Find another, better paid job.
Then - or negotiate with current school, or go for another one that is ready...

Know the going rate, don't ask for silly money, you won't get USA / UK rates of pay, this is China.

Look up some job adverts in your area, print them off.

Apply for those jobs, just don't accept them yet.

Stay polite at all times.

Show your boss those adverts to let him know YOU know the going rate.

If your boss cannot / won't give you the salary, consider extras, e.g. Holidays, flat allowance, less working hours etc.

If you've been provisionally accepted for another job, YOU have all the bargaining power, let your boss know YOU know this, just don't tell him where you've been accepted for (or you may find the 'offer' is 'withdrawn').

In the end if nothing gives you need to consider how much you need the job, can you afford to take a holiday for a few months? If so walk, if not eat humble pie and accept.

If you want to stay in the same school,the best tip for a better salary is good performance .Otherwise,you can search for other schools from now on and choose a better one when your contract expires.

If your contract is up in November it seems to me that u have a little bargaining power. I doubt they would like u to leave before the Spring Festival.

Proving your experience and ability and qualifications is always the first step.make them like you and want you then baaaaam start talking numbers with them........you won't leave that meeting without getting what you want...................

Open your mouth. Don't be shy.

When all is said and done, it's a game. You vs. them. Decide what you want, and then make it realistic. What is non-negotiable to you? What is important? From my understanding, anything after 5,000 yuan is taxable, so you have to be creative. Does additional income come from bonuses and perks? Do you value classroom extras as being "part of the package?" I do.

In my second year at my current college, I opted for equipment and conditions that would make my job easier and help the students learn better. Like a projector and DVD player (including sound system). I also told them I wanted an AC/heater in the class. My students were freezing in the winter and roasting in the summer (my class is on the sunny side of the building). This upgraded the classroom; and I went from a "bearable" environment to one that is actually enjoyable. Do you have a "dedicated" classroom? If not, demand it under the auspice of calling it a "language lab." That way, only you will have access to the room and can treat it like you want!! It will also help your students feel like they are a part of something unique.

So, it depends on your long range plans. Some questions to ask yourself? Do you enjoy working at the school? Do they generally treat you fairly, and value your contribution to the student body? Do they listen? All in all, it is about quality of life (yours), and what you expect out of your experience while in China. If they want to be a hard-ass, move on. If they are willing to provide some extras (whether through creative accounting or, as I mentioned, classroom enhancements), then stay where you are. You already have established a working relationship with them. Another school means starting from square one again.

As pointed out above. Be polite, but be firm. There has to be a reckoning in your mind where you say, "Here's the line." Only you know where that line is. Good luck in your negotiation.

And I must add, after baiju for dinner, I love spell check!!

hire a private investigator to tail your boss on the weekends. or just take him for a night out at the KTV and make sure the girls are included. bring a camera. show him the photos monday morning , he'll get the picture. (i made a pun)