The third largest of China’s cities. Guangzhou is a little off the beaten track. It’s Hong Kong’s neighbor and boasts an international airport – so you can get your travel-on pretty easily. It’s home to the Pearl River and they make their own beer (although rumor has it – it’s far from the perfect pint!). From museums to towers, startling skyscrapers, and the massive (even by Chinese standards) Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, there’s plenty to do and see without ever leaving Guangzhou.

One of the major benefits of this city is that the cost of living is considerably cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai, while still having all the benefits of a bigger-scale city. You will have more than enough brands and restaurants from home, and plenty of opportunity to save. It’s a little off the international radar, so it’s also not swamped with tourists year round.

The climate is temperate (occasionally a bit rainy) ☔ – so you can escape the Baltic winters of more northern cities. It’s green 365 days a year and is known as the city of flowers, making it one of the most colorful cities in China. If you want to live in a place with flowers blooming all year, then this might just be the city for you.

Native English speakers will have no trouble landing a job in this busy city. Depending on your qualifications there are opportunities in both public and private institutes as well as a wealth of companies who teach Business English.