China Traveler guide
CommuniTips:
Requirements for teaching English in China
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To be able to work legally in China, you must first get a work visa (Z-visa). To know how you can obtain a Z-via, click at this link:
http://middlekingdomlife.com/guide/preparing-arrival-china.htm
The Z-visa for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers usually fall under the category of "Foreign educational, scientific, cultural and medical experts." Such category requires that you should hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and more than two years of work experience, not necessarily as an English teacher but it could be in any area where English is heavily used.
If you don't have a bachelor's degree, or sufficient work experience, chances are you will be given a minimum pay. You also have a slimmer chance of being accepted.
These are the general guidelines, but be advised that each school, region, municipality and city in China has its own rules so check out those local rules first with your target school or location.