Are you looking for affordable Chinese Mandarin courses in China? Do you want to study Chinese at the best Mandarin school in China? If you want to book beginners or intensive Chinese classes our website can help you find the perfect school.
Immerse yourself in the language and engage with a country rich in tradition and culture. China is a country ready to be explored, and Chinese Mandarin holds the key. If you would like to learn Chinese in China begin your journey.
Langages Spoken in China
The official language of China is Standard Mandarin, which is based on but not identical to the Beijing dialect of Mandarin, known in Chinese as Putonghua (普通话, common speech). It has been the only language used in education on the mainland since the 1950s, so most people speak it. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in standard Mandarin. As Mandarin is tonal, getting the four tones correct is necessary for one to be understood.
Many regions, especially in the southeast and south of the country, also have their own tonal dialect. These are really different languages, as different as French and Italian, although referring to Chinese dialects as separate languages is a touchy political issue. Of true dialects within Mandarin, pronunciation varies widely between regions and there is often a liberal dose of local slang or terminology to liven up the mix. After Mandarin, the largest dialect groups are Wu, spoken in the region around Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu, followed by Cantonese, spoken in most of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macau, and the Min (Fujian) group which includes Minnan (Hokkien) spoken in the region around Xiamen and in Taiwan, a variant of Minnan known as Teochew spoken around Shantou and Chaozhou, as well as Mindong (Hokchiu) spoken around Fuzhou.
Most Chinese are bilingual in their local dialect and Mandarin. A few who are older, less educated or from the countryside may speak only the local dialect, but this is unlikely to affect tourists. It often helps to have a guide that can speak the local language as it marks that person as an insider, and you as a friend of the insider. While you can easily get by most parts of China speaking standard Mandarin, locals always appreciate any attempt to say a few words or phrases in the local dialect, so learning a few simple greetings will help you get acquainted with the locals much more easily. In general, an understanding of or appreciation for the local dialect can be useful when traveling to more remote areas. But in those areas a phrase book that includes Chinese characters will still be a big help as written Chinese is more or less the same everywhere.
Formal written Chinese is for all intents and purposes the same everywhere. Even Japanese and Korean use many of the same characters with the same or similar meaning. There is a complication in this, however. Mainland China uses simplified characters, adopted to facilitate literacy during the mid-1950s. Traditional characters are used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and by many overseas Chinese, but also on the mainland in advertising and commercial signs. As a result you will just as often see 银行 (yínháng) as 銀行 for bank. The simplification was however fairly systematic, which means that all hope is not lost for the traveler trying to pick up some sign-reading skills. On the other hand, native speakers usually do not encounter problems reading either script so learning how to write either one would usually suffice.
Note that in calligraphy, the number of scripts is much more varied as different painters use different unique styles, though these have been grouped into five different styles. They are zhuanshu(篆书／篆書), lishu(隶书/隸書), kaishu (楷书/楷書), xingshu (行书/行書) and caoshu (草书/草書), of which kaishu is the official script used in China today. When calligraphy is written in kaishu, it is usually traditional Chinese characters that are used due to their superior aesthetic value. The casual traveler can easily get by without learning the other four styles though learning them would certainly help those with a deep interest in traditional Chinese art.
In the far western reaches of the country, Turkic languages such as Uighur, Kirghiz, and Kazakh as well as other languages such as Tibetan are spoken by some of the non-Han ethnic minorities. In the north and northeast other minority languages including Manchu, Mongolian and Korean are also spoken in areas populated by the respective ethnic minorities. Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi in the south are also home to many other ethnic minorities such as the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, Bai and the Naxi who speak their own languages. However, with the possible exception of the elderly, Mandarin generally usable in these areas too, and all educated individuals will be bilingual in both their minority language and Mandarin. Sadly some of the minority languages such as Manchu are dying out.
Reasons to Study Chinese
When it comes to teaching Mandarin, local language schools take it very seriously. In its four thousand years of history China has never undergone a paradigm shift that comes close the magnitude of the changes that has taken place in last decades. It is a time of new ideas, great hope and many opportunities.
Helping people that are coming to make their mark and join in the process is both a privilege and a passion – learning Mandarin in China in this decade is simultaneously a great adventure and a fantastic investment in your skill set. It is also a unique environment in which to meet likeminded and interesting people from across the globe.
The famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said that ‘The limits of my language are the limits of my world’. As the most widely-spoken and fastest-growing on the planet, Chinese is the language of choice for those looking to expand their horizons and make their mark on a rapidly-changing world.
As a gateway to the ever-expanding Asian business boom, Chinese is unparalleled. A language in high demand from the finance, investment and banking sectors, as well as the marketing and creative industries looking to tap the potential of the East, the rewards of competency are great. A forward-thinking and impressive addition to any CV, a knowledge of Chinese sets graduates, University applicants and those looking for a change in career apart from the competition.
Learn Chinese in China
Chinese language schools have developed courses over years which are built on a foundation of small class sizes and personalized content. This is an educational strategy aimed at improving the pace of learning. Teachers can help students and provide easy integration into a new and unique culture outside of the classroom.
Personal development, supported by teachers, lets students focus on learn aspects of Mandarin necessary for their own objectives. Schools will work with you to target the reason you have come to China in the first place.
When students enroll to learn Mandarin in China, a completely customized study plan is formed and an individual textbook is created. Students use this book in Mandarin classes where they focus on learning Mandarin Chinese. This type of personally targeted progress is invaluable as a way to enable students to use Mandarin in real life fast and realizing individual ambitions.
Small class-sizes are usually offered, with a maximum of six students per teacher and a average of three, cutting edge Mandarin Chinese textbooks and five private lessons every week lets students acquire vocabulary and advanced syntax at an impressive rate.
Chinese Language Exchanges
Language practice outside of the classroom is an essential element to Chinese language progress. Therefore, some schools provide students the opportunity, by request, to be assigned a Chinese friend as a studying partner. Students and Language Partners partake in many social activities, allowing students to not only practice Chinese with native Chinese speakers, but to also develop cultural understanding and long-term friendships.
Most Language Partners are English language students. Typically Chinese and English students will split the time evenly between communicating in Chinese and English. Schools make every effort to consider student ages and interests when assigning Language Partners. Additionally, we also attempt to match proficiency levels as equitably as possible. For instance, beginning level Chinese students will be matched to a Language Partner with more proficient English skills and vice versa. This helps to promote an enjoyable and beneficial exchange.
Top Rated Schools
There are Chinese language schools located throughout China. Most have small class sizes which allow teachers to help students learn complicated syntax and Chinese vocabulary at an impressive rate. Local language schools offer outstanding courses which are perfect for students that want explore China and learn to speak Chinese.
Keats School
Founded in 2004, as a top Chinese school in China, Keats School provides intensive Mandarin courses in China with professional teaching methods and various Chinese culture lessons.
Keats School is a full-service Mandarin training center that takes the difficulty out of adjusting to life in China. The school’s warm service will make you feel at home. Study Mandarin Chinese at one of the best Mandarin school in China.
At Keats, you will not only learn to speak Mandarin Chinese, but also have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Keats School provides you on-campus accommodation and on-campus dinning, to save your time and to bring you the convenience as at home. The critical reasons why Keats has 40% returning students per year and has probably the best Mandarin program in China, are that we not only offer great services (food, room, 24/7 attention), but also help you learn the most Chinese in the shortest possible time.
Keats School is the top choice Chinese language school in Kunming China which offers full service and is located in the city center. Keats provide intensive one-on-one Chinese language lessons to overseas students. Teachers speak standard Mandarin and fluent English. In order to meet the needs of all students, Keats develop individual curricula to suit each student’s proficient level and goals.
Popular Places to Study
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- X’ian
- Kunming
- Hong Kong
Study in Beijing
Experience all the wonders of Beijing while learning to speak Mandarin Chinese!
Beijing, or “North Capital,” as it translates into English, is not only the political and cultural center of China, but is also considered the starting place for modern day Mandarin Chinese or “Pu Tong Hua.” While China has many regional dialects, Mandarin Chinese is the common language that connects the entire country. Since the Beijing dialect most closely resembles Mandarin Chinese, and everywhere you go in the city you will hear Mandarin spoken, it is generally viewed as the best place to study Mandarin Chinese in China.
Beijing has also developed into a wonderful and exciting metropolis with much to do and see. Here you will find a unique mix of old and new, arguably unlike any other city in the world. In areas of Beijing, traditional architecture and cultural sites, such as the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, are accented by Beijing’s “Hutongs” or old alleyways and courtyard houses (the original Beijing neighborhoods).
In other areas of the city you will find a lively and international atmosphere with modern skyscrapers, art, shopping, bars and restaurants catering to nearly every country in the world. Nature lovers can visit scenic are like the Fragrant Hills, or travel just outside of the city and climb ancient sections of the Great Wall for hours.
It is impossible to put all of the historical, cultural and modern treasures of Beijing, China into words. It is a city that you have to experience for yourself, and the odds are, it will change you for the rest of your life.
A lot of language schools in Beijing are located in the ancient city center that dates back over 2000 years. The charming area is also in the very heart of modern Beijing; about 15 minutes from The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the center of Beijing’s nightlife Sanlitun – and about 20 minutes from Beijing’s business district. With a subway station a couple of minutes away every part of the city can be reached with ease and on a budget. It is the location of choice for those that want learn Chinese in the heart of China’s capital.
Study in Shanghai
Shanghai is a dynamic urban metropolis full of energy and glamour, it has so much excitement to offer you that you won’t feel bored for a minute: be dazzled by the high-rise buildings, take a stroll along the streets of the former French Concession or delve into its vibrant nightlife.
The mix of oriental and western culture brings the best of both worlds together, with all its traditional flavours and cosmopolitan conveniences, it’s the best gateway to China.
Some schools are located right off Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, nearby you will find plenty of Restaurants, shops and cafes, three subway lines provide easy access from any part of the city to the school.
Application Process
This is what to expect when registering your placement. If you have questions before you apply, please feel free to contact the school for clarification.
Step 1: Application
The first step is to fill in an application form. Within one working day students are assigned an application officer whom will contact them to confirm the details of their applications and answer any questions.
Step 2: Registration
Students then pay the application fee (this fee is waived if you apply more than 12 weeks before your starting date). At this time students also pay a security deposit.
Step 3: Finished!
The application officer will remain available to answer any questions you may have and take down your flight details.
Step 4: Arrival
When your plane lands in China you will be met by a member of the student support team and be given a lift to your new home.
Visa Information
Note: The information on this page is particularly sensitive. Chinese Visa regulations are subject to change frequently without notice. We cannot accept any liability for the information given here. It is strongly recommended to confirm this information with the respective Chinese consulate or embassy before making any travel arrangements.
Do I need a visa to enter China?
Foreigners who visit China are generally required to apply for a visa before departure. (All nationalities except Singapore, Brunei and Japan.)
Tourist and family visit visa (L-visa)
This type of visa is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for tourist reasons, a family visit or other personal affairs.
L-visa is usually valid from 30 to 90 days for their first application, but students can also extend their visa when they are in China.
Alternatively, students can also visit Hong Kong for 1 to 4 business days to apply for a new L visa (valid for 30 to 90 days).
Important, please apply for a visa about 1 to 2 months in advance of your intended date of entry into China, and do not apply 3 months earlier than your intended date of entry into China.
Usually, you must enter China within 3 months after the visa is issued (please check “Enter before” date on your visa), so if you apply too early, your already-issued visa may become expired.
Is Chinese Difficult to Learn?
In the West, Chinese has an undeserved reputation for being difficult to learn. While it is very different from English and other Western languages, there is no reason that a traveler cannot learn to speak some basic Chinese. Elementary Chinese grammar is quite simple; the main difficulties are pronunciation and using tones.
Written Chinese is famously complex and requires a great deal of study to master. However, learning to recognize even a limited number of characters will allow you to obtain a lot of important information, and learning even the fifty most common characters will get you quite far.
In Chinese it is relatively straightforward to pick up the characters, say, for Internet cafe (网吧) or fried noodles (炒面), without knowing anything else about the language. If you have a good visual memory, you may even end up knowing what a sign means without being able to pronounce it – a useful skill even if only to distinguish Exit (出口) from Entrance (入口) or Lady’s (女) from Men’s (男).
To bridge the gap between recognizing and reading out loud, pinyin was developed, which uses Latin script as an aid to teaching Chinese. Pronouncing pinyin is not intuitive for English speakers, as certain letters and consonant clusters are not pronounced as a westerner would expect. Nonetheless, learning it at even a basic level has enormous practical value for the traveler. For more information see the Chinese Phrasebook page.
To advance more rapidly in study of the Chinese language, and to learn to distinguish the tones, it might be a good idea to equip yourself with a audio guide to conversation in Chinese. You can find many such tools on the Internet.
Do People in China Speak English?
All Chinese are taught English as it is a compulsory subject starting from late elementary school. Passing an English exam is a requirement to earn a four-year university degree, regardless of major. However, the focus of the instruction is formal grammar and writing rather than conversation. As a result, few learn it well enough to be able to participate in an English conversation. Outside of the largest cities and the major tourist areas, it is quite rare to find locals conversant in English.
That said, a few locals who have studied English as their major in university, especially at a prestigious university, or studied abroad generally have a reasonable to very good standard of English.
To facilitate communication, it is often helpful to try and simplify your English. Refrain from using complex phrasing like Would you mind if I come back tomorrow? and stick to simpler, more abrupt phrasing like Tomorrow I will return. This brings the phrase closer to its Chinese equivalent and is therefore not necessarily condescending.
One way to meet people is to ask about the English Corner, a time and place in town where local residents meet to practice English with one another. Typically, they are held on Friday evenings or Sundays in public parks, bookstores, or on university campuses. There may also be Corners for French, German, Russian and perhaps other languages.
Basic Mandarin Words and Phrases
- Hello: Nǐhǎo (Nee how)
- Good morning: Zǎo (Zhow)
- Goodnight: Wǎn ān (Wan-an)
- Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh)
- You’re welcome: Bù kèqì (Boo kuh-chi)
- My name is…: Wǒ jiào… (Wuh jeow…)
Studying in China FAQ
Requirements
Please note that all applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment unless applying with a school group, as part of a family or with an adult. All students need to be in possession of a valid passport at the time of application.
Discounted Language Courses
If two people apply together the application costs per student is usually lowered. Some schools offer a reduction of 5% for every extra person per group application. If more than four people apply together this discount can be increased to 10%. This really depends on the school and availability though.
Accommodation
As everyone has different needs when it comes to accommodation, schools usually offer three options to suit personal preferences:
- Private Apartment
- Shared Apartment
- Homestay
Students can choose to live in their own place or share an apartment with new friends. All accommodation options are already furnished and are inclusive of all bills.
Students can also choose to find their own accommodation independently.
Regardless if you choose to use school accommodation or find your own, most language schools will meet you at the airport on arrival and take you to your new home when you arrive.
Health and Safety
The comfort, health and safety of students is of paramount importance to schools. A network is always in place, including during holidays, to attend the various needs of international students. 24 hour support, 365 days a year is usually available in the event of accidents and emergencies. Most schools employ English and bilingual speaking support staff and is able to help with any off-site problems that students may face.
Note that China is a very safe country to visit with cutting edge modern technology and facilities.
Hospital/Health Provision
There is a major difference between Chinese public provision of health care and that of most western hospitals. In terms of sanitary conditions, methods and communication difficulties, a Chinese hospital experience can often be a daunting experience, especially if one is feeling a bit under the weather.
Because of this, we recommend that all students have medical/travel insurance for the duration of your stay that grants you access to one of the private international hospitals in cities like Beijing, all of which are fully equipped and staffed to western standards.
If you need to visit a hospital for whatever reason, a member of the school might be able to accompany you, help with the registration and even stay with you until you are ready to leave. A support staff officer might be assigned to you and also act as a contact person for friends and family at home.
Activities and Free Time
Schools are committed to granting you memories for life; your time in China will be extraordinary.
If you study in Beijing some schools often take students camping on the ancient parts of The Great Wall, usually only frequented by the Chinese locals that live there. For those that like to enjoy nightlife somez schools have regular nights out aimed at showing new students a range of places: from chillout lounges to huge clubs.
Chinese Acrobatic shows are recommended, this is one of the oldest performing arts dating between 475 and 211 B.C. It is an interactive art form that combines music, choreography and costumes. Popular performances include tranditional conjuring, vocal imitation, taming animals, swallowing knives, spitting fire and horsemanship. Coined as the “Kingdom of Acrobatics,” Chinese acrobatic performances attract large audiences all over the world, especially in Europe and North America, where many Chinese acrobatic troups travel to perform.
On other days and nights you might take it easy back at your accommodation, have a BBQ (vegetarian options included), watch films or compete in game tournaments. There will sometimes also be workshops students can attend ranging from ancient tea ceremonies, to calligraphy and kite making.