Discover Nantong:
teaching English in Nantong

Why Nantong

Highlights and interesting facts

Nantong is defined by its historic Hao River, a preserved ancient city moat that wraps around the old town centre like a necklace. The Hao River scenic area is the focus of local life, where residents walk along lakeside paths and gather in the evenings to enjoy the waterfront pavilions and gardens. The city is also famous for its textile industry, which was founded in the late nineteenth century and has shaped the local economy and culture for generations.

The local culture is shaped by its geographic position between the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea, resulting in a distinct culinary scene that features fresh river fish and seafood. Local dishes are cheap and popular, with steamed river fish and local pastries being staples in neighbourhood restaurants. The city is also home to Langshan, or Wolf Mountain, a scenic hill on the river bank that offers green hiking trails and views of the shipping channels.

The teaching scene

One of the region's fastest-growing markets

The teaching market runs on public middle 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 Jiangsu 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 Nantong 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 3 city at a fraction of the rent

Living costs are comfortable, especially when compared to nearby Suzhou or Shanghai. Housing is highly affordable, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs a fraction of the rent in a first-tier city. Many teachers choose to live in the central Chongchuan District for its access to parks and shopping, while others prefer the newer development zones for their modern apartment complexes. Utilities, internet, and mobile phone services are cheap, so they represent only a minor part of a teacher's monthly budget.

Daily expenses like food and local transportation are also low. You can eat a filling meal of local wonton soup or steamed dumplings at a neighbourhood restaurant 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 the Hao River and Zhongnan City. 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

August summers and seasonal weather

The local climate is humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons that reflect the coastal geography of eastern China. Summers are long, hot, and humid, and temperatures peak in August, when the damp ocean air brings frequent rainfall. Winters are short and cold, and temperatures in January remain above freezing but damp. Although snowfall is relatively light, the high humidity can make the air feel cold, and because central heating is not standard in the region, apartments rely on individual air conditioning units for warmth.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times of the year, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. The transition periods are short but beautiful, with green trees in the spring and cool sea breezes in the autumn. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season in June and July, which can temporarily flood local streets near the canal system. Arriving in late August or early September is ideal, as it allows you to settle into your new home during the comfortable autumn months.

Getting around

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

Navigating the city is simple because of a modern subway system that has grown quickly to connect the major districts. The metro lines cross the city from north to south and east to west, which links the residential areas to the railway stations and the new business districts. Fares are cheap and based on distance, and you can pay easily with mobile applications on your phone. For short journeys, public shared bicycles are parked on almost every corner, which provides a convenient way to travel.

Buses cover the areas not reached by the subway, offering cheap routes across the city. 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 high-speed rail network, and trains run across the Yangtze River bridge to Shanghai in about an hour. Nantong Xingdong International Airport, located northeast of the city, offers flights to major domestic destinations, which makes it easy to plan trips during holidays.