Resource Library

My dad is a doctor and this year, he’s 60 years old. He doesn’t like drinking water, but he loves drinking tea. He drinks tea when the weather is hot and he drinks tea when the weather is cold.

My family has a three-year-old dog named Rice. In the afternoon on Monday, August 6, 2018, my mom and I caught sight of Rice in front of a shop. The weather was quite hot that day and he looked like…

Every day when I take the bus to school, I always see Mr. Liu. Mr. Liu is my bus driver. This year, he’s 50 years old and he has a big face, small eyes and a loud voice. Today, he…

After a long flight, I finally arrived at the airport. As I began searching for my Chinese homestay family, I felt tired and also a little nervous. I didn’t know what to expect.

It was a Friday night and Wang Jia Li was feeling uncomfortable and anxious. She had recently moved to Beijing for work and her colleagues had invited her to a party. But she didn’t know anyone!

The first time I ever saw my neighbor, Little Xia, was on a hot summer day. Although the hallway of our apartment building was full of people, I noticed him because he was so tall and skinny. It was a…

Ninchanese and Yocha offer two different but complementary ways to strengthen your Chinese. Ninchanese uses gamified lessons and review to build vocabulary and core skills, while Yocha focuses on clear grammar explanations and structured practice.

Discover useful Chinese learning resources for improving pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and speaking, including CLI tools, HSK 3.0 resources, Pleco, Yocha, Ninchanese, Skritter, and more.

Chinese assessment is about more than test scores. This guide explains how feedback, HSK preparation, placement, self-assessment, and real-world practice can help Mandarin learners understand their level and choose the right next step.

Spaced repetition can help Chinese learners remember vocabulary, characters, tones, pinyin, and grammar more efficiently. This guide explains how SRS works, how to create better Chinese flashcards, and how to connect review with real listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.

Choosing between Mainland China and Taiwan for learning Chinese comes down to practical fit. This guide compares characters, cost, visas, immersion, program formats, and testing paths to help beginners choose the right Mandarin-learning destination.

Many Chinese programs claim "immersion," but the experience varies widely. This guide breaks down what real immersion looks like, why being in China alone isn't enough, and how to compare programs by structure—so you choose one that actually improves your…

The HSK is China's official Mandarin proficiency test, and in 2026 the system is transitioning from six levels to nine. This guide covers every HSK level — vocabulary requirements, practical abilities, study timelines, and preparation strategies — using the finalized…

In 2026, the HSK is in transition: the nine-level framework is official, but HSK 1–6 remains active and many schools still use legacy score requirements. This guide explains what learners can actually take now and how to choose the right…

The HSK 6 is the highest level in the series of Chinese proficiency tests known as the 汉语水平考试 (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì). Notoriously tricky and requiring focused preparation, the exam is a worthwhile challenge for anyone who’d like to prove...

If you’ve ever taken a Chinese class, you’ve probably already heard of the HSK. But what is the HSK, exactly? In this article, we’ll take you through the history of this popular Chinese proficiency exam, help you decide whether this…

Learn how to pass the HSK 4 with a step-by-step study plan. Covers the exam structure, vocabulary tips, flashcard strategies, and HSK 3.0 changes.

Chinese wedding customs are far more diverse than many people realize. From tea ceremonies and red symbolism to 彩礼 and modern hotel banquets, this article explores how traditional rituals continue to evolve across contemporary Chinese weddings.

The Zhuang people are China’s largest ethnic minority, with deep roots in Guangxi and the Lingnan region. This guide explores Zhuang history, language, Sawndip writing, spiritual traditions, and the living cultural landscape students encounter in Guilin.

Joss paper — also called spirit money or ghost money — is burned in Chinese rituals to send symbolic offerings to deceased ancestors and spirits in the afterlife. Rooted in Confucian ideals of filial piety and ancestor veneration, the practice…

Think you're too old to learn Chinese? The largest study on age and language learning — 670,000 participants — tells a very different story from what you've heard. Here's what the neuroscience actually says, what your adult brain does better…

Think you're too old to learn Chinese? The largest study on age and language learning — 670,000 participants — tells a very different story from what you've heard. Here's what the neuroscience actually says, what your adult brain does better…

Curious to learn more about the eighth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar: the Year of the Goat? Read on to learn how people born during the Year of the Goat have great capacity for deep affection, prefer stability and…

Curious to learn more about the eighth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar: the Year of the Goat? Read on to learn how people born during the Year of the Goat have great capacity for deep affection, prefer stability and…

Curious to learn more about the eighth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar: the Year of the Goat? Read on to learn how people born during the Year of the Goat have great capacity for deep affection, prefer stability and…

Mysterious, wise, and endlessly compelling, the Snake is one of the most iconic signs in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac (生肖 shēngxiào) is an ancient system with profound cultural significance. 2025 was the most recent Year of the Snake,…

This article explores the fourth year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle: The Year of the Rabbit. We invite you to leap in and discover this important zodiac sign that embodies elegance, peace, and a dash of luck. Learn Chinese…

An ancient, cross-cultural symbol of ferocity, bravery, and intelligence, the tiger occupies a unique position in traditional Chinese mythology and culture. Join us as we take a winding journey into this astrological world of legend and luck, and get to…

The Year of the Dragon... even the name exudes a certain mystique. Dragons, the mythological creatures of Chinese folklore, are one of the 12 types of animal represented in the Chinese zodiac. Join us as we explore the roots of…

What are the most common Chinese characters? In a language of approximately 50,000 characters, mastering the most commonly used Chinese characters—ranked by frequency—will benefit you along your path to language greatness. Whether you’re a new learner ready to begin reading…

Key Takeaways Simplified Chinese characters are the official written script of mainland China and are also taught in Singapore and Malaysia. The first official simplification scheme was introduced in 1956 as part of a national literacy campaign. Characters were simplified…

Chinese etymology is actually easier to grasp than it might first appear. Learning the origins of Chinese characters is arguably one of the best ways to gain further mastery of the language. Join us as we tackle the meaning of…

At first glance, Chinese characters can seem like a bunch of random and confusing symbols. But did you know there are actually six distinct types of Chinese characters which are formed and used according to a meticulous set of rules…

Many people are often fascinated and attracted by Chinese characters. At first glance, characters may look like bizarre pictograms, randomly drawn at will. But did you know that Chinese characters all consist of different stroke orders and follow a specific…

​If you are studying Chinese or planning to and wondering how many characters you need to learn, here are some numbers that will give you an idea of what your goals should be. In 2013, the Chinese government published a…

In this July 2021 installment of CLI Perspectives, Immersion Program student Isabel Floyd takes us on an educational journey from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the comfortable living of Guilin, China. Of Mountains and Mifen By Isabel Floyd, CLI Immersion…

There are lots of good places to eat in Guilin, but the place I have been to the most is the Lanzhou hand-pulled noodle restaurant on the Cultural Walking Street (Lanzhou is in the west of China and its cuisine…

I have studied Mandarin every summer for 4 weeks for the last 7 years. As a high school student I had a teacher who had studied with Edwin Reischauer at Harvard and introduced us to Confucius, Mencius and Lao Tze.…

After being adopted from China at the age of eight and moving to America with my new family, I forgot all of my Chinese. You might wonder how this is possible, but being immersed into a new language environment, with...

This week’s CLI Perspectives is brought to you by Avi Patchava, one of CLI’s summer Immersion Program students. Avi completed six weeks of intensive Chinese language immersion at CLI and was surprised by how much he...

Have you ever wondered where your clothes were made? You've probably noticed the tags on your clothing often say "Made in China". While many Westerners have an image of industrial China churning out massive quantities of clothing in big factories,…

Sanyuesan is one of Guangxi’s most important traditional festivals. Learn when it takes place, how the Zhuang people celebrate it, and why mountain songs, five-colored rice, ritual, and traditional dress remain central to this vibrant spring holiday.

Curious to learn more about the eighth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar: the Year of the Goat? Read on to learn how people born during the Year of the Goat have great capacity for deep affection, prefer stability and…

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), celebrates the beginning of the Chinese year based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. The Chinese calendar starts each new year with 立春 lìchūn, which officially marks the first day…

Explore Chinese Labor Day: the history of May Day in China, the official May 1–5 holiday, Golden Week travel, and modern 996 work culture.

International Women’s Day in China falls on March 8th and is known as 国际妇女节. Learn how the holiday is celebrated, why some retailers call it Goddess Day, and how it reflects both the progress and ongoing challenges facing Chinese women…

The winter solstice, returning each year between December 20-22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20-22 in the Southern, has been a highly meaningful recurring natural event in human societies for millenia. In this article, we'll explore the origins of…

Key Takeaways Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu) is best understood as a cultural landscape city — not just a checklist of isolated attractions. For most first-time visitors, West Lake (西湖, Xīhú) should stay at the center of the trip. Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺,…

The Bund—Shanghai’s prominent waterfront promenade—is a must-see for travelers to China’s most dynamic metropolis. Visiting the Bund is an unforgettable experience that provides a window into the history and modern ascension of the world’s third largest city. Read on to…

Called the Venice of the East due to its historic canals, Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇 Wūzhèn) is an amazing Chinese travel destination known for its unique Chinese architectural masterpieces, scenic rivers, colorful festivals, and mouthwatering local cuisine. There is so…

Due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many students may find their study plans affected. While CLI is currently open and the situation in China has stabilized, other countries may be experiencing surges. To help students understand their…

Key Takeaways The Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhéyuán) is not just one palace building — it's a vast imperial garden landscape organized around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, and one of the best places to visit in China. If you enjoy…

"The City of Canals," "the Venice of China," "a World of Gardens...", and all this a mere 25-minute train ride from Shanghai? Welcome to this most atmospherically seductive of Chinese cities: Suzhou! Delve into must-see gardens and pagodas, find out...

Nestled along the banks of the Li River, speckled with tens of thousands of individual karst peaks, and bustling with the arts, customs, and songs of southern China’s thriving ethnic minority groups, Guilin is a destination like no other. Read…

The Li River (漓江 Líjiāng), situated in Guangxi Province, is one of the most spectacular destinations in China. Spanning roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles), the Li River runs through the heart of Guangxi, connecting beautiful downtown Guilin with the riverside…

Located about 2.5 hours north of Guilin, the Longsheng Rice Terraces are among China’s most majestic landscapes. This is your ultimate guide for things to do in Longsheng in 2026. Learn Chinese in Beautiful Guilin, China Flexible Scheduling, Affordable Pricing…

Guilin rice noodles, or 桂林米粉 (Guìlín mǐfěn), is the ultimate dish to try in CLI’s beautiful home city of Guilin. These straightforward yet filling noodles are served in a variety of ways. To enjoy the complete gastronomic experience, you’ll need…

Covering nearly 300 acres in the heart of Guilin, Seven Star Park is the city's largest and most popular urban park. Its seven karst peaks, ancient limestone caves, and centuries-old stone inscriptions make it one of the most rewarding destinations…

Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin's most iconic landmark — a karst formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit, from nearby attractions to the best time to go.

Chinese assessment is about more than test scores. This guide explains how feedback, HSK preparation, placement, self-assessment, and real-world practice can help Mandarin learners understand their level and choose the right next step.

Have you heard of Yoyo Chinese, a popular online platform for learning Mandarin? Established in 2012 by native Chinese speaker and expert teacher Yangyang Cheng, the Yoyo Chinese curriculum utilizes videos, flashcards and an extensive range of...

Learning Chinese on Zoom makes it possible to study one-on-one with a qualified teacher from anywhere in the world. In this guide, learn how to get started with Zoom, explore its most useful features for language learning, and discover how…

Although ideal, it’s not always possible to learn Chinese in China. While complete Chinese immersion is the best way to go, it’s amazing how much Chinese you can learn online. The internet connects us! Here are CLI’s top 8 methods…

Anyone who has searched “learn Mandarin” on YouTube might agree that the sheer number of results is overwhelming. We have good news for you: it is possible to learn Chinese on YouTube! A handful of channels consistently deliver...

Have you heard of Yoyo Chinese, a popular online platform for learning Mandarin? Established in 2012 by native Chinese speaker and expert teacher Yangyang Cheng, the Yoyo Chinese curriculum utilizes videos, flashcards and an extensive range of...