Teach English in Nanchang: The Complete Guide

Learn about the capital city of Jiangxi Province and what to expect teaching here

Nanchang at a Glance 

Nanchang (pronunciation: ['nɑ:n'tʃɑ:ŋ]) is the provincial capital of Jiangxi Province and the political, economic, cultural, technological and transportation hub. It is the only provincial capital city adjacent to the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and the Economic Zone on the West Side of the Straits. It is also one of the important central cities in east China and the Triangle of Central China. 

Nanchang has a rich history more than 2,200 years and is one of the state-list famous historical and cultural cities. It earned the title of Innovative City, International Garden City and the National Health City. 

Where Is Nanchang

Nanchang county is located in the north of central Jiangxi Province. The distance from Nanchang to Shanghai is about 370 miles by air whereas the distance from Nanchang to Guangzhou is about 417 miles by air. 

location of Nanchang
(Photo by Amap)

Population of Nanchang

According to Jiangxi Statistical Yearbook 2019, the population of Nanchang is 5,545,544 by 2018. 

Weather in Nanchang

Nanchang had 322 days with good or excellent air quality in 2019. Nanchang average high temperature is 34 °C while the average low temperature is 3°C. The average humidity is 70%. 

Situated in the downstream areas of Gan River and Fu River, Nanchang is in the southwest bank of Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China. Numerous rivers and canals crisscross and lakes are multitudinous and scattered around the territory. 

Nanchang has the subtropical humid monsoon climate, which indicates its distinctive dry and rainy season. The highest temperature in summer could reach 40°C and the winter is cold and dry. In contrast, spring and autumn are cool and pleasant.

How to Get to Nanchang

By Train

Nanchang has two major train stations. 

Nanchang Railway Station is 3 miles from Pavilion of Prince Teng, a crucial part of Nanchang railway hub and one of the most comprehensive railway stations in China and 

Nanchang West Railway Station is about 10 miles from Pavilion of Prince Teng and the first high-speed railway station in Nanchang city. 

By Air

Nanchang Changbei International Airport is located about 28 kilometres to the north of Nanchang downtown, which handled 13,524,159 passengers in 2018. 

Nanchang Airport
(Photo by Nanchang Airport)

Teach English in Nanchang, Jiangxi 

With the deepening of educational reform and opening up in Jiangxi Province, the international exchange programs are increasing and the scale of recruiting foreign teachers is expanding. By 2010, more than 60 primary schools, high schools and language training centres have obtained the qualifications of recruiting foreign teachers. 

International School Jobs in Nanchang

Nanchang has Limai Chinese American International School, Teensen International High School and other international departments of public schools.

These international schools mentioned above have their vision, mission and values. They hold the belief that every student is an independent individual and their personality difference should be respected during education. Education should be conducted in accordance with one's aptitude. In addition, teaching is a profession that requires a sense of responsibility and lifelong learning. 

In international schools as an ESL teacher, you should teach primary or high school students English courses and orginise other extra-curricular activities such as English clubs. Moreover, you should take part in school open days, do demo classes, test students’ oral English and make comments on their tests. In addition, you should maintain good relationships with students' parents and communicate regularly with them about students' academic performance. 

Kindergarten Jobs in Nanchang

In kindergartens, you should communicate quarterly with parents via emails and Report Cards/Progress Reports and schedule parent-teacher meetings on the appointed days on the progress of each child including data results from content areas. Besides, you should send a letter to parents advising them of content covered, projects required, tests scheduled and updates as needed. Using We Chat or any interactive communication’ tools to post pictures, comments and events are also advised in a professional manner. 

You should attend the weekly PD (Professional Development) sessions/updates on the content curriculum implementation or performing arts. You should also cooperate with the Chinese Head Teacher and participate in the specified class activities, including recess hours, notice board making and festival activities. You should prepare well each aspect of the lesson before the delivery of the lesson, interact with the students to induce curiosity, motivate and provoke thinking, imagination and application of the concept taught.

Training Centre Jobs in Nanchang 

There are more job opportunities in training centres in Nanchang for foreign ESL teachers, but the wages are not as attractive as that of international schools and kindergartens. However, one of the advantages of working in training centres is that their requirements and arrangement are more flexible. You can even apply for a part-time job in training centres with ¥200-¥300 per teaching hour. 

How Much Do You Get Paid to Teach in Nanchang

Type of School Monthly Basic Salary 
Training Centres¥13,125 ($1,875) - ¥16,500 ($2,357)
International Schools¥14,000 ($2000) - ¥19,333 ($2,762)
Kindergartens¥17,000 ($2,429) - ¥23,000 ($3,286)

According to 'Nanchang City & Salary 2020 Research Report', the average monthly basic salary in training centres is ¥14,813 ($2,116), international schools ¥16,667 ($2,381), kindergartens ¥20,000 ($2,867).

Nanchang ESL Jobs Requirements

According to 'Nanchang City & Salary 2020 Research Report', having a bachelor degree has been a precondition for all international schools, kindergartens and formal training centres. 

62.6% of jobs in training centres require English native speakers. The percentage of international schools is 50% and 100% in kindergartens. 

More than 75% of the jobs in training centres, international schools and kindergartens contain the requirement of above two years of working experience. 

Living in Nanchang 

Founded in 202 BC, Nanchang has a history of more than 2,200 years. It has rich cultural heritages and precious cultural imprints. The reputation has been passed down through the ages that 'there exists rich natural resources as well as outstanding people'.

Things to Do in Nanchang

Pavilion of Prince Teng

Tengwang Tower (Pavilion of Prince Teng) is known as the First Tower of Jiangxi, situated at the confluence of Gan River and Fu River. Standing by the city and overlooking the rivers, the Pavilion of Prince Teng is magnificent and unique. The Preface of Pavilion of Prince Teng written by Wangbo brought substantial reputation and fame to the pavilion.

pavilion of prince Teng
(Photo by nipic

Poyang Lake 

Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and the second largest lake in China. The lake plays an important role in adjusting the water level of the Yangtze River, conserving water, improving the local climate maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding areas. Poyang Lake Wetland Park includes many types of wetland resources. Poyang Lake has beautiful scenery all year around. Every year from November to April, 98% of the world's rare migratory bird species will come here one after another to spend the winter and reproduce.

Poyang Lake
(Photo by nipic

Cost of Living in Nanchang

  • Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: ¥15 ($2)
  • Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: ¥2,133 ($305)
  • Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax): ¥3,875 ($554)

Where to Live in Nanchang 

It is highly recommended to live in the downtown such as Donghu District, Xihu District, Gaoxing District and Honggutan District for expatriates.

There is a wide range of shopping malls, nightclubs and bars in Nanchang where the traditional culture and modern entertainments blend. 

Nanchang Subway Map

Nanchang Metro System has 2 lines and 50 stations. Line 3 and Line 4 are under construction.

Nanchang metro map
(Photo by TravelChinaGuide)

Nanchang City&Salary Report

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