Discover Haikou:
teaching English in Haikou

Why Haikou

Highlights and interesting facts

Haikou, known as the Coconut City, has a long history as a port, which is preserved in the historic Qilou Old Street district. This area features distinctive arcaded buildings that combine European and Asian architectural styles, built by returning overseas merchants in the nineteenth century. Today, these streets are filled with tea houses, local shops, and street food vendors selling coconut chicken and Hainanese rice noodles.

The island culture is distinct from the mainland, offering a relaxed environment that values outdoor recreation and slow afternoons. The city has several public parks and waterfront boardwalks, such as Evergreen Park, where residents gather under palm trees to play chess, exercise, and socialize. The proximity to the sea means fresh seafood is a central part of daily dining, and local markets and restaurants offer affordable seafood dishes across the city.

The teaching scene

One of the region's fastest-growing markets

The teaching market runs on public schools, private language centres, and universities, with some opportunities in bilingual schools. For early-career teachers, finding a position in a private training centre or a public middle school is the most common path. To legally teach here, you must obtain a work permit from the Hainan provincial government, which requires you to follow the guidelines in the Z-visa guide to get all documents authenticated. Public schools offer stable schedules, national holidays, and a supportive environment for new teachers.

For those who want higher compensation, the international and bilingual schools in the city are a primary target. These positions usually require formal home-country qualifications, so you should check the degree requirements before you apply. When you finalize a contract, you will need to prepare your personal files, and the apostille guide explains how to get your credentials verified. Universities in the city, such as Hainan University, also recruit foreign lecturers, offering relaxed schedules and long vacations, although the base pay is lower than in the private sector.

Cost of living

A tier 2 city at a fraction of the rent

Living costs are moderate, especially when compared to mainland first-tier cities or the southern resort town of Sanya. Housing is affordable, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs a fraction of the rent in a megacity. Many teachers choose to live in the Longhua District for its central location and proximity to parks, while others prefer the Meilan District for its quieter residential streets. Utilities, internet, and mobile phone services are cheap, so they represent only a minor part of a monthly budget.

Daily expenses like food and local transportation are also low. You can eat a filling meal of local pork noodles or a coconut dessert at a neighbourhood shop for a low price, which makes it easy to eat out regularly. Western cafes, restaurants, and imported goods are concentrated in the shopping centres around Guomao, and while these cost more than local options, they remain inexpensive. Because rent and food require so little of your income, a standard teaching salary allows you to save money while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Climate through the year

June summers and seasonal weather

The local climate is tropical monsoon, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Summers are long, hot, and wet, and temperatures peak in June, when the sea breeze provides some relief from the high humidity. Winters are short and mild, and temperatures in January remain comfortable, rarely dipping below fifteen degrees. Although the winter weather is pleasant, the high humidity can make the air feel damp on overcast days.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. The transition periods are short, and sea breezes keep the air fresh and clean compared to industrial cities on the mainland. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from May to October, and typhoons are a regular feature of late summer, bringing strong winds. Arriving in late August or early September is ideal, as it allows you to settle into your new home before the winter months.

Getting around

A cheap flat outside the centre no longer means a painful commute

Navigating the city is simple because of an extensive public bus network and a light rail line that connects the northern coast to the southern districts. The buses cover almost every street in the city, which links the residential areas to the old town and the ports. Fares are cheap and flat-rate, and you can pay easily with mobile applications on your phone. For short journeys, public shared bicycles are parked on almost every sidewalk, which provides a convenient way to travel.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful and inexpensive, especially for late-night travel when public transport is closed. The city is connected to the Hainan eastern ring high-speed railway, and trains run to Sanya in under two hours, making weekend beach trips easy. Haikou Meilan International Airport, located southeast of the city, offers direct flights to domestic cities and international destinations, which makes it easy to plan travel during holidays.