Chengdu Overview

The city of Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province and it happens to be one of the three most populated cities within western China. Though being a large city like New York City or Paris, teaching English in Chengdu offers a unique perspective on life in China. Everyone who chooses to go there to teach English is always impressed by what they can see and do.

The culture in Chengdu is prominent and it can be seen within the temples, the handicrafts that are made, the historical sites, and the festivals that take place. The locals within this city speak Chengdu dialect, which is a slight variation of Sichuan dialect. The local dialect is similar to the Mandarin that people speak in other cities within the country, but it is different enough to make others think twice before they speak! 

Basic Information About Chengdu

Location

This city is located within the plains of the country, but it is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges including the Longmen Mountains, the Qionglai Mountains, and the Longquan Mountains. 

Weather

The weather is fairly moderate in Chengdu, with winters getting colder than other areas of the country and the summers warming up without getting too hot. While it does rain quite a bit during the warmer months, it is not often that this city sees any significant amounts of snow.

Local Language

Fun fact: non-locals will want to be prepared to hear what they may perceive as yelling when the locals are talking in their native language. While it does sound like they are fighting, it is just the sound that the language makes, and it is normally a regular conversation.

Though being a large city like New York City or Paris, teaching English in Chengdu offers a unique perspective on life in China.

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Living in Chengdu: Cost of Living

Though being a major city, the cost of living in Chengdu is quite low compared to many other major cities. Therefore, most people will find that they can do extremely well when they choose to move to this area of the country. 

Rent

The rent for a single apartment in the city center is approximately $350 per month, and that could go down further to $220 if you choose to live outside of the center. For most positions hired in Chengdu, accommodation is mostly provided for free for foreign teachers.

Utilities

The utilities, including water, heat, electricity, internet, and television can cost upwards of $50 per month, while taking the bus is fairly cheap at $20 for a monthly pass.

Food

When talking about food, there are millions of options for you to choose in the city of Chengdu, which also has a reputation for having the best food in China. The price of food here is fairly reasonable and you are very likely to order a lot whenever dining out.

Teaching English in Chengdu

A beautiful journey awaits in Chengdu!

Things to Do in Chengdu

Hug a panda

One of the favorite things to do in the area is visit the giant pandas at one of the four panda reserves in the city. The four reserves are the Woolong Panda Research Center, the Dujiangyan Base, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base, and the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base. 

There are approximately fifty pandas at the Chengdu Center, which is why it is usually easiest for a person to see quite a few of them all at once there. This is also the best place to see numerous baby pandas, as well as swans, peacocks, and red pandas. 

The Dujiangyan Panda Base is perfect for those who want a more hands on experience, as they have the one-day panda keeper program.  The program allows visitors to hold a panda, make food for them, feed them, and even clean their enclosures. 

Wuhou Memorial Temple

The Wuhou Memorial Temple is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, who was one of the
country’s most famous historic figures. It is a major attraction within the city and many
people go there to see the numerous statues, as well as the inscriptions and tablets
that can be found there.

Sichuan Opera and Drama

One of the best cultural experiences in Chengdu is the Sichuan opera and the drama unfolds as the people on the stage change their masks to express their moods during the performance. 

Jinsha Ruin and Sanxingdui Site

There are plenty of historical sites within this city, but the most popular ones that everyone must visit include the Jinsha Ruin, the Sanxingdui Archaeological Site and Museum, and the Wuhou Memorial Temple. 

The Jinsha Ruin contains artifacts that are three thousand years old and it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites within China. The Sanxingdui Site has artifacts that are at least five thousand years old and it has the designation of being the largest museum in the southwestern part of China.  The most famous piece there is the world’s oldest life sized standing human statue. 

Mount Emei

People must also stop at Mount Emei, which is one of the four infamous Buddhist mountains within the country. 

Typical Teaching Jobs in Chengdu

Requirements

  • Have Obtained a Bachelor Degree
  • Passport Holders Of United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand Or South Africa
  • The Ability To Obtain A Clear Background Check
  • Teaching Experience Is Preferred But Not Required 

Salary & Benefits

  • Monthly salary: 10,000 RMB ~ 25,000 RMB
  • Accommodation support (provided or allowances)
  • Flight reimbursement
  • Work visa support
  • Cultural and social activities
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Local support

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