Why Choose Hangzhou?

Set against misty hills and tranquil water, Hangzhou has long been considered one of China’s most beautiful cities.

For centuries poets, painters, and emperors were drawn to its famous West Lake, a landscape of willow trees, arched bridges, and quiet temples that still feels wonderfully romantic today.

It’s the kind of place where history and nature sit side by side with modern city life.

For teachers, Hangzhou offers an exceptional lifestyle.

The city is large and dynamic, yet far more relaxed than mega-cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

Tree-lined streets, scenic walking paths, and lakeside parks make it easy to escape the rush of daily life. It has beautiful countryside nearby, and a culture that values balance and beauty, and a vibrant international community.

At the same time, Hangzhou is a major technology hub and one of China’s most prosperous cities, meaning excellent infrastructure and fantastic transport links.

Location and Climate

Just south of the Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China, Hangzhou lies in one of the country’s most dynamic and prosperous regions.

It’s only around one hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, making weekend trips to one of the world’s most exciting cities very easy.

The city is also superbly connected to the rest of China, with fast rail lines reaching destinations like Suzhou, Nanjing, and Beijing.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport links the city to major domestic and international destinations, so travel is simple for teachers who want to explore Asia.

Spring is perhaps Hangzhou’s most famous season, when cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and warm sunshine transform the parks and pathways around West Lake.

Summer brings long evenings, vibrant street life, and boat rides on the lake beneath glowing city lights.

Autumn is crisp, colorful, and widely considered the perfect time for hiking the nearby hills and tea plantations.

Even winter has its charm, when mist rolls across West Lake and the city feels calm, atmospheric, and quietly beautiful.

Is Hangzhou Right for You?

Hangzhou is a city for people who appreciate balance. Life here moves at a calmer pace than China’s largest mega-cities, giving you space to settle in, explore, and truly enjoy your surroundings.

Teachers who thrive in Hangzhou are usually those who embrace the experience fully. The city has a rich cultural identity, from ancient traditions to quiet temples and lakeside parks, and becoming part of that rhythm makes living here especially rewarding.

You’ll find welcoming communities, friendly locals, and a growing international population, but Hangzhou isn’t just about staying in an expat bubble. Those who engage with the culture, try the food, learn some of the language, and explore the city tend to get the most out of their time here.

In the classroom, our partner values teachers who are dedicated and passionate about what they do. If you enjoy helping students grow, bringing energy to lessons, and being part of a school community, Hangzhou can be an incredibly fulfilling place to teach.

To be eligible for our Hangzhou partner, you’ll need to meet a small number of basic requirements. 

  • A bachelor’s degree in any subject

  • A completed TEFL certificate (which is included as part of our program)

  • A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

  • A clean criminal background check

Previous teaching experience is not required. Many of the teachers who do best on our China program are recent graduates or first-time teachers who are enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to learn on the job. You do not need any understanding of Chinese language.

School Life

At our partner school in Hangzhou, you will become part of a vibrant and supportive learning environment that focuses on curiosity, creativity, and student development.

The school follows the internationally respected IB curriculum, encouraging students to think independently and explore ideas from different perspectives.

You will work with students aged 6 to 12 years old, creating an engaging classroom atmosphere where learning is interactive, energetic, and rewarding.

The weekly schedule is well balanced, with a maximum of 15 classes per week, each lasting around 40 minutes.

Lessons include English language teaching, alongside elements such as drama activities and topic-based classes, all connected to the IB philosophy of inquiry-led learning.

The school day typically runs from 7:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, providing a clear routine and structure for teachers and students alike.

Occasionally, teachers may lead after-school club sessions, usually lasting around forty minutes, and you are also encouraged to take part in school activities and community events.

Cost of Living

Hangzhou offers a comfortable lifestyle for teachers, with living costs remaining affordable compared to many major international cities. A meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as £2 to £4, while a dinner in an international restaurant might be around £8 to £12. Groceries are also reasonably priced, with many teachers spending £25 to £40 per week. Public transport is efficient and inexpensive, with metro or bus journeys usually costing under £1. Rent is also very manageable, with a one-bedroom apartment typically costing around £250 to £450 per month.

Salary

At our partner school in Hangzhou, you can expect a monthly salary package of around £1,900 to £2,000 before tax, which includes both salary and a housing allowance. This provides a strong income relative to the local cost of living, allowing most teachers to live comfortably while still saving money each month. The package also includes flight allowance and medical insurance. And teachers also benefit from generous holiday time, with around six to seven weeks of summer holiday and approximately two to three weeks during the winter, giving you plenty of opportunities to travel.