Teaching English Online from China: A Complete Guide

China has been at the center of the global ESL industry for years, and while recent policy changes have tightened the rules around online tutoring for young learners, the demand for English instruction—especially among adults and professionals—continues to thrive. For teachers already based in China or those considering a move, the country offers a unique combination of teaching opportunities, strong infrastructure, and cultural depth.

Internet speeds are excellent in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and digital infrastructure is generally reliable. If you’re teaching students in Asia, China’s time zone also makes scheduling easy—whether your students are in Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, or even within China itself. Many teachers living in China choose to combine classroom jobs with online tutoring to boost their income, take control of their schedules, or slowly transition into fully remote work while enjoying the benefits of living in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is designed for a wide range of teachers and remote workers who want to live and work in China while teaching English online.

You might already be teaching in a public or private school in China and want to supplement your income by offering online lessons in the evenings or on weekends. This is especially common for teachers in lower-paying regions or those saving for travel and personal goals. Others may be digital nomads or long-term expats who prefer the freedom and flexibility of remote work but still want to base themselves in China because of its culture, food, fast internet, and large population of potential students.

Freelancers, online tutors, and new teachers can also use China as a stepping stone—living affordably in second-tier cities or smaller towns while building an online student base, whether in China or abroad. With a bit of strategy and planning, China remains a powerful hub for those blending in-person and remote teaching careers.

3. Internet, Work Environment, and Infrastructure

If you're planning to teach English online from China, your work environment and internet setup need to be dialed in. On the surface, China offers strong infrastructure in most cities—especially in major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. High-speed broadband and 5G are widely available, and it's relatively easy to get a good internet plan installed in your apartment. That said, you’ll almost certainly need a reliable VPN to access most international platforms, tools, and websites blocked by the Great Firewall, including Zoom, Google, and some teaching platforms.

Many teachers work from home, especially those with private students or fixed-schedule jobs. Setting up a quiet, well-lit teaching space is important, especially since shared housing can be noisy and small. If you're working from a café, be aware that public Wi-Fi can be inconsistent, and VPN reliability may drop. In bigger cities, coworking spaces are a good alternative—they often offer stronger internet, more privacy, and an environment geared toward productivity. Just make sure any tools or platforms you rely on can be accessed reliably in China, with or without a VPN.

Types of Online English Teaching Jobs

Global Teaching Platforms

While China used to be a top location for working with online ESL platforms, most global companies no longer serve Chinese K–12 students due to recent policy changes. However, you can still work with international platforms like Cambly, Preply, italki, and AmazingTalker, provided you have a stable VPN. These platforms connect you with students from all over the world and let you set your own hours.

Time zone-wise, China is perfectly placed for teaching students in neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. You can also catch early risers in Europe or late-night learners in Latin America. Pay typically ranges from $10 to $25 per hour depending on the platform, your experience, and how proactive you are about marketing yourself. Just be sure to test your VPN setup thoroughly to avoid unexpected disruptions during classes.

👉 Check out our Teach English Online Guide to compare platforms and start applying.

Chinese or Asia-Focused Companies

China's domestic online ESL market took a hit when the government banned for-profit tutoring for young learners, but not all opportunities disappeared. Some companies pivoted to teaching adults, offering business English, interview prep, or test preparation (IELTS, TOEFL). These roles still exist, although they tend to be more competitive and less visible than they once were.

Corporate training companies and private language centers may offer online or hybrid options for adult students. However, it's essential to avoid anything that violates local regulations—particularly platforms or jobs that try to skirt the restrictions on teaching Chinese children. These roles can be risky, especially if you're working in China on a standard visa, so prioritize transparency and legal compliance.

Freelance and Private Students

One of the best options for teachers living in China is building a private student base. Many adult learners still seek English conversation classes, test prep, or job interview coaching. You can find students through WeChat, referrals, or Chinese social platforms like Xiaohongshu or Douban. Alternatively, you can target international students—using tools like HelloTalk, social media, or teaching marketplaces that aren't location-restricted.

Freelancing gives you full control over your schedule and rates. You might charge ¥150–¥300 per hour depending on your niche and experience. That said, payment can be tricky—Chinese platforms often prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay, while international clients may use PayPal, Wise, or Stripe. Be ready to troubleshoot firewall issues with scheduling tools, video platforms, or payment systems, and always have a backup plan in case a platform goes down or your VPN fails mid-lesson.

Visas and Legal Considerations

If you’re planning to live and teach online from China, understanding the visa landscape is critical. Most foreign teachers working legally in China are on a Z visa, tied to a job offer from a school or educational institution. This visa leads to a residence permit, allowing full-time in-person work. However, things get murkier when it comes to teaching online—especially if your income comes from sources outside China.

China doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, and technically, working while on a tourist visa is illegal. Even if you're not taking jobs from the local market, the authorities may view online work as a form of employment. That said, many online teachers do live in China and teach remotely—especially those on long-term Z visas. The key is to ensure your online work doesn't interfere with your contracted teaching role and that you’re not working with any banned or restricted platforms.

Since the education reforms of 2021, it’s illegal for Chinese platforms to offer for-profit English lessons to students under 18. That means even if you’re hired by a company or tutoring a student privately, teaching Chinese minors online can carry risks—both for the company and for you. Long-term online teachers often focus on adult learners or teach students based in other countries to stay in a safer legal zone. As always, staying informed and cautious is the best approach in China’s tightly regulated market.

Cost of Living vs. Online Teaching Income

Living in China can be affordable or pricey—depending on where you base yourself. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, rent, dining, and transport costs are significantly higher than in second- or third-tier cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, or Qingdao. On average, expect to spend around ¥6,000–¥12,000 per month in major cities, and closer to ¥4,000–¥8,000 in smaller urban areas.

Online teaching income varies depending on your platform, experience, and hours. If you're working with international platforms or private clients, you might earn anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD per month teaching part-time. That can go a long way in most Chinese cities, especially if you're strategic with housing and lifestyle choices.

For many, the most stable setup is combining a full-time teaching job (which provides a legal visa and stable income) with part-time online work. This hybrid model lets you maximize your earnings while staying compliant with visa rules. If you go fully online, living outside of tier-1 cities can help stretch your budget while keeping your quality of life high.

Best Places in China for Online Teachers

Where you base yourself in China can dramatically affect your day-to-day experience as an online teacher. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen offer world-class infrastructure, lightning-fast internet, and a wide range of coworking spaces and cafés—ideal for teachers who want a cosmopolitan lifestyle and easy access to international communities. These cities are also home to many language schools and job opportunities if you’re mixing in-person work with online teaching.

That said, living in top-tier cities comes with a higher price tag. If you're looking to save more or enjoy a slower pace, second-tier cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, or Nanjing strike a nice balance. You’ll still have reliable internet and amenities but at a more affordable cost. Many expats prefer these cities for their quality of life, vibrant culture, and more relaxed atmosphere.

For the most budget-conscious teachers or those who want a quieter environment, smaller cities or rural areas can be appealing—but be cautious. Internet speeds may vary, VPN access can be less consistent, and you may face more restrictions or isolation, especially if you don’t speak Mandarin. Still, if you’re well-prepared and value peace and quiet, these areas can offer a unique and immersive experience.

Pros and Cons of Teaching English Online from China

Teaching online from China has some clear benefits, especially if you’re already living there for in-person work. You’ll enjoy strong infrastructure, access to a large population of eager English learners, and a relatively low cost of living (outside major cities). For hybrid teachers, it’s one of the few countries where combining in-person and online work can be financially and professionally rewarding.

But there are also important trade-offs. China has strict internet censorship, meaning you’ll need a reliable VPN to access most international platforms. The legal landscape is unclear for foreigners teaching online, especially post-2021, when tutoring minors was heavily restricted. High-tier cities can be expensive, and tax or visa issues can catch remote workers off guard if they don’t plan carefully.

In short, China is best suited to teachers who are already in the country with a legal job and want to earn extra online—or experienced remote teachers who understand the digital environment and can work around its quirks. If you’re just starting out or seeking a fully remote, low-risk base, other countries may offer more flexibility.

Tips for Succeeding as an Online Teacher in China

To teach English online effectively from China, preparation is everything. First, you’ll need a reliable VPN. Because many popular teaching platforms and communication tools (like Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype) are blocked or unstable without one, choosing a high-quality VPN is crucial. Make sure it works consistently in your area and invest in a backup option in case your primary service is disrupted.

Set up a professional and quiet digital classroom—whether it’s a dedicated space in your apartment or a well-lit corner with a good headset, webcam, and lighting. China’s major cities generally offer excellent internet, but it’s smart to have mobile data ready as a hotspot backup just in case.

You’ll also need to handle payments from abroad, as many international platforms won’t pay directly into Chinese banks. Most teachers use services like Wise, Payoneer, or Skrill to receive earnings in USD and convert them efficiently. Avoid using platforms that require PayPal, as PayPal accounts can be tricky to manage in China unless they were set up in another country.

Lastly, be mindful of legal and contract issues. Avoid teaching Chinese minors through unofficial means, and don’t use your tourist visa for online work. Even though enforcement is inconsistent, playing it safe is the smart move in China’s tightly regulated education space.

Is China a Good Base for Online English Teaching?

China can be a fantastic base for the right type of teacher. If you’re already in the country with a legal teaching job, supplementing your income with online work can give you greater flexibility, more savings, and the chance to diversify your teaching experience. It’s especially rewarding if you enjoy structured environments and want to develop professionally while living in a culturally rich and dynamic part of the world.

However, China isn’t always ideal for full-time digital nomads. Between censorship, visa uncertainty, and limited access to foreign payment tools, those relying entirely on online work may find life there more complicated than in countries with clearer digital nomad frameworks.

That said, if you’re experienced, tech-savvy, and willing to work within some limitations, China still offers one of the most rewarding backdrops for hybrid English teachers who want to build a meaningful life abroad while staying connected to global learners.

Useful Resources and Next Steps

• Teach English in China
• English Teaching Jobs in China
• Teach English Online Guide