Discover Chongqing
- Foreign Teacher
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Chongqing, one of China’s largest and fastest-growing cities, offers an exhilarating mix of natural beauty, urban excitement, and rich cultural heritage. As a teacher considering a move to Chongqing, you’ll discover a city that is both awe-inspiring and filled with professional and personal opportunities.
Known as the "Mountain City" for its dramatic landscape of hills and rivers, Chongqing is a place where tradition and modernity coexist. From ancient temples and teahouses to gleaming skyscrapers and lively shopping districts, the city's distinctive setting creates an unforgettable backdrop for expat life.
Teaching Opportunities in Chongqing
Teaching in Chongqing presents a wide range of professional opportunities within its rapidly expanding educational sector. As a key economic hub in western China, the city’s ongoing development has sparked a surge in demand for English education across international schools, universities, and private language centres.
Qualified English teachers are highly valued, with many positions offering competitive salaries, generous benefits, and ample prospects for career advancement. Coupled with a relatively low cost of living, teaching in Chongqing allows for a comfortable lifestyle while still saving money and enjoying the city’s countless cultural and recreational offerings.
The city’s deep-rooted respect for education and academic growth makes it an ideal destination for passionate, motivated educators seeking both impact and personal growth.
Daily Life and Culture in Chongqing
Living in Chongqing is nothing short of an adventure. The city is world-famous for its bold and fiery hotpot cuisine, an essential part of the local dining culture. Sharing hotpot is more than a meal—it’s a social experience. You’ll also find a wide range of restaurants offering everything from local street food to international dishes.
Chongqing also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with a buzzing array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and cultural performances. From traditional Chinese opera to modern art galleries, the city offers a diverse cultural calendar that ensures you’ll never run out of new experiences to explore.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
One of the most compelling reasons to live in Chongqing is its stunning natural environment. Nestled at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the city offers spectacular views and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as:
Yangtze River cruises
Hiking in nearby hills and nature parks
Visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Riding the Chongqing Passenger Cableway over the river for panoramic skyline views
For nature lovers and weekend explorers, Chongqing serves as a perfect launchpad to access scenic wonders throughout the wider Sichuan region.
Getting Around and Transportation
Chongqing’s public transport system is efficient, modern, and continually expanding. Its metro network connects all major districts and landmarks, making commuting to work or exploring the city convenient and affordable. Buses, taxis, and app-based ride services are also widely available.
Whether you’re navigating daily life or planning excursions to nearby towns and rural beauty spots, transportation in Chongqing is accessible and easy to master—even for newcomers.
Expat Life and Community in Chongqing
The expat community in Chongqing is growing steadily, supported by a network of local and international organisations, language exchange groups, and cultural events. Whether you’re attending a social gathering, a professional development workshop, or a Mandarin class, it’s easy to connect with like-minded individuals and build a fulfilling life abroad.
Locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, which helps many expats settle in comfortably. The welcoming nature of the community, combined with Chongqing’s dynamic atmosphere, makes it an ideal place for newcomers to find their footing and thrive.
Why Choose Chongqing?
In summary, Chongqing is a city that offers foreign teachers an exciting blend of career potential, cultural immersion, and natural splendour. With high demand for educators, affordable living, delicious cuisine, and a unique urban character, Chongqing stands out as a top-tier destination for those seeking a rewarding life abroad.
Whether you’re aiming to develop your teaching career, explore China’s western heartland, or simply embrace a new and inspiring lifestyle, Chongqing promises an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Chongqing
1. Ciqikou Ancient Town 磁器口古镇
A well-preserved old town featuring traditional architecture, narrow streets, local snacks, and handicrafts. It’s a perfect place to experience Chongqing’s ancient culture.
2. Hongya Cave 洪崖洞
A famous multi-story stilt house complex built along a steep cliffside, filled with restaurants, shops, and bars. It’s especially stunning at night when lit up.
3. Dazu Rock Carvings 大足石刻
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this complex of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist sculptures and carvings dates back over a thousand years, showcasing remarkable artistry.
4. Three Gorges Museum 三星堆博物馆
Located near People’s Square, this museum highlights the history and culture of the Three Gorges area and the Yangtze River, as well as the region’s natural environment.
5. Wulong Karst National Geology Park 武隆天坑地质公园
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes, featuring natural bridges, caves, and sinkholes. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers.
6. Chaotianmen Wharf 朝天门码头
The confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, this area is a major port and starting point for Yangtze River cruises. It offers panoramic views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline.
7. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street 解放碑步行街
A bustling commercial and entertainment district, known for its skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and the iconic Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei).
8. Wansheng Ordovician Theme Park 万盛奥陶纪主题公园
Famous for its thrilling glass skywalks and suspension bridges with breathtaking views of deep gorges and rugged mountains, this park is a must-visit for adrenaline seekers.
9. Fengdu Ghost City 丰都鬼城
A unique cultural site based on Chinese mythology, it’s known for its temples, shrines, and statues dedicated to the afterlife and the concept of the underworld.
10. Nanshan Mountain (South Mountain) 南山
A scenic mountain offering hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views of the entire Chongqing cityscape, especially breathtaking at night when the city lights up.
Cost of Living in Chongqing
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