Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
One of the biggest struggles that expats encounter when coming to China is the lack of English proficiency. While it’s no surprise that English fluency isn’t widespread in China, for first-time travelers, the language barrier can be a major cultural shock.
Education First (EF), a global organization specializing in language education, publishes an annual English Proficiency Index (EPI), based on data from online tests taken by nearly a million people across 72 countries. This year, China ranked 39th, with an overall score of 50.94, indicating "low proficiency." Despite this, some cities in China stand out for their relatively better English-speaking capabilities.
Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 Chinese cities ranked for English proficiency.
10. Xi’an
As the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an is renowned as the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the home of the Terracotta Warriors. With a population of 8.7 million, Xi’an earned a score of 50.24. While this puts the city in the “low proficiency” range, its rich historical attractions continue to attract foreign visitors. Efforts to boost English education, particularly in areas catering to tourism, are evident, though the city lags behind others in economic hubs.
9. Guangzhou
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and home to 13 million residents, is often considered an international trade hub, thanks to its Canton Fair and proximity to Hong Kong. Despite its economic prominence, Guangzhou scored 50.92, indicating low English proficiency. However, the city is actively improving its bilingual infrastructure, with an increasing number of signs, metro announcements, and tourist services in English to accommodate its significant foreign population.
8. Shenzhen
As one of China's most modern cities and a global tech hub, Shenzhen ranked slightly higher than Guangzhou, with a score of 50.98. With a population of 10.7 million, Shenzhen thrives as a Special Economic Zone, attracting expats and multinational businesses. Its proximity to Hong Kong ensures better exposure to English, though fluency remains limited outside professional circles.
7. Wuhan
The capital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, achieved a score of 51.11. Home to 10.6 million people, Wuhan is often considered central China’s economic and transportation hub. The city’s universities are playing a key role in fostering English education, hosting a significant number of international students and offering English-based programs.
6. Macau
With a population of just 647,700, Macau’s small size and its status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) make it unique. Macau scored 51.36, landing it in the middle of the top 10. As a global gambling destination, Macau has a higher concentration of English speakers in its casinos, hotels, and tourism industries.
5. Nanjing
As the capital of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing is a city steeped in history and culture. Home to 8.2 million people, the city earned a score of 52.48. While considered “low” proficiency, Nanjing stands out for its focus on education, boasting some of the country’s most prestigious universities. These institutions have been working to improve English language skills among students and faculty alike.
4. Tianjin
Tianjin, one of China’s four municipalities, ranked fourth with a score of 52.59, placing it in the “moderate proficiency” range. With a population of 15.4 million, Tianjin has a growing international presence, thanks to its large port and foreign investments. Its proximity to Beijing and increasing focus on English education contribute to its higher ranking.
3. Beijing
China’s capital, Beijing, is the country’s political, cultural, and educational hub. With a population of 21.7 million, Beijing scored 53.49, placing it among the top three cities for English proficiency. The city is home to numerous international organizations, embassies, and universities, making it a prime destination for expats. While English is commonly spoken in professional and tourist areas, the language barrier remains significant in residential neighborhoods.
2. Hong Kong
Hong Kong, with a population of 7.2 million, scored 54.29, securing its place as the second most English-proficient city in China. English is widely used in schools, businesses, and government. However, recent years have seen a decline in English proficiency, attributed to a growing emphasis on Cantonese and Mandarin as residents seek to differentiate from the Mainland.
1. Shanghai
China’s most populous city, Shanghai, claimed the top spot with a score of 55.54. With over 24 million residents, Shanghai is China’s financial capital and the most international city in the country. English is widely used in business, education, and tourism, and the city continues to attract foreign professionals and students. Shanghai’s modern infrastructure, including bilingual signs and announcements, makes it the easiest city for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.
