Almost everyone in China is studying English, but you can rarely find an English speaker when you need one. They have "English Speaking Corners" where people go to practise conversational English. You can easily make friends there. The school where you work should provide you with assistance with daily life. Shopping... etc.

I've never been to Shijiazhuang, but I've lived in Shenyang. Shenyang has a few touristy highlights, but not many. The city had a lot of warfare in the 1st 1/2 of the 20th century and was heavily damaged/destroyed. Very few antiquities left. Mostly soviet style 9 story walkup apartment blocks. Quite drab. Hot in summer, cold in winter and poor air quality.

Chinese train travel is excellent, very cheap and a great way to see the country.

I am a westerner in Shijiazhuang and have been here for a few months. Travel to Beijing is easy and costs about 90rmb and takes 2 hrs by train. The is not much if any english spoken in this city, but I also do not speak any Chinese and can get around just fine. I have no knowledge of the other city you mentioned, but I will say Shijaizhaung is quiet for the population, cheap to live in and close to Beijing for quick trips... good luck

hello, i will be ariving in shijiazhuang on the 4th of September and this will be a totally new life in a foreign country / city where i have never been.
am looking for an expat community club or similar.