Adjusting to Life in China as an ESL Teacher

When first arriving in China, the new scenery can be overwhelming. Many areas have no English letters or even pinyin writing. However, with a little practice, it’s easy to find some of the best Chinese shops ESL teachers should know about.
New ESL teachers in China often search for reliable shopping options and foreign-friendly retail locations. Knowing where to shop in China as an expat can ease your cultural adjustment and day-to-day life.

Online Shopping in China: Taobao, TMall, JD.com

China does a fantastic job with its online shopping services. Once you have a Chinese bank account and a digital payment system like Alipay or WeChat Pay, you can purchase a lot of common and unique goods through Chinese internet stores.
Online shopping in China for foreigners is fast, cheap, and extremely convenient. Many ESL teachers in China use platforms like Taobao and JD.com for everything from school supplies to international snacks.

Taobao

Taobao is an excellent general-goods option, with over 800 million products listed online. It can directly work alongside another popular shopping application, Alibaba. However, make sure to purchase from reputable providers as there are many counterfeit products floating around Taobao. Despite this, Taobao is China’s largest digital marketplace.
Taobao is one of the best online shopping platforms for ESL teachers in China looking for budget-friendly deals. You can find everything from clothes to electronics on Taobao with English translation plugins.

TMall

Another option is TMall, which generally has high standards. There are no counterfeit goods since all sellers provide documents of authenticity prior to posting online. While they’re quite reliable, their selection is somewhat smaller than Taobao’s.
TMall is great for buying authentic products in China, especially international brands. Many ESL teachers use TMall for buying verified cosmetics, electronics, and clothing.

JD.com

Next up is JD.com. This is a great option for rapid shipping times. A massive network of company-owned warehouses and delivery pickup stations makes it a popular option.
JD.com is one of the fastest delivery services for ESL teachers in China needing essentials quickly. JD is also known for having genuine electronics and home goods with great return policies.

WeChat Brand Mall

Keep in mind, you can also do a lot of shopping through the digital WeChat Brand Mall.
The WeChat Brand Mall is a convenient online store built into the WeChat app, popular among expats in China. It offers access to many global brands and local stores from your phone.

Grocery Stores in China

Chinese grocery stores are packed full of familiar brands and have operations throughout major cities. They’re easy to navigate and labels are straightforward, even if you can’t read Chinese. Some of the larger and more popular shopping centers found in major cities include Carrefour, Walmart, Wu Mart and Chaoshifa. Generally, you won’t find many western products, but there are plenty of food and household goods options to provide a comfortable life. Keep in mind, there are very few dairy products since lactose intolerance is common in Chinese populations.

ESL teachers shopping for groceries in China often prefer Carrefour or Walmart for their consistent selection. These chains offer familiar layout and service styles that make food shopping easier for foreigners.

If you’re specifically looking for imported goods, there are European-centric shops in most Chinese cities.

Clothing Brands Popular in China

Clothing brands should be familiar to ESL teachers working in China, as many styles are popular on the Chinese market. Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Muji, Nike and Lululemon storefronts are quite popular, especially in the various Chinese supermalls around major cities.
ESL teachers looking for Western-style fashion in China can easily find international brands in shopping malls. Clothing stores in China cater to both local and international trends, making it easy to maintain your style abroad.

Note that Chinese people have different body frames than people from Western countries. Make sure to try on clothes before exiting stores to ensure they fit properly, especially across the shoulders.

Food and Coffee Chains Loved by Expats

While ESL teachers and other expats generally lean towards trying the local culinary scene, sometimes it’s nice to find comfort foods. Many Western brands enjoy extreme popularity in China. A few of the major ones found across cities include Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Costa Coffee, Wagas, McDonald’s and KFC. Note, there are also a lot of pizza places like Domino’s, but Chinese pizza tastes quite a bit different than Western pizzas.

Western fast food in China is extremely popular and easy to access in most cities. International coffee and fast food chains provide a taste of home for ESL teachers living abroad.

Chinese people usually avoid dairy-based cheese and have a preference for unique toppings. While buying pizza in China is an interesting experience, it tastes quite different than what westerners expect.

Conclusion: Shopping Tips for ESL Teachers in China

There are plenty of shops across China which can provide shopping opportunities or comforts for ESL teachers getting set up in China. Keep an eye out for your favorite brands, bakeries and new experiences as you start your ESL adventure.
Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothing, or tech, China has plenty of expat-friendly options. Knowing where to shop in China can help ESL teachers settle in faster and enjoy life abroad.