekenders from Shanghai – teachers who need a little escape from the hectic city pace head here to unwind – so how good would it be to live here full-time? With an abundance of outdoor pursuits, better air quality and more immersive Chinese life, Nanjing is the bees’ knees of ESL teaching.