HANGZHOU

QUICK FACTS

Culture

Hangzhou is the capital of East China’s Zhejiang Province and a popular location for tourists. As well as being one of China’s seven ancient capitals, it is also now a tier 1 city and home to two World Heritage Sites, West Lake, and the Grand Canal. Hangzhou is also the “Capital of Tea in China” and the historic centre of China’s silk production, making it a city filled with lots of history and places to explore.

West Lake

West Lake is Hangzhou’s main attraction. With its pagoda toppled hills and scenic gardens, it is great for sunset cruises or long walks.

Meijiawu Tea Plantation

Meijiawu Tea Plantation is located in the hills surrounding West Lake and is perfect for a historical day trip. While visiting the plantation, you can assist a local tea grower with picking tea leaves and learn more about the history of longjing tea. This is also a great place to try some of Hangzhou’s specialty tea dishes.

Cuisine

Dishes such as sweet and sour West Lake fish and fried shrimps in Longjing tea are a specialty in Hangzhou, and the cuisine in this part of China is generally made up of sweet and light flavours. In local restaurants, different types of Chinese cuisine can be found and there are options for westernized food.

Weather

Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate which is mild and humid. The average annual temperature in Hangzhou is 17 °C (62 °F). The coldest month in Hangzhou is January with an average daily high of 8°C (46°F) and the hottest month is July with an average daily high of 34 °C (92 °F). The driest and rainiest months in Hangzhou are December and June.

Hangzhou’s air quality is generally good.

Airports

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Job Type

Positions are available throughout the year in our Monkey Tree English Learning Centre in Hangzhou, in the Yuhang District.

  • 40 working hours per week (including up to 25 teaching hours per week and up to 30 teaching hours during Summer term)
  • Salary: 16 000 – 18 000 RMB per month
  • Rewarding bonus upon contract completion
  • Assistance with obtaining a Z-visa (working permit and residence permit paid for)
  • 11-13 public holidays per year
  • 10 days of paid annual leave
  • Small class sizes (4-8 per class)
  • Fully prepared and tailored curriculum
  • Assistance with finding accommodation
  • Comprehensive training program

Country Facts

Cost of living

－The cost of a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant in Hangzhou starts at 34 RMB and a meal in a local restaurant can cost around 45 RMB. A weekly grocery shop can cost around 130 RMB.

－Sim card plans can be quite cheap in mainland China and up to 100 RMB, a month is enough for a package that includes data, calls, and texts. As most people communicate through WeChat, you would mostly need data on your plan.

－Utility costs can be between 330 RMB and 600 RMB per month.

－The cost of a gym membership is around 290 RMB per month.

Accommodation

Between 2,700 RMB and 8,000 RMB per month. Two months of rent is usually required upfront, along with one month of rent as a deposit. In some cities, three months of rent is required upfront with a deposit.

+ Pros

+ Large expat community and popular destination for expats, lots of scenic spots to travel to and experiences such as tea plantations to visit and lakes. Shanghai is less than an hour away via bullet train.

− Cons

− Living costs are rising compared to lower-tier cities and air quality reduces a bit during winter.