Learning Chinese can be an exhilarating and challenging journey, especially in a city as vibrant and diverse as Shanghai. With its rich cultural tapestry and bustling urban life, Shanghai offers a unique backdrop for immersing oneself in the Chinese language.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some key resources and communities that can significantly enhance your Chinese learning experience in Shanghai.
Online Reddit communities to learn Chinese in Shanghai
- /r/chineselanguage: This online community is a treasure trove for Mandarin learners. It’s a platform where you can engage with fellow learners, share resources, ask questions, and even find study partners. The diverse range of experiences and backgrounds of its members makes it an invaluable resource for tips and advice on tackling the complexities of Mandarin. /
- r/China: If you’re planning to learn Chinese in shanghai or anywhere in China, this community will get you familiar with diverse and traditional cultures of China.
- /r/shanghai is an online community where you can find up-to-date information, personal experiences, and life pro tips on every aspects in Shanghai, making your preparation for the big move smoother.
Educational institutions for structured learning
- Jiaotong University: Located in Xujiahui at Shanghai, Jiaotong University offers language programs that cater to various proficiency levels for those who want to learn Chinese in Shanghai. While some learners have mixed reviews about the teaching methods, it remains a popular choice for its location and the opportunities to immerse oneself in a university setting.
- That’s Mandarin, a Chinese school in Shanghai, are a popular choice to learn Chinese in Shanghai, offering structured courses in Shanghai and a social environment. Pros include a consistent schedule, resource access, and a chance to make new friends. However, the rigid schedules might not suit everyone, and the group setting may not provide the personalized attention some learners crave.
- GoEast Mandarin. It has similar price range (around 100 RMB per group lesson and double for private lessons) as ThatsMandarin & SilkMandarin (those are the top 3 schools of learning Mandarin in Shanghai).
Online classes, on the other hand, offer flexibility and convenience.
Digital tools for flexible learning
- Skritter: This app is specifically designed for learning Chinese characters. It’s a fantastic tool for those who wish to learn Chinese in Shanghai, especial to master reading and writing Mandarin, offering a user-friendly interface and engaging methods to memorize characters.
- Duolingo: A well-known language-learning app, Duolingo offers Mandarin courses that are perfect for beginners who want to learn Chinese in Shanghai or anywhere else. It’s a great starting point before you dive into more intensive studies and can be a fun way to keep up with your learning on the go.
- YouTube: An excellent platform for supplementary learning, YouTube offers a plethora of resources, from language tutorials to Mandarin cartoons. Watching content in Mandarin can significantly improve your listening skills and comprehension.
Bottom line
Shanghai, as a city, offers more than just formal education. It’s a living classroom where every street corner, local market, and social interaction becomes a learning opportunity.
So, aside from doing lessons it’s definitely important that you spend time with locals/Chinese speakers because that’s what will help you the most. It means your spoken Chinese will be much more natural sounding. People are nice and friendly here. But beware of dating scams when making friends by online app.
The city’s cosmopolitan nature also means you’ll find a blend of traditional and modern China, enriching your cultural understanding and language skills.
Learning Chinese in Shanghai, it is an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. By leveraging online communities like /r/chineselanguage and /r/chinavisa, utilizing apps like Skritter and Duolingo, and considering educational options at institutions like Jiaotong University, you can create a robust learning environment to learn Chinese in Shanghai.
Remember, every interaction in Shanghai is a chance to practice and improve. Embrace the journey with an open mind and a willing heart, and you’ll find yourself not just learning a language, but also experiencing a rich, vibrant culture.