I think with the new visa rules, it seems that leaving  for long term is better in SKorea. any ways, I haven't lived in china. I actually wanna go but that's because of my different situation. 

If you can find a way to do it where you have a good back-up plan in the US, such as a job to go back to with some notice, or can leave your current job in a way that you could return to that or a similar job with relative ease, that would be ideal. It would $uck to sit on a dream and grow old at your current job, but at the same time if you're going to "jump ship" and come over here, it'd be smart to leave a bridge open back home.

Apart from that there are certainly frustrations here but don't let the negativity on here cloud your judgement, I think it's quite a nice place to live for a period of time, just as long as you have a solid plan for getting the puck out if it doesn't turn out the way you hoped. Best luck

A back-up plan or contingency plan is a must for if all goes wrong here.

I came off-the-cuff in 2009 because my then gf-come-ex-wife didn't tell me in time about her visa.

WOrst decision ever.

I would take a really long look at it.

If you have the skills, experience and qualifications to get a job with no trouble when you want to return home, great.

Bear in mind that you may want to go home after a month.

It happens.

try before you commit go for a look first.Remember you may find it hard to get a good job or government job if you go back to the USA good luck to you

Have you considered applying to the Peace Corps? Friend of mine did it and he loved it!

This allowed him to work overseas, usually as a teacher, though he also did many odds &  ends jobs.  I think he was in Sichuan, but I cannot remember at the moment.

Not only will this allow you to experience life overseas, but you wont have to worry as much about the very valid points that Phil raises above.

That would be my recommendation at least.

Good luck!

In some ways at least, this isn't really the best time to be here - economy isn't great, visa rules are tightening, violence against foreigners is rising (check the news), ...

If you're a supervisor in a financial institution though, why do you think ESL is your only option?  If you can continue doing the same (or similar) work as in the US and getting paid the same salary in your home country wouldn't that be a better option?  If so then try and get sent (expat package) rather than just dropping everything.  If you get sent it typically means you continue on your current wage (with some benefits as payment for the "inconvenience" of being sent here).  Although I must add it's not easy to work that these days - expat packages have been slowly disappearing.  Even so, if your company is building up its presence here it may be possible. Or if not you could always find a company that is expanding here .  If on the other hand you drop everything and just come here you'll probably get paid a lot less among other things (another important aspect is whether the work you do will improve your employability on your return - do you want continue in finance for example?).  Coupled with any other issues you might have here it's not always worth it.  5 years is a big commitment, and like a lot of the others have said you'll at least need an exit plan because you might decide you wanna leave after a month or something.  So weigh it all up and make a careful decision rather than jumping into anything.

Inform yourself as much as possible before making any decision as to your best options. But also remember, this is not a dress-rehearsal for anything, this is YOUR life.

wtf is 'Asian Culture' ?  lifestyle, sure,, understandable.  Culture??  u wanna look at old pagodas and read ancient literature or sth?  People do not come here to study 'culture', well maybe a few academics.  People come here for the weird lifestyle.  Have u ever been in East Asia?  well, like others said, sure wouldn't burn my bridges.  If you think you so want to see E. Asia, take a holiday here. Wanna get taste of it b4 ?  real taste, not Lonely Planet crap...  lol   

www.bejingcream.com

www.shanghailist.com

www.chinasmack.com

Are you high? Or joking, you must be joking? I am sitting in a Starbucks in Los Angeles, 75% full of Chinese students and business men. The Chinese people in China would give their ... well they would, and do, make great sacrifices to more to the U.S. of A. I just spent A 2 weeks in England, 'bout the same there. 

Little joke, right? 

I am working on a plan to put me back in the States ASAP. 

Asian culture? When you return after a few years, you'll be qualified for nothing. I am not joking.

LOL haha give up a good job to live in China. Visit, yes (avoid the guided tours) but to live here? 

Yea, I love China, I really do, but I'm coming home ASAP. 

Do you want to teach English forever? I don't.

Think about it. Really?

Others have provided very good advice I believe.  I'd just like to emphasize that career wise, 5 years is a long time to be an ESL teacher.  If you are older and nearing retirement or extremely young (say 21 or 22) it might not hurt much but otherwise it will likely put a big damper on your future career prospects.  Either shorten your stay to say 2 years or find another way to come here as others have mentioned. 

Thank you all for your great comments, lots of good advises.  Even though I am pretty adventurous  I don't want to make irrational decisions. Btw about me loving "asian culture'..... I did live in one of the east asian countries for about 3 years, thats where that love for asia is coming from