Category: Resources

Review: Hanping Chinese Pro + Hanping Camera + Hanping Popup

This summer I visited China and instead of using Pleco, I’ve been using Hanping Chinese Pro for a change, as well as testing Hanping Camera and Popup. Here’s my review of all three Hanping apps for Android.

10 extremely helpful YouTube channels for learning Mandarin

You want to improve your Mandarin skills? For some of the greatest online resources for Chinese you don’t have to look far: they can be found on YouTube. But where to start? This is my updated top 10 of YouTube channels for learning Chinese.

Learning Chinese with ChatGPT – a game changer?

Is ChatGPT merely a hype or will the AI language model transform the way we learn Chinese and other foreign languages? What can it do and what can it do not? 5 ways it can assist with learning and practicing Chinese.

Reading Chinese web novels with Readibu

Want to read more authentic content in Chinese? Chinese novels, short stories and children stories written for native readers? For more intermediate and advanced learners the app Readibu has plenty of good reads to offer.

Best Chinese dictionary app

Learning Mandarin: what’s the best Chinese dictionary app?

Chinese dictionary apps are much more than mere translation tools. Which Chinese dictionary app offers the best features for your money’s worth?

My 2022 overview of resources for Mandarin Chinese (II)

My 2024 overview of resources for Mandarin Chinese (II)

Learning Mandarin and looking for a comprehensive overview of must-have learning resources? This is part two.

My 2024 overview of resources for Mandarin Chinese (I)

Learning Mandarin and looking for a comprehensive overview of must-have resources? This is part one.

Learn Mandarin with Defense Language Institute online resources

The American Army takes foreign language acquisition seriously. The Defense Language Institute (DLI) is probably one of the finest foreign language schools in the world. I checked out their online database for Chinese.

5 apps that help Chinese learners prepare for the HSK exam

6 apps to help you prepare for the HSK exam

The HSK test is a must for most Chinese learners. If you’re considering taking the HSK, you might be wondering which resources to use. These are 6 apps that help you prepare for the Chinese Proficiency Test.

10 Chinese audiobooks for advanced Mandarin learners

Where do you find Chinese audiobooks that are interesting, high quality and not hidden behind a paywall?

Slow listening: boost your vocabulary with Mandarin Corner

You’re at intermediate level and want to improve your listening skills?

Reading above your level: Game of Thrones in Chinese

I finally felt ready for reading a serious work of fiction in Chinese. Not an abridged version, not a children’s edition, but the real thing.

China podcasts

19 China podcasts to better understand 中国

Tired of listening to endless corona-updates and Covid-discussions? Here’s some China-focused listening material for you sorted by topic.

CHINESE ANALYSIS: popular China vloggers put to the test

How perfect are the much admired Mandarin skills of laowai YouTubers? Here’s somebody who knows the answer.

Learning Mandarin the low-budget way

What can you do if you want to learn Mandarin but don’t want to spend loads of money to attend Chinese courses or visit China for an extensive period? Learn Chinese low budget style. Here’s how!

Vocabulary trainer app: Daily Chinese

It’s no secret that there’s a whole monkey jungle of apps for Chinese out there. Is this new vocabulary tool Daily Chinese any good? My answer: Yes, it is. Check out why!

Learning Chinese? 11 BLOGS you should know about

Chinese learning blogs are like hidden provision camps in the desert. If they are not pointed out, you are likely to miss them.

jamie bilbow cooking with granny

New show: Granny knows best 奶奶最懂得 (2019, TV series)

More about cooking! In his new show Jamie Bilbow explores rural China to learn from the true kitchen heroes – Chinese grandmothers. How did the British moderator become so fluent in Mandarin?! Three reasons why you should watch the show.

Recommended: You Can Learn Chinese Podcast

I’m talking about the You Can Learn Chinese Podcast. It’s an expert panel for everything related to learning Mandarin.

The online Chinese cooking community

What’s the one thing that always gets Chinese people excited?

DuShu: a powerful reading tool for Mandarin Chinese

Bored of reading the same Chinese textbooks, but Chinese newspapers and other texts are still too difficult? DuShu is a reader app that will take any Chinese text, break it down and make it readable.

Love defense wars: 爱情保卫战

She broke his fishing rod and she liked it! Yes, I sometimes watch bad Chinese television and insult my intellect. You should too! You wanna know why?

Learning Chinese with flashcards: Anki vs Pleco

You are serious about learning Chinese and use spaced repetition to support your vocabulary learning? What’s the best flashcard app out there?

Why I don’t believe in Chinese character tests

I found out that I know between 1600 and 3434 Chinese characters. But it could be more, of course. Or less…

buddhist statue

Pleco’s graded reader: Journey to the West

Pleco’s abridged version of “Journey to the West” offers a well-priced and swift way to immortality which can be bought in your local app store.

Top 10 Chinese songs for Mandarin beginners

You are getting tired of your Chinese textbooks? Try listening to some Chinese songs and expand your musical horizon.