Discover Xiamen:
teaching English in Xiamen

Why Xiamen

Highlights and interesting facts

Fujian Province is known for its mountainous terrain and coastal trade, and Xiamen has long served as its main window to the outside world. The city has a long history as a trading port, reflected in the architectural styles throughout the old districts. Walking through Siming, you will see traditional red-brick buildings standing alongside colonial-style structures. Local culture is deeply influenced by Minnan traditions, including a distinct dialect, regional opera, and a strong tea culture. Taking time to enjoy Gongfu tea with friends is a daily ritual for many residents.

One of the most famous areas is Gulangyu, a pedestrian-only island a short ferry ride away, known for its historical villas and winding paths. The city has a strong academic connection, highlighted by Xiamen University. Founded by philanthropist Tan Kah Kee in 1921, the campus sits right next to the sea. The local cuisine is fresh and mild, focusing on seafood, peanut soup, and savory oyster omelets. Public parks and coastal roads encourage residents to spend their free time outdoors walking, cycling, or relaxing by the water.

The teaching scene

One of the region's fastest-growing markets

The teaching scene in Xiamen offers a variety of opportunities, though it is smaller than the markets in Tier 1 cities. Xiamen trades on being one of the most pleasant cities in China to live in, which keeps teacher demand high relative to its size. The market is universities, training centres and a modest international-school sector; pay is second-tier. Because it's a sought-after posting, jobs can be competitive, so apply early for the August school-year intake.

Salaries align with the city's second-tier status. Entry-level teachers can expect a comfortable local salary that covers their living expenses, while experienced educators at international schools earn higher wages that allow for significant savings. Public schools and universities offer stable hours and long holidays, which is ideal for travel. Xiamen University and Jimei University are the main higher education employers. Private training centres offer higher starting salaries but require evening and weekend work. Teaching candidates should be aware of the standard degree requirements for legal teaching positions, as well as the process of getting documents prepared, as detailed in the apostille guide. International schools pay the most but require home-country teaching credentials and experience. Since the school year begins in September, spring is the best time to apply.

Cost of living

A tier 2 city at a fraction of the rent

Living costs in Xiamen are moderate, allowing teachers to live comfortably and save money. Xiamen is built on an island, and that island is the desirable part. Siming, the southern half near Xiamen University and the sea, is the most-wanted address, commanding higher rents for a one-bedroom; the northern Huli district is a touch cheaper; and crossing to Jimei on the mainland, a university town, drops rent to a fraction of the cost of living on the island itself.

Beyond rent, day-to-day living costs in Xiamen stay gentle. A bowl of satay noodles or a plate of oyster omelet from a seaside shop costs very little, which is why eating out is the default rather than a treat. Wet markets near the older districts sell fresh seafood and produce for a fraction of supermarket prices. Utilities run cheap outside the humid summer months when air conditioning is on constantly, and a monthly transport pass is inexpensive enough to be barely noticeable on a teacher's budget.

Climate through the year

July summers and seasonal weather

The climate is one of the main reasons people choose to move here. Xiamen has a warm subtropical maritime climate that is a major selling point: mild winters and warm summers, though it sits in the typhoon belt, so late-summer storms are part of the deal. Gulangyu island, the beaches and the seafront make the city feel more like a resort than a workplace, and the metro and bus network knit the island and mainland together.

Winters are mild, and a light jacket is enough for cooler evenings. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and light rain showers as the city warms up. Summer is long and humid, but sea breezes help. Late summer and early autumn bring typhoons, when strong storms can occasionally close schools for a day. Autumn is the best season, offering dry, sunny days and comfortable weather.

Getting around

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

Navigating the city is straightforward due to an extensive public transportation network. A monthly transport pass is inexpensive, which is very reasonable compared to larger cities. The metro system connects the major districts on Xiamen Island with Jimei and the mainland. The public bus network is also extensive, including a Bus Rapid Transit line running on elevated roads above the traffic.

For short trips, shared bicycles are available throughout the city, unlocked via a smartphone app. Taxis and ride-hailing services are cheap and plentiful. The city is also a transport hub, with high-speed rail lines connecting to Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on the north of the island offers flights to domestic and international destinations.