Resource Library

学习资源 xuéxí zīyuán Resource Library Discover the world of Chinese language, tradition and modern society while improving your Chinese skills along the way. We welcome you to explore Chinese language and culture with CLI as your guide. Start here 01Chinese CharactersThe 100 Most Common Chinese CharactersChinese is comprised of over 50,000 characters, but 2,500 cover 98% of everyday usage!Anne Meredith · 6 min read02HSKHSK Levels Explained: Complete Guide to All 9 LevelsUnderstand HSK levels 1–9, compare legacy and revised vocabulary and test formats, choose the right target, and navigate the 2026 transition.Anna Liang · 14 min read03Learn ChineseThe 100 Most Common Chinese Measure Words and Their UsesHoping to discover more about learning and using Chinese measure words? Read this article to better understand this important aspect of Mandarin Chinese.Anne Meredith · 19 min read04Learn ChineseA Comprehensive Introduction to Basic Chinese GrammarSome aspects of learning Chinese are tough, but Chinese grammar is refreshingly simple! Read this article for an introduction to basic Chinese grammar.Anne Meredith · 25 min read05Learn ChineseChinese Sentence Structure: A Beginner’s Guide to Mandarin Word OrderLearn Chinese sentence structure with clear Mandarin word order rules for SVO sentences, time, place, questions, negation, 是, 很, 有, and topic-comment.Anna Liang · 12 min read Our six most-read guides. Just published最新文章 Chinese ZodiacYear of the Pig: Chinese Zodiac Meaning, Years & TraitsEvery Year of the Pig with verified dates, the rule for January and February birthdays, what the pig means in Chinese, and 2031.Tania Yeromiyan · 20 min readChinese ZodiacYear of the Rat: Dates, Meaning and Why the Rat Comes FirstExplore Rat years and dates, personality traits, compatibility, and the language and folklore behind the sign.Tania Yeromiyan · 25 min readLearn ChineseWhy Learn Chinese in China? The Benefits of Chinese ImmersionLearn why studying Mandarin in China can improve speaking, listening, confidence, and cultural understanding—and what makes immersion actually work.The CLI Team · 17 min readLearn ChineseIs CLI the Best Chinese Language School in China?Compare Chinese language schools in China and see how CLI's one-to-one instruction, Guilin setting, housing, support, and student reviews stack up.The CLI Team · 18 min read Free Chinese toolsBuilt by CLI for our students, and free for every learner. Pinyin ChartHear and practice every pinyin sound in all four tones.Pinyin ConverterPaste Chinese text and get pinyin with tone marks.Radical & Stroke ExplorerLook up any character’s radical and stroke count.Text AnalyzerSee a Chinese text’s HSK level and readability.HSK Vocabulary Flashcards1,000 essential words from HSK 3.0 levels 1–3.HSK Sentence FlashcardsReal sentences for HSK 1–4, with pinyin and English.HSK Word ListsAll 300 HSK 1 words, plus lists for HSK 2, 3 and 4.HSK 1 GrammarAll 48 HSK 3.0 Level 1 grammar points, with examples. The Language Learn Chinese学中文See all 68 articles →Grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and study methods, explained by CLI’s teachers and writers. Most readLearn ChineseCLI’s Top Five Recommended Chinese TextbooksThis guide covers CLI’s top five recommendations for improving your Chinese.Tania Yeromiyan · 10 min readLearn ChineseHow to Think in Chinese: A Beginner’s Guide to 中文思维Learn how to start thinking in Chinese with simple daily habits, beginner-friendly phrases, and practical steps that reduce translation and build fluency.Anna Liang · 17 min readLearn ChineseHow to Measure and Improve Your Chinese with Quizzes and AssessmentsLearn how Chinese assessment, HSK tests, teacher feedback, placement, and self-assessment can help you measure your Mandarin level and improve faster.Anna Liang · 21 min readLearn ChineseSpaced Repetition for Learning ChineseLearn how spaced repetition systems help Chinese learners remember characters, tones, pinyin, vocabulary, and grammar while avoiding flashcard overload.Anna Liang · 16 min read The HSK汉语水平考试See all 5 articles →China’s official Mandarin proficiency test: what each level asks of you, what changed with HSK 3.0, and how to prepare. Most readHSKNew HSK 3.0 in 2026: What Changed and Which Version Should You Study?The HSK Chinese proficiency test is about to undergo some major changes. Read on to learn what we know so far about the upcoming overhaul of this key exam.Anne Meredith · 10 min readHSKHow to Pass HSK 6: Strategies for Mastering the ExamLearn how to pass the HSK 6 exam. Covers the test structure, vocabulary tips, study routines, and what changes under HSK 3.0 mean for your preparation.Anias Stambolis-D’Agostino · 11 min readHSKWhat Is the HSK? China's Official Chinese Proficiency Exam ExplainedThe HSK is China's official Mandarin proficiency exam. Learn how the new 9-level HSK 3.0 system works, what it tests, and how to prepare for 2026.Tania Yeromiyan · 15 min readHSKHow to Pass the HSK 4: A Step-by-Step Study GuideLearn 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.Anne Meredith · 10 min read Chinese Graded Readers分级阅读See all 13 stories →Short stories written for each HSK level, from HSK 1 to HSK 6.By level:HSK 1HSK 2HSK 3HSK 4HSK 5HSK 6 Most readGraded ReadersHSK 1 | My Dad Loves Drinking TeaNeed to brush up on your Chinese reading skills? Practice your Mandarin with this fun HSK 1 graded reader about a doctor who adores drinking tea.The CLI TeamGraded ReadersHSK 1 | My Family's DogMeet Rice, my family's lovable dog. Discover stories of his adventures, personality, and the joy he brings to our lives in China.The CLI TeamGraded ReadersHSK 2 | My Bus Driver, Mr. LiuJoin me as I share stories about Mr. Liu, my bus driver in China. Discover his kindness, insights, and the unique experiences we shared on our journeys.The CLI TeamGraded ReadersHSK 2 | My Chinese Homestay FamilyChinese reading skills need some work? Dive into this HSK 2 graded reader and follow an exchange student as she gets to know his Chinese homestay family!The CLI Team Chinese Characters汉字See all 11 articles →How Chinese characters are built, how to write them, and which ones to learn first. Most readChinese CharactersThe Six Types of Chinese Characters ExplainedThe six types of Chinese characters, their rules, and how knowing each can help you learn characters faster!Tania Yeromiyan · 10 min readChinese CharactersSimplified Chinese Characters: History, Examples & UsageWhat are simplified Chinese characters? What's the difference between traditional and simplified characters? Read on to learn more!The CLI Team · 12 min readChinese CharactersChinese Etymology and the Origins of Chinese CharactersThe story of Chinese etymology and its relationship with Chinese language, culture and history.Hugo Van der Merwe · 12 min readChinese CharactersChinese Stroke Order: 6 Rules Every Chinese Learner Should KnowThe importance of Chinese stroke order and how to write hanzi like a pro.Tania Yeromiyan · 8 min read Learning Chinese Online在线学汉语See all 7 articles →Studying Mandarin from home: routines, tools and what actually helps. Most readLearn Chinese OnlineWhat Actually Helps When Learning Chinese Online?Learn which online Chinese study methods actually work, including audio, tones, pinyin, character recall, spaced repetition, graded reading, and teacher feedback.The CLI Team · 21 min readLearn Chinese OnlineLearn Chinese on Zoom in 2026Ready to learn Chinese on Zoom? Discover how to improve your Chinese quickly and effectively from anywhere with CLI's Zoom classes.Anias Stambolis-D’Agostino · 8 min readLearn Chinese OnlineTop 8 Ways to Learn Chinese OnlineLearning Chinese online is easier than you think. You can take online one-on-one Chinese lessons, read the news in Chinese, and more.Tania Yeromiyan · 16 min readLearn Chinese OnlineTop 5 YouTube Channels for Studying MandarinAre you looking for the best places to learn Chinese on YouTube? Look no further! Here's our list of the 5 best channels to learn Chinese on Youtube.Tania Yeromiyan · 7 min read Prefer to learn with a teacher? Book a free trial lesson → Try Online One-on-One ChineseLearn Chinese with your own qualified Chinese teacher. We bring the classroom to you. Book a free trial lesson Explore China Chinese Culture中国文化See all 36 articles →Customs, beliefs, food, dress and daily life in China, past and present. Most readChinese CultureChinese Dragons: Their Types, History, and SignificanceDiscover what Chinese dragons symbolize, where they come from, and what their colors and types mean in this guide to China's most famous mythical creature.The CLI Team · 9 min readChinese CultureChinese Wedding Customs: Meaning, Symbolism, and Modern TraditionsLearn the meaning behind traditional and modern Chinese wedding customs, from tea ceremonies and red symbolism to 彩礼 and regional traditions.Tania Yeromiyan · 14 min readChinese CultureZhuang People of China: Origins, Language & Spiritual TraditionsDiscover the Zhuang people of China, their roots in Guangxi, Tai-Kadai language, Sawndip script, Mo religion, and living cultural traditions.Tania Yeromiyan · 13 min readChinese CultureWhy Do Chinese People Burn Paper Money? Joss Paper & Cultural MeaningLearn why Chinese people burn paper money, what spirit money and joss paper are, and how different paper offerings are used in festivals, funerals, and ancestor worship.Tania Yeromiyan · 12 min read Chinese History中国历史See all 5 articles →The dynasties, people and turning points that shaped modern China. Most readChinese HistoryThe Qing Dynasty: China’s Last Imperial AgeThe rise, the fall and the enduring legacy of China’s last imperial dynasty.Hugo Van der Merwe · 15 min readChinese HistoryGuan Zhong (管仲): The Statesman Who Made Qi a PowerhouseWho was Guan Zhong? Learn how he helped the State of Qi rise, why Confucius praised him in the Analects, and what the Guanzi reveals about early Chinese statecraft.The CLI Team · 7 min readChinese HistoryConfucius Quotes: 9 Authentic Sayings from the AnalectsDiscover authentic Confucius quotes verified from the Analects. Learn Master Kong’s true wisdom, debunk popular fake sayings, and explore their Chinese meanings.The CLI Team · 9 min readChinese HistoryThe Tang Dynasty: China’s Golden AgeThis surprisingly modern and cosmopolitan era known as China’s golden age.Anne Meredith · 12 min read Chinese Holidays中国传统节日See all 29 articles →China’s traditional festivals and public holidays: dates, customs and food, plus yearly holiday calendars. Most readChinese HolidaysThe 2027 Chinese Holiday CalendarThis article provides an official list of all the Chinese holidays in 2027, including national public holidays and other public observances.The CLI Team · 5 min readChinese HolidaysWhat Is the Sanyuesan Festival and How Is It Celebrated?What is Sanyuesan? Learn about this traditional Zhuang festival, its origins, rituals, folk songs, food, and how it’s celebrated in Guangxi today.Tania Yeromiyan · 9 min readChinese HolidaysWhat is Children’s Day (儿童节) in China?Learn how China celebrates Children's Day (儿童节) on June 1st — from family traditions and brand marketing to the country's birth rate crisis.Tania Yeromiyan · 8 min readChinese HolidaysYour Comprehensive Guide to the Chinese New Year (春节 Chūnjié)Over a billion people celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, China's most important holiday.Tania Yeromiyan · 12 min read The Chinese Zodiac十二生肖See all 14 articles →The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac: birth years, traits, compatibility and legends. Most readChinese ZodiacYear of the Goat: Meaning, Years & Chinese Cultural InsightsThe Year of the Goat (2027). Learn about the Goat Year's meaning, symbols, and compatibilities.Tania Yeromiyan · 12 min readChinese ZodiacThe Year of the Horse: Galloping into 2026Enter the Year of the Horse in 2026! Discover the meaning of the Fire Horse, personality traits, and how to navigate your Ben Ming Nian with success.Tania Yeromiyan · 10 min readChinese ZodiacThe Year of the Snake: Decoding 2025The Year of the Snake (2025). Learn about the Snake Year's meaning, symbols, and compatibilities.Tania Yeromiyan · 9 min readChinese ZodiacDancing in the Moonlight with the Year of the RabbitCurious about the Year of the Rabbit? Read this article to deepen your understanding of Chinese culture while exploring the meaning of this zodiac sign!Tania Yeromiyan · 12 min read Traveling in China环游中国See all 21 articles →Visas, VPNs, getting around and where to go: practical guides for travel in China. Most readTravel ChinaThe 10 Best Places to Visit in ChinaCheck out our list of the best places to visit in China for some great ideas.The CLI Team · 13 min readTravel ChinaCan You Visit China Without a Visa? Guide to China’s Visa-Free OptionsThinking about visiting China before committing to a language program? Learn China’s main visa-free options, what they allow, and when you still need a study visa.The CLI Team · 13 min readCLI NewsWhat Are the Best VPNs for China in 2026?You'll first need the best VPN for China. Check out CLI’s recommendations for the best China VPNs.Anias Stambolis-D’Agostino · 19 min readTravel ChinaHangzhou Travel Guide: Key Attractions, History, and Travel TipsPlanning a trip to Hangzhou? Let CLI be your guide to this amazing ancient city which features a fascinating mix of high tech and old school.The CLI Team · 17 min read Guilin桂林See all 17 articles →CLI’s home since 2009: the city, the Li River, Guangxi, and daily life for students. Most readGuilinThe Li River: One of Earth’s Most Beautiful WondersThe Li River runs through the heart of Guangxi, China, connecting beautiful downtown Guilin with the riverside town of Yangshuo.The CLI Team · 11 min readGuilinThe Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Guilin (2026)All the best places to see, meals to eat, and adventures to undertake!Hugo Van der Merwe · 35 min readGuilinLiving with a Chinese Host Family: A Practical Guide for Students in GuilinPreparing to live with a Chinese host family? This practical guide covers daily life, hospitality norms, common friction points, key Mandarin phrases, and how to build a meaningful relationship with…The CLI Team · 18 min readGuilin马到成功: CLI Upgrades Student Living Facilities for the Year of the HorseCLI completed a three-month renovation of its Guilin center — new bathrooms, keycard doors, and AC units across the building. See photos of the upgraded facilities.The CLI Team · 6 min read Study Abroad in China在中国留学Study abroad with CLI →Preparing for a semester or an immersion stay in China: housing, homestays and what to expect. Most readStudy Abroad in ChinaHow to Prepare for a Chinese Immersion Program in ChinaPreparing for a Chinese immersion program in China? Use this 30-day plan for Mandarin study, documents, payments, packing, apps, and your first week.The CLI Team · 19 min readStudy Abroad in ChinaStudy Abroad in China: How to Choose the Right ProgramCheck out our Ultimate Guide to find out which programs, schools and locations are right for you.Anne Meredith · 16 min readStudy Abroad in ChinaWhy study abroad in Guilin?Guilin has long been a city of traditional Chinese culture and natural beauty. Read on to find out why you should you study abroad in Guilin.The CLI Team · 6 min readStudy Abroad in China5 Reasons Everyone Should Study Abroad in ChinaStudying abroad is a great oppertunity to learn more about a new country and culture. Here are top 5 reasons why everyone should study abroad!The CLI Team · 5 min read Live and study in Guilin: the Chinese Immersion Program → From CLI Student Perspectives学生视角See all 30 stories →Students write about learning Chinese at CLI and life in Guilin. Most readPerspectivesHighs and Lows: Life as a Foreigner in ChinaLearn what it feels like to be a foreigner in China with the help of these first-hand CLI student accounts, written as part of CLI Perspectives #20!The CLI Team · 6 min readPerspectivesCLI Perspectives: Of Mountains and MifenIn this July 2021 installment of CLI Perspectives, Immersion Program student Isabel Floyd takes us on an educational journey from the skyscrapers of Shanghai...Isabel Floyd · 4 min readPerspectivesStudent Spotlight: Daniel Del BosqueHow should you make the most of your Chinese studies in Guilin? Hear tips from CLI student and Yale University alum Daniel in CLI's Student Spotlight series!The CLI Team · 4 min readPerspectivesStudent Spotlight: Harry MattisonMeet CLI alum Harry and find out why he calls China his second home after traveling the Middle Kingdom and studying Mandarin in Guilin.The CLI Team · 2 min read CLI News学校新闻See all 40 posts →News from the CLI Center: events, press, new facilities and our Year in Review. Most readCLI NewsCLI 2025 Year in Review: 36,000 Hours, 35 Countries, One CommunityIn 2025, CLI delivered over 36,000 hours of one-on-one Chinese lessons to students from 35 countries. Explore the year's highlights — from the classroom to farewell dinners in Guilin.The CLI TeamCLI NewsThe New York Times Goes to GuilinIt was a welcome surprise to learn that The New York Times sent staff photographer Josh Haner to capture some of Guilin’s beauty.The CLI TeamCLI NewsFormer CLI Student Gives TED SpeechWhat's the secret to achieving your goals? Keeping them to yourself, suggests CLI alum Derek Sivers in his inspiring TED talk featured on our website.The CLI TeamCLI NewsAmerican Mandarin SocietyAmerican Mandarin Society (AMS) is a CLI-approved resource for improving your Mandarin and your knowledge of US-China relations.The CLI Team · 1 min read Learn with CLIChinese language and culture programs in Guilin, online, and across China. Chinese ImmersionOne-on-one instruction and complete immersion within a safe, friendly language environment is among the most direct paths to Chinese fluency.Learn Chinese OnlineCLI’s online Chinese lessons bring the classroom to you, providing the flexibility to continue your school or work commitments while learning Chinese.Study Abroad in ChinaEarn full university credit at Guangxi Normal University (GXNU) while improving your Chinese through CLI’s daily one-on-one instruction and immersion-first community in Guilin.Faculty-Led ProgramsCLI partners with a select number of schools and organizations to lead customizable study and travel experiences throughout China. Practice with a CLI teacher Book a free online trial lesson, or begin your stay in Guilin any Monday of the year. Book a free trial lessonAsk a question 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.