Where Should You Look for Jobs in China in 2020?

From the large cities to the great food to the unique cultural experiences and the scenic views…

What is not to love about China?

With an abundance of teaching opportunities and various other career opportunities, several potential expats are looking for work in China. And, likewise, Chinese schools and companies are searching for those perfect foreigners to further assist them.

But, from the big city of Shanghai to the smaller cities like Guilin, choosing the best place for your job search can present quite the task.

Of course, your top choices depend on what you are looking for – the scenery, the hustle and bustle, and the cost of living.

Why work in China?

So, some people might be wondering why in the world you would travel so far for work in the first place?

While the traditional Chinese food is tempting, other parts of the experience do stand out:

It betters you as a person.

Experiencing a new culture opens your eyes to new things – new ways of life, new foods, and even new languages. By engaging in the Chinese culture first-hand, you are able to better understand what they do differently and why it is that they do the things they do.

And, it is through these personal experiences that your mind becomes open to new ideas – helping you be more accepting and more creative.

It improves your resume.

Working abroad adds something incredibly unique to your resume – something that not many people will be able to add to theirs.

Through working abroad, you gain a knowledge of that culture that can only be obtained through experience it yourselves. Not only does this make you a more diverse employee, but it could make you a major asset to the company.

For example, if you work for a marketing company, you could better help them with their Chinese market as you have a better understanding of how things work there.

Or, if you are a teacher, you might be able to connect more closely with the Chinese students back at your homeschool.

In a world where millions of people are trying to get and maintain jobs, many of which have the same degree, it is all about the “wow” factor you can add to your resume. And, working abroad, is one of those “wow” factors.

Where should you work?

Now that you have decided a China experience is for you, it is time to narrow down the best places to be on the lookout for a job:

Shanghai

Known as the leading metropolis of East Asia today, Shanghai offers a more modern atmosphere than other areas of the country. It is a great area for expats who are looking to be in an area that still offers some of the westernized luxuries they experience at home.

In this major city, you will have the chance to see some of the tallest skyscrapers towering over the streets below, acting as statements of their intent to influence the global economy.

Shanghai is a world-class city whose main industries are shipping, manufacturing, and finance. However, with numerous economic opportunities available in this metropolis, there is a vast array of opportunities for foreigners in most professions. Thankfully, most experience is transferable between the West and Shanghai, making it an easy transition, either way, professionally speaking.

While the cost of living in the area is slightly higher than most, you can expect to be compensated accordingly.

Beijing

With the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square at its center, Beijing is an ultra-modern metropolis that is built around historic areas and local landmarks. This area also happens to be home to some of the country’s best universities as well as a startup scene that rivals Silicon Valley.

The area is quite popular among foreigners and offers several shopping centers as well as a diverse selection of international bars and restaurants.

If you are serious about fully engaging in the Chinese culture and pursuing a career in the area, Beijing is the perfect setting. Between the booming tech, finance, education, journalism, and engineering industries, there are several opportunities in Beijing.

Guangzhou

Like Beijing and Shanghai, Guangzhou is one of the three economic centers of China. The commercial activity in the area has a long history – dating all the way back to the Silk Road. Since it is in close proximity to Hong Kong, Guangzhou boasts an edge over the other cities in terms of their international business development.

In Guangzhou, you can find several local industries such as finance, advertising, consulting, and accounting that are serviced by multinational companies. If you are interested in economic development – specifically import and export opportunities – and enjoy the subtropical weather, then this is the location for you.

Conclusion

From teaching opportunities to careers in finance, there are several markets in various cities in China that are looking to hire qualified foreigners.

With so many different options, you have the luxury of picking the city that works best for you.

Which city do you think seems the most appealing? Share your top choice with us in the comments!

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Yuri Khlystov

CEO and Co-Founder of LaowaiCareer. Originally from Belarus, Yuri has been living in Beijing for the past ten years where he has turned his passion for helping foreigners into a successful business. He enjoys football and once had a pet pig when Beijing was less of a modern city than it is today.