“Out with the Old, In with the New”: Rohit’s Chinese Learning Revival

Introduction The hardest part of learning a language isn’t starting from zero. It’s choosing to push forward after things feel “good enough.” Many foreigners in China reach a language comfort zone—daily needs are met, taxis are hailed, meals are ordered. But progress stalls. Some accept it. Some leave. And some, quietly, begin again. In a […]

Week 3 Summer Camp Wraps Up|When Kids Draw Their Own “My Shanghai Map” One Step at a Time

Last Friday, Week 3 of our summer camp came to a joyful close. From pictographs to fan calligraphy, from the Nine-Bend Bridge to the Huangpu River—children from different countries spent one week exploring Shanghai through language and culture at Mandarin Inn. Parents told us: “My child couldn’t wait to come every morning, and came home […]

4 Countries, 5 Days, 1 Amazing Chinese Debut

Last week, 7 kids from 4 countries made their Chinese debut summer camp experience at Mandarin Inn – five days ago, they spoke different languages – and their Chinese levels varied too, from absolute beginners to those with some prior knowledge. Five days later, they could name the twelve zodiac animals in Chinese, identify colors while building with […]

“You Can Do It”: An Italian Mother’s Journey Learning Chinese in Shanghai

引言 Introduction 在AI可以即时翻译一切的时代,我们为什么还要学习另一种语言? In an age where AI can translate almost anything in real time, why do we still bother learning another language? 这个问题有很多答案。但当我们见到 Sonia —— 一位来自意大利、在上海生活的母亲 —— 我们发现,答案也许很简单:因为语言不只是工具。它是你与水果摊主讨价还价时的那份亲切,是你在公园里和老人打羽毛球时的笑声,是你真正“在这里”的感觉。 There are many answers. But when we met Sonia — an Italian mother living in Shanghai — we were reminded of a simpler one: because language […]

不做“复读机”的汉语老师:语言终究要回到生活里Beyond the Textbook: Why This Mandarin Teacher Refuses to Parrot

Introduction 在上海一栋老洋房的木地板吱呀声里,有一间教室。这里没有励志横幅,也没有高分承诺。但常常能听到不同口音的汉语,围绕着一杯茶、一份合同、一次商务谈判,或仅仅是“周末去哪儿”这样的日常,慢慢地、真实地展开。带领这一切的,是常华。 In a century-old villa in Shanghai, where wooden floors creak with history, there is a classroom. No motivational banners, no score guarantees. Instead, you’ll hear Chinese in various accents, unfolding slowly and authentically over a cup of tea, a contract draft, a business negotiation, or simply weekend plans. Guiding this process is Chang […]

Learning Mandarin Is Not About Exams — It’s About Belonging

Introduction: When Mandarin Becomes Part of Real Life For many international professionals living in China, learning Mandarin starts with a practical question:Do I need this for work? But for those who stay longer, build relationships, and engage more deeply with local life, Mandarin quickly becomes something else entirely — a way to connect, participate, and […]

老外在天朝 | From Conquering Peaks to Mastering Mandarin

引言: 在这次采访中,我们有幸与Shima分享她的故事,了解她如何通过学习中文来更好地融入上海的生活。作为一名来自伊朗的职业登山者,Shima不仅挑战高峰,也在语言学习上不断突破自己。她对中文的学习充满热情,并且在忙碌的日常生活中始终坚持学习,为自己创造了更多了解中国文化的机会。Shima的故事不仅是个人奋斗的象征,更是对自我挑战和持续成长的真实写照。 Introduction: In this interview, we are fortunate to hear Shima’s story and learn how she is integrating herself into life in Shanghai through learning Chinese. As a professional mountain climber from Iran, Shima not only conquers peaks but also constantly challenges herself in language learning. Her passion for Mandarin and her commitment to […]

老外在天朝 | Bridging Cultures Through Francisca’s Mandarin Journey

Mandarin Inn Mandarin lnn对外汉语中心 引言:作为一名远离家乡的智利律师,Francisca将生活在上海的机会转化为一次学习普通话的全新冒险。从满分通过HSK1到即将挑战HSK2,她的故事展现了语言学习的坚持与乐趣。通过课堂学习与日常生活实践,她不仅掌握了新的语言技能,还更深刻地理解了中国文化。Francisca相信,普通话不仅是融入当地生活的桥梁,更是丰富个人和职业发展的重要资产。让我们一起走进她的中文学习之旅,感受跨越语言和文化的成就与意义! Introduction: As a Chilean lawyer living far from home, Francisca turned her opportunity to live in Shanghai into a new adventure of learning Mandarin. From achieving a perfect score on HSK1 to preparing for HSK2, her story reflects the persistence and joy in language learning. Through classroom lessons and daily practice, […]

老外在天朝 | Share Leti’s Learning Journey and Insights on Mandarin

Mandarin Inn Mandarin lnn对外汉语中心 引言:‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍在学习中文的过程中,每个人都会遇到不同的挑战和收获。对于很多人来说,掌握一门新语言不仅仅是学习词汇和语法,更是一种深入了解文化和日常生活的过程。Leti,来自西班牙的朋友,分享了她在中国学习中文的经历,以及她如何通过日常交流不断提升自己。以下是她的采访内容,讲述了她的学习心得和体会。 Introduction:Learning Mandarin is a journey full of unique experiences and challenges. For many, it’s not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar, but also about immersing oneself in the culture and daily life. Leti, a friend from Spain, shares her experiences of learning Mandarin in China and how she continuously improves through […]

Event Recap|Fun,Immersive Chinese Study Tour for Thai Students

Mandarin Inn Mandarin lnn对外汉语中心 From October 17th to October 21st, Mandarin Inn had the pleasure of hosting a group of 30 primary and secondary school students from an international school in Thailand. In the mornings, the students attended Chinese language classes at Mandarin Inn, while in the afternoons, they explored famous landmarks around Shanghai. Over the […]