Learn Chinese in China
Through Real-Life Immersion
Learn Mandarin through daily life, cultural immersion, and real conversations in China.
Why Real-Life Immersion Makes the Difference
The best way to learn Chinese in China isn’t through books or apps — it’s through daily life.
From ordering food to chatting with locals, every interaction becomes real language practice, helping you develop natural speaking skills and real confidence over time.
Living in a fully Chinese-speaking environment allows you to hear, use, and understand Mandarin in real situations — not just in theory, but in practice.
From Language Learning to Studying or Living in China
If you’re planning to study in China or apply to a top Chinese university, strong Mandarin skills make all the difference. Immersion not only boosts your fluency—it helps you adapt faster, feel confident, and thrive both academically and socially.
Whether you’re aiming for a degree, exploring career options, or thinking about long-term life in China, learning the language locally is the smartest first step.
What Immersion Makes Possible in China
Full Mandarin Immersion
Speak, hear and read Chinese daily by living in China and using Mandarin in everyday situations.
Structured Language Support
Join weekly classes taught by native teachers to build real skills and accelerate your learning.
Pathways to Chinese Universities
Build your language level and cultural understanding to apply for scholarships and degrees in China.
Long-Term Stay Opportunities
Learning Mandarin opens the door to extended visas, study programs, and even career options in China.
Experience Full Immersion in China
One of the most immersive ways to learn Chinese in China is by living with a local host family.
Daily conversations, cultural exchange, and real-life situations naturally accelerate language learning.
Our au pair program in Chengdu combines full immersion with practical support, including accommodation,
meals, Mandarin classes, and on-the-ground guidance throughout your stay.
From Language Immersion to Studying in China
If you're considering studying in China, building strong language and cultural foundations early can make the transition much smoother.
Living in a Chinese-speaking environment allows you to develop practical Mandarin skills while gaining a deeper understanding of daily life and academic culture.
This type of language immersion helps future students feel more confident, adapt faster, and make informed decisions about their academic path.
While living in China, many participants take the time to explore universities, attend open days, and better understand different study options before applying.
For those planning to pursue higher education in China, starting with a period of language immersion can be a valuable first step toward long-term academic success.
Real Stories From Life in China
Using Language Immersion as a Pathway to Chinese Universities
Many participants choose immersion as a way to prepare for future studies in China.
Living in a Chinese-speaking environment helps build language confidence, cultural understanding, and everyday communication skills that are essential for academic life.
For those aiming to apply to competitive universities such as Tsinghua, Fudan, or Sichuan University, this type of preparation can provide a strong advantage before starting a degree program.
👉 Read our full guide on how to apply to Chinese universities
Test Your Chinese Knowledge
Ready to experience Mandarin through daily life in China?
Discover the Au Pair OptionFAQ
Can you learn Chinese in China?
Absolutely — and it’s the best place to do it.
China offers the most immersive and effective environment to learn Mandarin. Living in China means you’re surrounded by native speakers, cultural context, and real-life situations that make language learning faster and more natural. Whether you choose to study at a Chinese language school, attend university Mandarin programs, or join a cultural exchange, learning Chinese in China gives you a unique head start. Daily practice with locals helps you understand both formal and informal Mandarin, tones, and cultural nuances in ways that no textbook or app can replicate.
How much to learn Chinese in China?
The cost of learning Chinese in China depends on the city, type of program, and lifestyle.
Language schools typically charge between $150–$300 USD per week for full-time classes, while long-term university programs range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD per semester. Living costs vary by location — big cities like Beijing or Shanghai are more expensive than cities like Chengdu or Kunming. On average, students spend around $500–$800 USD per month for housing, food, and transport. Some cultural exchange programs offer free Mandarin lessons in exchange for part-time language tutoring or childcare, making it a budget-friendly option for young learners.
Where is the best place to learn Mandarin in China?
The best city to learn Mandarin in China depends on your goals and budget.
For standard, accent-neutral Mandarin: Beijing is ideal.
For affordability and a slower pace: Chengdu offers a great balance of culture, food, and friendly locals.
For modern city life: Shanghai combines language learning with international opportunities.
For immersive, academic settings: Xi’an, Kunming, or Harbin are excellent for serious students seeking deeper immersion.
Many international learners choose Chengdu for its affordability, clean Mandarin, cultural richness, and strong student community.
Can I study in China without speaking Chinese?
Yes, you can study in China without speaking Chinese — especially in international programs.
Many Chinese universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees entirely in English, particularly in fields like business, engineering, medicine, and international relations. That said, learning some Mandarin will greatly improve your daily life, networking, and job opportunities in China. Even basic language skills make a big difference when living abroad. Many foreign students start their academic journey with a Chinese language program or cultural immersion before enrolling in a full degree course.
Can foreigners go to university in China?
Yes — China welcomes thousands of international students every year.
Foreigners can apply to over 500 Chinese universities, including top institutions like Tsinghua, Fudan, Zhejiang, or Sichuan University. Programs are available in Chinese and English. Applicants need to submit a valid passport, academic transcripts, a personal statement, recommendation letters, and sometimes an HSK (Chinese language proficiency) certificate if the program is taught in Mandarin. Many students begin with a language preparatory program before starting their degree, especially if they plan to study in Chinese.
How to get into a university in China?
Getting into a Chinese university is easier than you might think — especially if you follow the right steps.
We’ve put together a complete guide to help you through the process. 👉 Follow our step-by-step tutorial here
Here’s a quick overview of what it involves:
Choose your program — whether it’s a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Mandarin language course.
Gather your documents — passport, academic transcripts, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
Check the language requirements — HSK for Chinese-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English ones.
Apply online via the university website or platforms like CUCAS or China Admissions.
Once admitted, apply for a student visa (X1 or X2) through your local Chinese embassy.
At Masons, we support students who want to learn Chinese in China and eventually enter top Chinese universities. Starting with an immersion or language program is often the smartest path — and we explain exactly why in our full tutorial.
Is it free to go to university in China?
University in China is not free, but it’s significantly cheaper than in the US or Europe.
Tuition fees range from $2,000 to $6,000 USD per year depending on the university and program. However, there are many government scholarships, such as the CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship), Confucius Institute grants, and provincial funding. Some universities also offer merit-based aid. If you start with a Mandarin language program or cultural exchange, you may also reduce costs by integrating into the system before applying to a degree.
What is the easiest university to get into in China?
Some regional universities in China are more accessible to international students.
While schools like Tsinghua and Fudan are highly selective, many reputable universities have lower entry barriers, especially for foreign applicants. Examples include:
Dalian Medical University
Hebei University
Shandong University of Technology
Sichuan Normal University
These schools often have English-taught programs, lower tuition fees, and relaxed application requirements — making them a great entry point for students who want to learn Chinese in China or complete a degree with less pressure.
Is studying in China worth it?
Studying in China is absolutely worth it — academically, financially, and culturally.
China is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing universities and offers affordable tuition, modern facilities, and increasing international recognition. Whether you want to learn Mandarin, build a career in Asia, or gain experience in a global environment, China provides unique advantages.
Plus, the cost of living is often much lower than in the US or Europe, making it a smart investment for students seeking quality education without massive debt.
How long does it take to learn Chinese in China?
It depends on your starting level and daily exposure.
With full immersion and consistent effort, many learners can reach HSK 3–4 (intermediate level) in 6 to 9 months. If you already know the basics, 3–4 months in China can significantly improve your speaking and listening skills. Studying in China speeds up your progress thanks to real-life practice, native speakers, and cultural immersion.
What level of Chinese can I reach in 6 months?
If you study intensively in China, 6 months is enough to reach conversational fluency.
Most motivated students reach HSK 3 or 4 after six months, meaning they can handle daily conversations, read simple texts, and navigate local life comfortably. The key is consistency and using Mandarin outside the classroom — which is exactly what studying in China allows you to do.
What are the best Chinese universities for international students?
Top universities for foreigners include Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan, Zhejiang, and SJTU.
These schools offer high-ranking English and Chinese-taught programs, modern campuses, and strong support for international students. Other great options include Nankai University, Wuhan University, and Sichuan University, which offer a more affordable and less competitive entry path while still providing excellent education and language programs.
Can I apply to a Chinese university without HSK?
Yes — many universities accept students without an HSK score, especially for English-taught programs.
However, if you’re applying for a degree taught in Chinese, most schools will ask for an HSK certificate (usually HSK 4 or 5). If you don’t have it yet, you can first enroll in a Chinese language program (preparatory year) and then apply for a degree the following year.
What is the best way for international students to learn Chinese in China?
The best way for international students to learn Chinese in China is through full language immersion combined with structured courses.
Living in a Chinese city while attending daily Mandarin classes helps students absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation naturally. Many choose language and culture programs or intensive language courses offered by top universities like Tsinghua University or Beijing Language and Culture University. Immersion accelerates learning by turning everyday situations — from ordering food to taking public transport — into real-life language practice.
What types of Chinese language courses are available for foreigners?
China offers a wide range of Chinese language programs for international students.
You can choose from intensive short-term courses, full-semester academic programs, summer schools, or foundation language years before a degree. Many universities offer tailored language courses for undergraduates, postgraduates, or working professionals. Programs focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing — and are often paired with cultural activities like calligraphy or cooking. Studying in China allows you to combine language learning with cultural immersion for maximum results.
Why do international students choose to study Chinese in Mainland China?
Mainland China offers the most authentic environment for learning Mandarin.
International students come to Mainland cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu to experience real Chinese culture, native pronunciation, and daily life in context. Unlike learning Mandarin abroad, studying in China gives you exposure to how the language is used socially and professionally. Universities and private schools across East China and South China provide both language study and cultural education — making it the ideal place for long-term success.
Is learning Chinese in China better than learning in your home country?
Yes — learning Chinese in China is far more effective than studying in your home country.
In China, every moment is a learning opportunity. From classroom lessons to street conversations, students are fully immersed in Mandarin. You develop not only fluency but also an understanding of Chinese culture, tone usage, body language, and regional accents. Students in immersive environments often progress 2–3 times faster than those studying abroad. That’s why many top study-abroad programs include at least one semester in China.