5 Unique Lifestyle Features for ESL Teachers Living in China

Introduction to ESL Life in China

There are countless articles about life in China. In the last few decades, a huge number of teachers have made the journey to Asia, finding jobs as ESL teachers in one of the largest, oldest countries on Earth.

However, there are a few unique features for ESL teachers living in China, including unexpected technological developments and cultural navigations that set this teaching destination apart from others in Asia.

Learning All About WeChat and App Purchasing

WeChat is the most important technological application in China. For ESL teachers living in China, it’s essential to quickly learn how this app functions. It serves as the primary method of communication, the way companies update their employees, and the platform used for regular government announcements.

Furthermore, for foreign English teachers in China, WeChat is responsible for maintaining daily functions. It’s used for purchases with a QR code linked to local Chinese bank accounts. Tickets for trains and planes can also be purchased cheaply and conveniently through the application.

There are also social media aspects used on WeChat allowing people to share their lives, post photos and follow Chinese-centric news updates. Voice messaging, video conferencing, games, translation features and meme sharing are all mainstay features of the application.

In a world where numerous applications compete for users and features, understanding how the government-regulated WeChat application operates in China is vital to anyone teaching English abroad.

Huge Pedestrian Zones

While many countries in Europe design their cities with central plazas and market squares for pedestrian use, China has vast zones in each city specifically set aside for foot traffic or recreational use.

Temples are largely considered areas of cultural heritage with open spaces for contemplation, meditation and following traditions. There are large park areas in virtually every major city where crowds often have public dances, tai chi classes or small sporting events. Due to the layout of Chinese cities, there are often wide sidewalks available to make storefront access easier.

China prioritizes pedestrian spaces to such a large extent that ESL teachers living in China can enjoy walking and biking throughout urban centers. It’s a pleasantly easy and attractive feature of the country and a strong perk for those interested in healthy, urban lifestyles while teaching abroad.

Getting Used to Saving Face

Chinese culture is ruled by certain social cues and mannerisms, just like any other country on Earth. China, in particular, is dominated by the idea of “Saving Face,” which is a hierarchical method of interacting with bosses, employees and other workers.

While the cultural mechanisms to understand saving face are hard to grasp for many Westerners, the applications are simple. Harmony in the culture is established through individuals fulfilling their role in an expected manner. This means that people in managerial positions are expected to have answers and clear directives and people in employee positions are expected to complete tasks within their skillsets.

Both of these features are intended to promote a positive self-image or company image. This cultural feature is tied to community dignity and personal prestige. For practical purposes, this means that foreign ESL teachers should avoid pointing out mistakes in front of peers or asking insistent questions that may be perceived as challenging authority.

Overall, ESL teachers working in China should learn how this cultural aspect operates in East Asia. It’s an important function of maintaining workplace harmony and adapting to the Chinese lifestyle.

Endless, Excellent Food

While Chinese food falls under a large variety, understanding the different philosophies behind Asia’s culinary identity is a wonderful way for ESL teachers living in China to access the culture.

Many Chinese traditional dishes are based in balances, where opposite flavors, spices or temperatures are aligned harmoniously. This concept is deeply rooted in Chinese traditional medicine and culinary history.

When trying new Chinese foods as an expat, try looking at food in the categories of color, aroma, taste and texture, which are the four aspects to balance when creating a good meal. The Four Natures—hot, warm, cool and cold—are also vital when considering the quality of a Chinese dish. Likewise, the traditional Five Tastes—pungent, sour, sweet, bitter and salty—are deeply considered when constructing a balanced dish.

For foreign English teachers living in China, food becomes not just a daily pleasure but a cultural education in itself.

Photos, Photos and More Photos

One of the interesting features to notice as an ESL teacher living in China is the photo culture. Many citizens, especially younger ones, are enamored with taking photos of unique sights, locations and activities.

There are many places set up in China designed specifically for photo opportunities. These include decorated walls, tea shops with specially designed pastries and overlook platforms.

For new ESL teachers arriving in China, expect to see a lot of people spending time and effort taking many excellent photos in a variety of locations. It’s a visual culture where appearance and aesthetics are highly valued—both in daily life and on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), Douyin and of course, WeChat Moments.

Conclusion

Overall, living in China as an ESL teacher will provide plenty of unique experiences that go far beyond the classroom. While many of these features can be found online or shared through forums, videos and expat blogs, some aspects of life in China need to be experienced firsthand.

From adapting to Chinese social norms to learning how to live cash-free with your phone, teaching English in China offers not just a career opportunity, but a full cultural immersion that’s unforgettable.