Chengdu is still very much a Chinese metropolis nowadays as opposed to the sleepy regional hub it used to be just a few years back. As more foreigners and businesses move in, the city is growing rapidly although don’t be surprised if you get stopped for ‘selfies’ by locals: foreigners are still a novelty in many parts of the city. Glimpses of traditional Chinese life are everywhere: old folks playing majong outside authentic tea houses and still speaking in their Sichuanese dialect, stubbornly holding back the advancement of Mandarin.

If you’re a foodie then you’ll absolutely love Chengdu and if you’re partial to spicy food then Sichuan is certainly the right province for you to live in. Living costs are still lower than other major TEFL cities yet the lifestyle is comparably better here.

Chengdu as a TEFL destination – What’s life like for an expat?

As an expat TEFL teacher who doesn’t splurge too much on Western luxuries, you can expect to live very comfortably in Chengdu with about USD 1,000 a month, and that includes shared housing, amenities, transport and internet connection on your mobile phone. Expats also note that locals are friendlier and more hospitable here and the pace of life is slower too, which all amounts to a very delightful lifestyle. There are countless interesting destinations within just a couple of hours of the city and that’s inarguably one of the best aspects of teaching English in Chengdu. Add to that the trifecta of ‘friendly people, excellent food and a healthy drinking culture’ and you’ve got yourself a winner.