Learn Chinese Online,One-on-One

CLI Online · One-on-one Chinese · Since 2009CLI Online · Since 2009 Learn Chinese Online,One-on-One CLI’s online Chinese lessons bring the classroom directly to you, allowing you the flexibility to achieve full Chinese proficiency while seamlessly continuing your work and school commitments. Try a Free 30-Minute Lesson Lesson Packages From $16/hr·Free 30-minute trial Explore Program Overview Your One-on-One Chinese Classroom With CLI Online, you can learn Chinese from anywhere in the world. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a video platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WeChat, or VooV Meeting. Your teacher connects with you live and holds class in a virtual one-on-one classroom. Because every lesson is private, your teacher can adjust the pace, materials, examples, homework, and speaking practice to match your current Chinese level and your goals. Whether you are starting from zero, preparing for the HSK, supporting school coursework, improving conversation, or reconnecting with Chinese after time away, CLI Online gives you a flexible way to keep making progress. Try a Free Lesson Why CLI Online Personalized Online Chinese Classes Without Leaving Home CLI Online combines the flexibility of remote study with the personal attention of a private Chinese classroom. 01One-on-One from Day OneYou are never placed into a group class with a fixed pace. Every online lesson is private, so your teacher can focus on your pronunciation, questions, learning style, and goals from the very first class. 02Built Around Your GoalsConversation, characters, tones, reading, writing, HSK preparation, school support, professional Chinese, travel, and culture can all be built into your study plan. 03Your Online Chinese Tutor, Based in GuilinCLI’s online teachers are connected to our language-learning community in Guilin. You study remotely while learning with instructors based in China. 04Real Scheduling SupportShare your time zone, country, preferred platform, and weekly availability. CLI helps coordinate the teacher match and lesson time so you can focus on learning. 05Prepaid PackagesPurchase lesson hours in advance, then use them as classes take place. Larger packages receive lower hourly rates, and CLI can help you track your remaining balance. 1-on-1Private Lessons 30Minute Free Trial 36,000+Hours Taught in 2025 17+Years Running How It Works From Free Trial to Steady Progress Getting started is simple. Tell us about your schedule and goals, meet your teacher online, and continue with a lesson package that fits your pace. Step 1Choose a Free Trial TimeComplete the free trial form with your time zone, country, preferred platform, current Chinese level, and requested lesson time. Please request your trial at least 24 hours in advance so CLI can confirm teacher availability. Step 2Share Your GoalsLet us know what you want to work on: speaking, listening, reading, writing, tones, characters, HSK, school support, business Chinese, travel, or another goal. The more you share, the better your teacher can prepare. Step 3Meet Your Teacher OnlineCLI helps match you with a China-based teacher and confirms the meeting details. Your lesson can be held on a platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WeChat, or VooV Meeting, depending on availability and your preference. Step 4Build a Personalized Study PlanAfter your trial, CLI can help you choose a lesson package and schedule ongoing classes. Your teacher can use your current textbook, recommend materials, or create a blended plan based on your goals. Step 5Focus and Keep ImprovingOnline students purchase lesson hours in advance. As lessons take place, class time is deducted from your account balance. CLI can remind you when your balance is low, and you can contact us anytime for an update. Step 6Keep a Sustainable RhythmMost students meet once or twice per week, but lesson frequency can be adjusted based on your goals, schedule, and teacher availability. Intensive schedules may also be arranged when available. Lesson Focus Areas Mandarin Lessons Shaped Around Your Goals Your online class schedule is tailored to fit your weekly availability, and we work directly with you to design your personalized study plan. Balanced ChineseComprehensive ChineseBuild a balanced foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Your teacher can help you develop core vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and confidence step by step. Fluency PracticeSpeaking & ListeningStrengthen your ability to understand native speakers and respond naturally. Lessons can include conversation practice, pronunciation correction, tones, listening drills, and everyday scenarios. Exam SupportHSK & Test PreparationPreparing for the HSK or a school Chinese exam? CLI teachers can help you review vocabulary and grammar, work through textbook materials, practice speaking, and build confidence with test-style tasks. Kids, Professionals & CultureSpecialized Study PathsCLI can support children, teens, professionals, and culture-focused learners with customized lessons in school support, business Chinese, travel Chinese, Chinese history, traditions, literature, food, and daily life. Start Learning Today 免费开始 Learn Chinese Online, Free and With a Teacher Start free with our Chinese course, guides and tools. When you want someone to hear your tones and keep you speaking, add one-on-one lessons with an online Chinese tutor. Free Course Free Chinese Course: Start Here A step-by-step path for beginners: pinyin, tones, your first HSK 1 words and grammar, then your first short readers. Start free → Study Plan Chinese Study Plan for Beginners What to learn first, and how to use 3, 8 or 20+ hours a week, whether you study on your own or with a teacher. Read the guide → Online Study What Actually Helps When Learning Chinese Online? Feedback, placement, HSK preparation and real-world practice: what moves Mandarin learners forward online. Read the guide → Guides to Studying Mandarin Online Eight ways to study Chinese onlineApps, courses, tutors and more, compared Finding the right online Chinese teacherWhat a first lesson looks like and how to keep improving Private lessons or group classes?Speaking time, feedback and budget, side by side Taking Chinese lessons on ZoomSet-up and the features that help most in class How long does it take to learn Chinese?Realistic timelines for speaking, HSK and fluency Free Chinese Tools Interactive pinyin chartHear every pinyin sound in all four tones Pinyin converterTurn Chinese characters into pinyin with tone marks HSK vocabulary flashcards1,000 HSK 1–3 words with tone-colored pinyin All free Chinese toolsFlashcards, word lists, grammar and converters Browse the Resource Library Scheduling Designed for Global Time Zones CLI’s online Chinese lessons are scheduled to fit your personal availability, and our teachers are based in China. When you sign up, you’ll share your local time zone, the country where you’ll be during class, and the date and time you would like to meet. Our team will work directly with you to assess your scheduling preferences, confirm teacher availability, and help avoid time-zone confusion. If you are not sure what time works best, use a time-zone converter or send us a few options and we’ll help coordinate. Most online students study part-time alongside work or school, while others prefer a more intensive schedule. We’ll help you structure your weekly class hours in a way that suits your needs, availability, and learning goals. Teacher AvailabilityTeachers are generally available during daytime and evening hours in China. The free trial form asks students to choose times within 8:00 AM–10:00 PM China Standard Time. Platform PreferenceShare your preferred platform when you sign up. CLI will confirm the final lesson link or teacher contact details before class. Weekend RequestsWeekend availability may be limited and depends on teacher schedules. Share your availability and CLI will help explore the best available options. ReschedulingIf you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please notify your teacher as early as possible. Lessons canceled too late or missed without notice may be deducted from your balance. Lesson Packages Prepaid Lesson Packages CLI Online students purchase lesson hours in advance. Your balance is reduced as you complete lessons, and larger packages receive lower hourly rates. Choose Lesson Hours 30 Hours 30 min free trial 100 hours Trial 30 hrs 50 hrs 70 hrs 100 hrs 5–19 hours$20/hr 20–59 hours$18/hr 60–99 hours$17/hr 100 hours$16/hr Selected Option USD$540 $18/hour · 20–59 hour rate tier 30 Hours of one-on-one online Chinese lessons at $18 per hour. Lesson time is deducted from your prepaid balance as classes take place. Included With CLI Online One-on-one Chinese lessons China-based CLI teachers Flexible scheduling support Prepaid lesson balance tracking Start Enrollment Form Try a Free Lesson First Starter Package · 5 Hours 5-Hour Package A practical first package after your trial. $100USD 5 hours at $20/hour Enough time to begin a real study rhythmGood fit for beginners or returning learnersFlexible scheduling based on teacher availability Start Enrollment Form Popular Continued Progress · 20 Hours 20-Hour Package Strong fit for weekly or twice-weekly lessons. $360USD 20 hours at $18/hour Lower hourly rate than the starter packageIdeal for conversation, HSK review, or school supportHelps build consistency over several weeks Start Enrollment Form Best Value · 100 Hours 100-Hour Package Best for committed students with long-term Chinese goals. $1,600USD 100 hours at $16/hour CLI’s lowest online lesson hourly rateIdeal for intensive study, HSK goals, or sustained school supportBuild a long-term plan with consistent teacher guidance Start Enrollment Form Hours PurchasedCost Per HourExample TotalBest For 5–19 hours$20/hour5 hours = $100Light weekly study or trying a short package after your trial 20–59 hours$18/hour20 hours = $360Consistent weekly lessons and steady progress 60–99 hours$17/hour60 hours = $1,020Long-term study, HSK goals, school support, or intensive progress 100+ hours$16/hour100 hours = $1,600Highly committed students and long-term language plans All prices are listed in USD. Online lesson purchases can begin at 5 hours after the free trial. Lesson time is deducted from your prepaid balance as classes take place. The secure Enrollment Form is the recommended way to purchase lesson hours. Alternative payment methods may be available by request. Compare Your Options Online Chinese Tutor, App or School? How CLI Compares There are many ways to take online Chinese classes. Here is how one-on-one lessons with CLI differ from the other common choices. How CLI one-on-one online Chinese lessons compare with a tutor marketplace, a language app and a large language school CLI one-on-one lessonsTutor marketplaceLanguage appLarge language school Who teachesQualified Chinese teachers based in Guilin, China, matched to you by CLIIndependent tutors you choose from profilesNo live teacherTeachers assigned by the school Class formatOne-on-one from your first lessonUsually one-on-oneSelf-study lessonsOften group classes; private lessons vary Lesson planBuilt around your goals: conversation, tones, characters, HSK, school or business ChineseDepends on the tutorFixed course pathSet curriculum and pace Speaking and tone feedbackLive correction from your teacher in every lessonLive; quality varies by tutorAutomated at mostShared with classmates in a group Scheduling and supportCLI coordinates time zones, your teacher match and your lesson balanceYou book and manage lessons yourselfStudy any time, on your ownFixed timetable or through the school office Price and trialFree 30-minute trial, then prepaid packages from $16 to $20 per hourSet by each tutor; varies widelyFree tier or subscriptionVaries by school Path to ChinaContinue in person at CLI in GuilinRarelyNoSome schools offer study abroad The marketplace, app and school columns describe typical options in each category. Details vary by provider. Try a Free 30-Minute Lesson Policies & Support Clear, Flexible, and Easy to Manage CLI Online is designed around prepaid hours, personalized scheduling, and direct support from our team. Your Lesson BalanceAfter each lesson, your class time is deducted from your prepaid account. CLI can remind you when your balance is low, and you can contact us anytime to ask for an update. Cancellations & ReschedulingPlease notify your teacher at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may be deducted from your balance. Pausing Your StudiesIf your schedule changes, let CLI and your teacher know. Remaining hours can stay in your account for future study, subject to CLI’s current policy. Unused HoursPurchased lesson hours are generally non-refundable. In many cases, unused hours can be saved for future use or transferred to a friend or family member. Contact CLI for help with your situation. From Online Study to Guilin A First Step Toward Immersion in Guilin Online Chinese lessons are a flexible way to begin, maintain, or accelerate your Chinese study from anywhere in the world. They can also be a powerful stepping stone to studying Chinese in China. CLI is based in Guilin, a southern Chinese city known for its karst mountains, walkable neighborhoods, and welcoming pace of life. If you later decide to join CLI’s in-person Immersion Program, your online lessons can help you arrive with stronger vocabulary, more confidence, and a clearer sense of your learning goals. Explore Immersion in Guilin 千里之行，始于足下 qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step FAQOnline Chinese Lessons FAQ Are CLI Online lessons one-on-one? Yes. CLI Online’s primary format is one-on-one private instruction. Your teacher can tailor each lesson to your level, goals, pace, interests, and preferred learning style. How do I schedule a free trial lesson? Complete the free trial form at the bottom of this page. You’ll share your name, email, time zone, country, preferred platform, current Chinese level, and requested date and time. CLI will then follow up to confirm teacher availability and lesson details. How much do online Chinese lessons cost? One-on-one online lesson purchases can begin at 5 hours after the free trial. The current package structure is $20/hour for 5–19 hours, $18/hour for 20–59 hours, $17/hour for 60–99 hours, and $16/hour for 100+ hours. All prices are listed in USD. What platforms can I use for class? Lessons are usually held through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WeChat, or VooV Meeting. CLI will confirm the final platform, meeting link, or teacher contact information before class. What times are lessons available? CLI’s teachers are based in China, and lessons are coordinated around China Standard Time. The free trial form asks students to choose times within 8:00 AM–10:00 PM China Standard Time. Availability depends on teacher schedules, and CLI will help confirm a time that works. How often should I take lessons? That depends on your goals and schedule. Many students meet once or twice per week, while others prefer a more intensive schedule. Consistency matters: the more regularly you study and review, the faster your Chinese will improve. Can my teacher use my textbook or class materials? Yes. You can share textbooks, school assignments, HSK materials, vocabulary lists, or other resources you want to use. Your teacher can also recommend materials or build lessons around a mix of conversation, grammar, reading, writing, and review. Can CLI help with HSK or school exam preparation? Yes. CLI teachers can help you review vocabulary and grammar, practice speaking, work through textbook materials, and prepare for test-style tasks. Share your target exam, level, timeline, and current materials when you sign up. Do you offer online Chinese lessons for children or teens? Yes. CLI can support young learners and teens with customized online Chinese lessons. Parents should share the student’s age, grade, current Chinese level, school curriculum, preferred script, and goals so CLI can help match the student with an appropriate teacher. Can I study with a friend or family member? CLI’s standard online lessons are one-on-one. Small private classes for two or three learners may be possible in some situations, depending on goals, level, schedule, and teacher availability. Contact CLI to discuss current options and pricing. What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Please notify your teacher at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may be deducted from your lesson balance. What happens if I pause my lessons? If you need to pause, let your teacher and CLI know as early as possible. Remaining lesson hours can stay in your account for future study, subject to CLI’s current policy. CLI can help you restart when your schedule allows. Can I transfer unused lesson hours? In many cases, yes. If you would like to transfer unused hours to a friend or family member, contact CLI and our team will help review the request. What happens after my free trial? After your free trial, CLI can help you choose a lesson package, share the enrollment form, and coordinate an ongoing schedule with a teacher. You can also tell us what worked well in the trial and what you would like to focus on next. Can online lessons help me prepare for studying in China? Absolutely. Online lessons can help you build vocabulary, improve listening and speaking confidence, and clarify your goals before arriving in China. Many students use online study as a stepping stone toward in-person immersion in Guilin. Can I learn Mandarin online for free? Yes. Start with our free Chinese course, which takes you step by step through pinyin, tones, your first HSK 1 words and basic grammar, and practice with free tools like the pinyin chart and HSK vocabulary flashcards. Free study is a good way to build vocabulary. What it can’t do is listen to you speak. An online Chinese tutor hears your tones, corrects them as you talk and keeps you speaking, so many learners combine free study with one or two lessons a week. Can I learn Mandarin online as a complete beginner? Yes. CLI Online works for students starting from zero as well as for returning and advanced learners. Because every lesson is one-on-one, your teacher sets the pace for you and can focus on pronunciation and tones from your very first class. Start with the free 30-minute trial; the 5-hour package is a practical first package after it. Should I use an online Chinese tutor from a marketplace or a school? It depends on how much you want to manage yourself. On a tutor marketplace you choose a tutor from many profiles, then handle the booking, the lesson plan and the quality check on your own. With a school like the Chinese Language Institute (CLI), our team matches you with a qualified teacher based in Guilin, helps plan your lessons around your goals, and coordinates scheduling across time zones and your prepaid lesson balance. If you would rather spend your time learning than organizing, a school is the simpler choice. The free 30-minute trial lets you see how CLI works before you buy a package. Are online Chinese classes as effective as classes in China? For most goals, yes. One-on-one online Chinese classes give you a teacher’s full attention: your teacher corrects your pronunciation and tones, explains grammar and adapts to your pace. Steady progress comes from consistency, such as one or two lessons a week with review in between. What online classes can’t give you is a city where you hear and use Chinese all day. That is what studying in China adds, and many students use online lessons as a stepping stone to our Chinese Immersion Program in Guilin. Ready to Try Online Chinese with CLI? Sign up for a free 30-minute trial lesson and meet one-on-one with a qualified Chinese teacher based in Guilin, China. Try a Free Lesson Try Online One-on-One Chinese 免费试听 Learn Chinese Onlinewith CLI Sign up for a free 30-minute trial lesson and learn Chinese online with your own qualified Chinese teacher based in Guilin, China. We bring the classroom to you. “I appreciate CLI’s size, flexibility, and ability to accommodate students. Because it is a small community, it is easy to build relationships with the teachers and staff.”~ Daniel Del Bosque, Chinese Immersion Program info@studycli.org +1 888-781-8383 WeChat: Scan QR Free Lesson Signup Enroll today in your trial Chinese lesson. With CLI Online, learn Chinese from anywhere in the world. All you need is a reliable internet connection. Ready to continue after your trial? Enroll in online Chinese lessons CloseMessage us on WeChatIn WeChat on your phone, tap + then Scan, and point it at this code.Take a screenshot of this code. In WeChat, tap + then Scan and choose it from your album.Press and hold the code and choose the option to scan it.Then tap Follow and send us a message.We reply Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Beijing time.