Once a remote fishing village, Shenzhen as we know it today is one of China’s wealthiest, liveliest and most progressive cities. Shenzhen now rivals Shanghai and Beijing as the city of choice for young Chinese professionals and expats – which isn’t surprising given the pleasant seaside climate, proximity to Hong Kong and lively nightlife. Shenzhen beautifully balances megacity status (with 283 skyscrapers) and nature, with several different landscapes all within reach in the same city. Since becoming a Special Economic Zone, the city has transformed and thrived within just 40 years, with the population increasing from 300,000 to just shy of 13 million. It’s also home to some of the most delicious food in China, with influences from Cantonese cuisine as well as plenty of fresh seafood, the dishes are unique to this coastal city – even better if you can get them from the local street vendors.
Teaching English in Shenzhen
Teach English in Shenzhen
Our teaching jobs in Shenzhen Kindergartens and Primary Schools are in various locations around the city.
You’ll plan and deliver your own lessons for students aged 2-6 years old (Kindergarten) or 7-10 years old (Primary School). Class sizes are between 15-35 students.
Our private Kindergarten and Primary School teaching positions in Guangzhou require teachers to work from 8:00 am until 17:30 pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll have a 2-hour lunch break which allows you to do all your lesson planning at school.
Salary
Shenzhen Kindergartens and Primary Schools offer a competitive salary of 14,000-18,000 RMB per month. During the holiday periods (4-6 weeks for Chinese New Year in the winter, and the months of July and August in summer) you will receive a reduced payment of 8000RMB per month, which includes your housing allowance (details on this allowance below).
Accommodation
You will be provided a housing allowance of 4000RMB per month on top of your salary. In Shenzhen this will enable you to rent a 2-bedroom apartment, but you can also decide to share and save some of your housing allowance. During the first week, hotel accommodation is provided free of charge while the school helps you find a suitable apartment, and the school is also willing to provide a 7000 RMB start up loan to help with a deposit for your apartment.
Contract Duration
The contract duration for this placement is 1 year, which can be renewed.
The City
Despite being a relatively new city, Shenzhen is full of exciting things to see and do. It offers the perfect mix between city and nature, with a booming city centre, long stretches of beach and stunning nearby scenery… not to mention the fact that it’s just a short train ride from Hong Kong.
Attractions
Meridian View Centre: Located on the 69th floor of Shenzhen’s Diwang Mansion, the Meridian View Centre offers visitors a spectacular view of the China-Hong Kong border. Populated by a sea of towering skyscrapers made unique by their outstanding architectural design, this is a must-see for any visitor to Shenzhen looking to marvel at the beauty of this mega-city.
Nanshan Mountains: If the chaos of the city is getting a bit much, an escape to the nearby Nanshan mountains for some much-needed R and R. Clean air, blue skies and lush greenery make Nanshan a fantastic weekend getaway destination.
Shenzhen Museum: Shenzhen may not have been much before being transformed into the metropolis we know today, but that doesn’t mean its history isn’t worth delving into. Believe it or not, Shenzhen’s distinct past is really quite remarkable, and Shenzhen Museum captures this well. Here you’ll learn about life in the township prior to 1978 and the subsequent government reforms. The museum houses replica streets and temples which give visitors an idea of what Shenzhen once looked like.
Window of the World: Need a taste of home? Look no further. Shenzhen’s ‘Window of the World’ offers a small slice of Europe, America and more with miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. This may not be Shenzhen’s best attraction, but it makes for a fun escape from your new norm.
Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches: A visit to Shenzhen wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at the beach. Owing to its location, Shenzhen has escaped the worst of China’s pollution, which has hit hardest in the north. Visitors to either of these beaches can enjoy soft sand, clear waters and a bit of peace and quiet. What better way to unwind after a week at work?
Cost of Living
| Item | RMB | Item | RMB |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bus | 1-2 | Beer (shop bought) | 3-5 |
| Taxi (first 3km) | 10 | Beer (at a bar) | 15+ |
| New bike | 350+ | Water | 1.5 |
| New E-bike | 2500+ | Coke | 3 |
| Cheap meal | 10-15 | 0.5kg fresh veg | 3-5 |
| Average meal | 25-40 | 1kg chicken | 15 |
| Expensive meal | 100+ | Gym (per year) | 1000 |
Food
Before Shenzhen became the mega-city it is today, it was inhabited by Hakka and Cantonese people. Traditional local dishes are Cantonese style, and though the vast majority of the Shenzhen population is now formed of people from all over China, there are still many restaurants serving must-try authentic cuisine.
Cantonese Dim Sum: This well-known style of Chinese food is loved by Chinese and foreigners alike. Diners can choose from a large selection of dumplings and dim sum dishes such as sticky rice leaves, which are served in small bamboo steamers or on plates.
Cantonese Congee: Congee is a typical Cantonese dish that’s popularity has spread across the country. It’s made from rice, water and various other ingredients that give it a gentle flavour and watery texture.
Seafood: As a coastal city, it wouldn’t be right if seafood didn’t feature heavily on local menus. Here you can enjoy deliciously fresh seafood dishes chosen directly from the tank.
Plain Chicken: It’s not as boring as it sounds, trust us. In fact, it’s quite refreshing. A whole chicken is cooked, cut up and served with a special sauce made from salt, soy sauce, ginger and vegetable oil. Very refreshing on a hot Shenzhen day!
Entertainment
As a major Chinese city, there is always something going on, both day and night. The city is full of western style bars and clubs perfect for post-work drinks or a night out. You can find these in two main areas; Huaqiao Town and Ocean World Square of Shekou District. If partying isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a bit of evening sightseeing by bus or ferry. Otherwise, take a stroll in Shenzhen Square, where you can listen to and watch folk songs and dances or join in with sports like bowling, ping pong and tennis.