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Volunteer Programs in China

Volunteer in China, a vast country filled with modern skyscrapers, rural farmlands, and palaces from ancient dynasties. Explore one of the only man made landmarks that can be seen from space, the Great Wall of China, and practice Mandarin, the most spoken language in the world. With a great need for volunteers in the fields of education, childcare, and wildlife conservation, China has a volunteer placement for everyone. Combine ancient cultural exploration with fulfilling community service, and you have volunteering in China, the trip of a lifetime.
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25 Volunteer Programs in China

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Giant Panda Center in Chengdu, China

Volunteers are invited to assist in an exciting and meaningful program with giant pandas in China! Their survival is of high importance and time is of the essence when it comes to saving this species. The China Conversation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) is situated in Bifengxia, the branch of Woolong. For over 20 years the organization has worked for the preservation of the Panda population and has now resolved three key problems of breeding which restricted reproduction of the panda for a long time. The current panda birth and survival rates are some of the best in the world. The captive panda population of the program has risen from an initial 6 animals to over 70 pandas. In 2003 the first stage of a state of the art panda base was completed - a veritable panda paradise. It is divided into 6 sections - panda raising and breeding area, scientific study area, food preparing and animal hospital area, staff living area, bamboo base area and tourist accommodation area. Volunteer tasks include cleaning enclosures, preparing food and feeding these beautiful animals!

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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GoBeyond Student Travel

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GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

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Omeida Chinese Academy

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Volunteer in China + Study Chinese

Volunteer for a few hours from Monday to Friday and receive free accommodation in our dorms or free lunch and dinner meals in our school cafeteria. The rest of the time is yours, which you can spend hanging out with new friends and exploring nearby attractions! Volunteers interested in studying Chinese may receive discounts on course tuition. Our language students are given priority for placements. Volunteer opportunities include: - English Language Partner or English Corner Host (Adult Students) - Digital Marketing or Web Development Specialist - Summer Camp Photographer or Videographer Omeida Chinese Academy lies in China's most breathtaking location: Yangshuo, Guilin. Ancient-looking karst mountains and beautiful rivers immerse this town in spectacular beauty, making it one of the most popular adventure destinations in Asia. Rock climbing, cave exploring, cycling, and rafting are just a few of the well-known activities. We have a Chinese academy for foreigners, as well as an English school for Chinese natives. Students from these two schools live, eat, study, and hang out together – creating a natural language exchange environment.

Rustic Pathways

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China Travel Programs - Rustic Pathways

Explore the enchanting wonders of China, where ancient meets modern. You’ll experience both by visiting historical and contemporary sites and volunteering at the Panda Conservation Center. Discover the iconic Great Wall, savor the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine, and witness the beauty of traditional arts. Wonders of China: Join this fast-track adventure for students ages 14-18 and explore the country's best! You’ll witness rich heritage on this incredible journey from Beijing and Shanghai to the Great Wall!

Lingoinn Teacher Homestay

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Immersive Learning: Homestay with Professional Teachers

Lingoinn offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Chinese language while experiencing authentic local culture through our homestay program. This is open to adult learners of all backgrounds and language levels, with no prior knowledge of Chinese required. You will stay at a teacher’s home, where lessons are customized to your needs and can take place indoors or in real-world settings like parks or markets. The program's flexibility means you can choose the city, course intensity, and number of cultural activities or tours you'd like to join, creating a truly personalized learning experience. Our Homestay with Professional Teachers in China programs last one to four weeks or longer, depending on your schedule and goals. Lessons begin on Mondays, with arrivals scheduled for the weekend before. This tailored homestay setup accelerates your language skills while providing a comfortable, engaging environment where you can experience Chinese culture first-hand.

Cultural Homestay International

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Teach English to a Host Family in China!

CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Beijing and in Shanghai to carefully screen and interview host families. Once your application is received, our partners work hard to find a family that is the right fit for your personality. You will have a local coordinator that you can contact for support when you are a World Explorer in China. You don’t need to speak the local language – but if you are interested in signing up for Mandarin classes, we can help you do so at an affordable price. Beijing and Shanghai are two of the biggest and most exciting cities in the world. While Beijing offers more historical sights, Shanghai offers a coastal environment. Both cities have excellent public transportation. Our host families are extremely hospitable and are great guides. Chinese people are very proud of their culture and enjoy sharing it with foreigners. If you are thinking about getting certified to be an ESL teacher, World Explorers is for you. You will gain hands on experience teaching English in China, while making long-lasting friendships with your hosts.

Involvement Volunteers International

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Turtle Conservation in Huidong, China

If you’re passionate about turtle conservation, this program offers a rare chance to work closely with one of the ocean’s oldest and most captivating creatures, sea turtles. Located at a dedicated turtle reserve in Huidong, this project is home to four different sea turtle species. You’ll gain hands-on experience while learning about these remarkable animals through direct observation and active participation in their care. Your tasks will include feeding the turtles, cleaning their enclosures, and helping to maintain a clean and safe habitat by removing litter from the beach. You may also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific research and participate in community education efforts that promote awareness of the importance of sea turtle conservation. Beyond the practical work, this experience allows you to engage with the local community, deepen your cultural understanding, and collaborate with conservationists and university students who share your enthusiasm for marine life. The reserve is set in a scenic coastal town that hosts China’s only natural sea turtle breeding ground—and the largest marginal sea in the country.

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Wanderlust Exchange

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Wanderlust Culture Home-stay English Teaching Program

Wanderlust Au Pair China Program integrates educational travel, Mandarin learning, childcare, and English tutoring for native or proficient English speakers 18 years and older. Embark on a transformative cultural journey with local host families while enjoying the benefits of our comprehensive package, including free Chinese language course, international insurance, cultural activities, flight stipend, etc. By offering 30 hours of live-in childcare and English teaching per week, you have an opportunity to foster meaningful relationships and start an extraordinary cultural odyssey - where language, tradition, modernity and adventure converge in the heart of China! Apply if you: - Are 18-28 years old - Have completed secondary school - Are proficient in English - Have no criminal record - Have a genuine interest and respect for Chinese culture - Have teaching/tutoring experience would be a plus

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Stepping Stones China

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Volunteer to Teach English to Children in Rural China

Volunteers are needed to teach fun activities to underserved children and youth in rural China. Each class has about 15–30 children in community centres and about 35 students in schools. Time commitment: A minimum of 3 full weeks during school term (September-December, February-June) or winter/summer holidays (January, July-August). Requirements: 18 years old+; Speaking English well and confidently (native-level English NOT required); enjoying interacting with children and young adults. Volunteers need to individually arrange and pay for a visa, insurance, meals, any international transport, etc. If teaching time is less than three weeks, volunteers need to cover all or part of the domestic transport and accommodation costs individually. Location: Schools or community centres outside of Shanghai. Accommodation costs provided by Stepping Stones for placements of 3 weeks or more only. Registration process: After registration, all volunteers participate in an interview and complete our online Orientation. Those accepted will complete training and submit the required documents. We will confirm dates and location for placement.

Meiji Internships

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Hong Kong Internship with Meiji Internships

Hong Kong is a magical, futuristic city built by the ancient civilization of China 5000 years ago. The harbor city is known worldwide for being the place where the West and the East meet. This and the fact that a big part of the Asian economy relies on its financial market make Hong Kong a popular internship destination. 
 Combining fascinating contrasts, unique adventures, and exhilarating energy, Hong Kong offers visitors an amazing array of thrilling experiences. ・Treat yourself to Michelin-starred dim sum without breaking the bank. ・Burn calories with a view at Dragon’s Back. ・Marvel at the skyline in all its sparkling glory from Victoria Peak. ・Have a magical time at Hong Kong Disneyland.
 As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 400+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

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Globe Aware

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Volunteer with Globe Aware - Changing China

IMPORTANT NOTE: Globe Aware doesn't have upcoming volunteer vacations in China due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, along with related travel bans and closures. Join a volunteer vacation program abroad and discover the stark contrast between China’s poverty and soaring consumerism as well as between ancient traditions and the rush to modernization. You will meet “migrant” people from the countryside who are marginalized in cities and children with no access to health care or public education. This program is based on the outskirts of Beijing where you’ll work in a nonprofit middle school for migrant children. Projects and priorities vary each week, and these include painting classrooms, improving bathroom facilities, and building furniture. You will also teach English pronunciation and other essential skills. Volunteers stay at a modest hotel situated minutes away from the project site. Each room has private bathrooms with modern amenities. You will have meals with the group at local eateries.

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

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Care for Stray Dogs at Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation (SKSFF) in Hong Kong offers a great chance for individuals and groups to help stray dogs. Whether you're looking for work experience or want to volunteer, SKSFF provides a rewarding environment. You can walk dogs, help with feeding and cleaning, and build friendships with the dogs, making them more adoptable. For businesses, SKSFF offers away days and group visits, perfect for team-building while helping stray dogs. By joining these programs, you not only help the dogs but also have a fulfilling experience. SKSFF is open 365 days a year, so there are always opportunities to get involved. If you are visiting Hong Kong, consider volunteering with us to make your trip more meaningful.

United Planet

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Volunteer Abroad in China | United Planet

Home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, China offers volunteers the opportunity to experience its enormous diversity. Despite the rapidly growing economy, they will see the country's complicated history that affects its status on a global scale. As a volunteer, you will live and work in Changsha. Known for its delicious, spicy fare and beautiful riverbanks, ancient relics and modern skylines can be found at every turn. You'll reside in the suburban Wangcheng district. You'll build relationships with local elementary and middle school students and their families by teaching them English.

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in China

Locations

Shanghai, the most populous city in the world, is located in east China on the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta. Originally a fishing village, Shanghai is now a popular tourist destination, known for its modern skyline, historical and cultural landmarks such as the Yu Garden, and as the global finance center. Popular placements in Shanghai include working in orphanages, teaching English, or volunteering with children with disabilities.

Beijing is China’s capital city located in the north. Volunteering in Beijing gives volunteers the chance to visit the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Full of historical buildings and landmarks from ancient Chinese dynasties, Beijing is a city that allows travelers to immerse themselves in China’s extensive history. Placements in Beijing are similar to Shanghai - working with children with disabilities and orphanages are both very popular. There are also plenty of opportunities to teach English in Beijing.

Another popular location for volunteering in China is Xi’an. Located in the northwest of China in the center of the Guanzhong Plain, Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Warriors and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Volunteers can visit sites such as the Shaanxi Grand Opera House, the Xi’an mosque, or take a dip in the Huaqing Hot Springs. Popular volunteer placements in Xi’an include teaching English and helping with childcare. 

Chengdu is a city located in southwest China and is known as the “country of heaven” or “the land of abundance”. Home to to Panda Research and Breeding center, Chengdu is a popular place for volunteers seeking to work with pandas.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding volunteering opportunities in China can be achieved by collaborating with NGOs or looking for program providers that might recommend volunteer programs that will match your interests and skillsets.

You need to obtain an F visa suitable for non-commercial exchanges, such as cultural, scientific, or educational activities. In addition, provide proof of your volunteer work and an invitation letter from the organization you will be working.

There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone in China, particularly in leading destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi'an, especially for causes such as education, childcare, or animal conservation.

Volunteering for free in China may need a thorough search for volunteer opportunities from organizations or NGOs. However, many programs cover meals and accommodation, so you don’t need to worry about anything but personal expenses.

Latest Program Reviews

A life changing experience

December 13, 2025by: Irene Neal - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
9

I was looking for an escape from my comfortable lifestyle at home in Canada. I wanted to share my passion helping others less fortunate than myself. I searched international volunteering programs, have volunteered in four countries in 2025, and can truly say these experiences have changed my life. How do you feel when an elderly person in a old people's home in Zambia begs you to stay with them and share stories and smiles? What happens to you when the school children in Ghana hug you so tight you lose your breath? What overtakes your mind when you introduce positive ideas to women in an impoverished village in Sri Lanka, and see them take possession of new personal empowerment? Let me tell you. It grabs you by the heart and nourishes your soul. It makes you want to come back again and again. Which is exactly what I plan to do in 2026.

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