Jobs in Hangzhou for foreigners

Working in Hangzhou as a foreigner

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and the home of Alibaba’s headquarters, so e-commerce, tech and live-streaming companies hire here as well as schools. Most roles open to Westerners on this page are teaching jobs, from kindergartens to international high schools. In October 2026, the teaching ads that gave a salary offered between ¥16,000 and ¥35,000 a month.

Daily life costs less than in Shanghai: China Briefing’s 2026 survey gives Hangzhou a cost index of 75, against 100 for Shanghai. Shanghai is about an hour away by high-speed train, so many people living in Hangzhou still go there for weekends, flights and events.

Do I need Mandarin to work in Hangzhou?

For teaching jobs, usually not: schools hire native English speakers and teach in English. Corporate roles ask for Chinese more often. On SilkPath, every ad that requires Chinese carries a badge, so you can see it before you apply.

Which visa do I need?

The same as anywhere in mainland China: your employer applies for a work permit, you enter on a Z visa, then you get a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. Our guide on how to get a work visa in China covers each step.

Hangzhou or Shanghai?

Shanghai has far more jobs and higher salaries; Hangzhou is calmer, greener and cheaper. Compare them in our guide to the best cities in China for expats and in the China cost of living guide.