Hi, my name is Manuel! I am from Spain and I am a Student Advisor at LTL. I’m now based at our Seoul School after living 3 years in Taipei.
Hi, my name is Mojca! I am from Slovenia in Europe and I work as a student advisor at our Shanghai school.7 Reasons Why You Should Learn Chinese in China in 2025
Reasons You Never Expected // Learn Why YOU Should Come to China
Learning a language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it’s about culture, context, and immersion.
Chinese, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, has gained immense popularity due to China’s growing global influence in business, culture, and politics.
But while language apps, online classes, and local courses are helpful, there’s nothing quite like learning the language in its native environment.
If you’re serious about mastering Mandarin, there’s no better place to learn it than in China.
Here’s why:
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Cultural Immersion
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Daily Practice and Real-World Application
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Access to Native Materials
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Mandarin Dialects and Local Variations
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Formal Learning Opportunities
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Building Connections and Expanding Career Opportunities
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || Traveling in China
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || FAQs
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #1 Cultural Immersion
Language is deeply intertwined with culture.
When you learn Chinese in China, you’re not just learning words; you’re learning how those words are used in everyday situations and the cultural context surrounding them.
You’ll learn language nuances that don’t always translate well into English, such as culturally specific expressions, jokes, or proverbs. You’ll start to “think” in Chinese more naturally as you adapt to the rhythm of local life.
👉 This also means developing an understanding of Chinese customs and values, like “face” (面子) culture.
Not to mention, experiencing Chinese festivals firsthand!
Celebrating Chinese New Year (春节), attending a Mid-Autumn Festival gathering, or watching a Dragon Boat Race will provide you with a much richer insight into Chinese culture.
Understanding the customs, traditions, and way of life in China helps you connect meaningfully with the language.
Chinese New Year 🐉 The Complete Guide To China’s Biggest and Most Important Holiday
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Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #2 Daily Practice and Real-World Application
In China, you’re surrounded by native speakers.
Every interaction—including asking for directions, ordering in a restaurant and having a KTV night with your local friends—becomes an opportunity to practice.
The chance to speak and listen to Mandarin all day long accelerates your learning in a way that classroom-based instruction or app-based learning cannot replicate.
In China, you’ll develop the ability to think and communicate in Chinese far quicker because you’re forced to use the language in practical situations.
Plus, there’s no way to “retreat” into English since many people will only speak Mandarin, which pushes you to adapt quickly.
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #3 Access to Native Materials
China is filled with language learning resources that you can’t get anywhere else.
Whether it’s authentic Chinese literature, local TV shows, or the nuances of street slang, you’ll gain exposure to native materials that will sharpen your understanding of the language.
👉 Being surrounded by native and natural Chinese will not only consolidate everything you learned in class, but also expose you to new vocabulary and phrases.
Having constant Chinese around you is a surefire way to boost your understanding.
You’ll also be using Chinese-language apps and social media platforms like WeChat, which will further enhance your learning experience.
Speaking of, if you’re not sure how to use WeChat yet and want to find out, LTL’s Max is here to help:
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #4 Mandarin Dialects and Local Variations
China is home to a variety of dialects and accents that vary from region to region.
While Mandarin is the official language, experiencing these variations gives you a broader understanding of how the language works across the country.
Living in different parts of China exposes you to different accents, helping you build listening comprehension skills and making you a more versatile speaker.
Aside from Mandarin, here are some of the Chinese languages you can learn with LTL:
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #5 Formal Learning Opportunities
In China, you’ll find world-class Mandarin language programs.
Once you’ve gotten to grips with the language, new opportunities such as studying at Chinese universities at degree level will become available to you.
It may not be as hard as you think to enter a Chinese university, foreign students are only required to pass HSK 4 to be eligible for admission!
You can also supplement your Chinese study with cultural activities, such as calligraphy, Chinese tea ceremonies, or tai chi, to give you a well-rounded understanding of both the language and its cultural background.
For students who have a specific topic they would like to pursue in Mandarin Chinese, LTL’s 1-on-1 classes can be tailored to your needs.
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #6 Building Connections and Expanding Career Opportunities
Living in China allows you to build connections with locals and fellow international students who share your passion for the language.
Many of our students find friends for life whilst studying with us and create a wealth of memories to look back on after they leave.
Want to connect with other Chinese language learners right now? Join one of our online communities:
And it’s not just friendships with each other – many make local friends they can practice the language with.
These friendships often lead to deeper engagement with Chinese culture and can open doors for personal and professional growth.
Moreover, China’s booming economy means that having proficiency in Mandarin can significantly boost your career prospects, especially in industries like international business, tech, and tourism.
9 Travel Tips for Beijing 🧳 – A Useful List for 2020
With long history, rich culture and nice people, Beijing is a city which deserves several days of your time.
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || #7 Traveling in China
Traveling in China while learning Mandarin gives you a unique opportunity to practice the language in different regional contexts.
It also means being able to see some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever come across in your lifetime!
With its vast geographic diversity, each region of China offers distinct cultural and linguistic experiences.
As you explore different cities and provinces, you’ll encounter various local accents, dialects, and customs that will challenge and enhance your listening and speaking skills.
For example, traveling to the southern region may introduce you to the Cantonese dialect, while a trip to the northern provinces could immerse you in the standard Beijing accent, helping you adapt to different ways of speaking Mandarin.
Beyond language, traveling through China’s diverse landscapes—whether you’re exploring the Great Wall, visiting ancient temples in Xi’an, or wandering the bustling streets of Shanghai—immerses you in the country’s rich history and traditions.
Why You Should Learn Chinese in China || FAQs
Can I learn Chinese in China even if I’m a complete beginner?
Yes! LTL offers language programs in China specifically designed for beginners, with a focus on foundational grammar, pronunciation, and everyday vocabulary.
How long does it take to learn Chinese in China?
It depends on your goals and dedication. For conversational proficiency, it typically takes about 6 months to 1 year of immersive learning. Fluency, on the other hand, may require several years of dedicated study and practice.
Do I need to speak Chinese before moving to China?
It’s not necessary, but having a basic understanding of Mandarin can make the transition smoother. Once you’re in China, you’ll quickly pick up the language through daily practice and formal lessons.
What is the best city to learn Chinese in China?
Popular cities like Beijing and Shanghai are great for learners due to their resources and international communities. However, smaller cities like Beihai, Chengde or Chengdu can offer more authentic immersion with fewer distractions from English speakers.
What is the best time of year to start studying in China?
There’s no time like the present! Programs at LTL start every Monday throughout the year, so you can start at the best time for you.
Afraid of the cold winters or sweltering summers? Don’t worry, we have schools throughout China and you can even join a multi-city program.
Want more from LTL?
Want to learn Chinese from the comfort of your own home? Then our 24/7 online Chinese lessons might be the thing for you.
We offer a 7 day free trial to all new online students where you can study Mandarin 24/7.
Come and check it out free of charge and see what you think!
If you wish to hear more from LTL Language School why not join our mailing list?
