7 Best Mandarin Schools in China Compared & Ranked (2025)
Planning to learn Chinese in China? Choosing the right Mandarin school is crucial to the future success of your Chinese learning.
Whether you’re a beginner struggling to speak Chinese at the moment, or you’re a seasoned student looking to perfect your Chinese skills, you want to be sure that you’re studying at the best Mandarin school.
In this guide, I have ranked and reviewed the 7 best Mandarin schools in China, along with my top 3 choices, so that you can pick the best one for you.
The Best Mandarin Schools in China
The popularity of Mandarin Chinese has exploded, leading to a surge in Mandarin schools. Back in 2004 when I first decided to study Chinese in China, there weren’t many options out there. Now, hundreds of Mandarin schools are competing for your attention.
But with so many options to choose from and they all have something unique to offer, finding the right Mandarin school can become pretty confusing and frustrating. Well, worry no more! This guide is designed to cut through the noise and provide you with clarity.
Drawing on my two decades of experience in the language industry, I highlight the best Mandarin schools in China and help you narrow down your selection. I’ll uncover the signature courses they offer, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and share some tips to help you zero in on the right school for you.
I’ll kick this thing off by listing the top schools at the beginning.
Based on a number of selection criteria that revolve around school reputation, academic quality, and testimonials from alumni, the 7 best Mandarin schools in China are:
- LTL (Best Overall)
- That’s Mandarin (Most Popular)
- MandarinRocks (Best Value)
- CLI
- Keats
- Hanbridge Mandarin
- GoEast Mandarin
These are all schools I’m personally familiar with, or that have outstanding reputations and reviews. If I were to learn Chinese all over again, these are the schools I’d choose without hesitation. (You can read more about how I came up with the list.)
I do have my preferences – my top picks are LTL, That’s Mandarin, and MandarinRocks – I have more experience with them than others. But depending on your specific needs, any of these schools could be a good fit – I have vetted them all at a high level.
There may be other promising schools out there, but they simply haven’t been tested over time (all the schools I listed have been around for over 10 years), which is why they didn’t make the list.
Now, to help you pick your best fit, I’ve compiled details about each of the Mandarin schools.
Let’s dive in.
1. LTL
LTL is ranked #1 on my list of the best Mandarin schools in China this year. The school, founded by a German expat living in Beijing in 2007, has been going strong in the Mandarin training space for over a decade, and for good reasons.
LTL offers one of the most diverse course options in the industry, including HSK Prep, Gap Year, Under 18’s, Master Class (50+), and courses for descent speakers. Additionally, they provide a great online program where you can take live Chinese classes 24/7.
For those looking to deepen their immersion experience, LTL offers an extremely engaging program in Chengde, a rural city where standard Mandarin was first codified in 1952. It’s perfect for language lovers who want to soak up the local vibe.
What’s great about LTL is they don’t just throw grammar and vocabulary at you. They really emphasize understanding the cultural context of the language, which makes learning so much more interesting and motivating.
LTL has locations in Beijing and Shanghai (with another branch in Taiwan, although the others have closed due to the pandemic). You can choose to book a traveling Chinese course and divide your time between the two cities while continuing your Chinese studies with the same course materials. And you’ll get exposure to both northern and southern accents.
For about $1,905 USD, you can stay with a host family and join a two-week intensive course with 20 hours of lessons per week at this top-rated school. So far, over 3,000 students have gone through LTL and come away with improved Chinese skills and a taste of China’s unique culture.
What I Like
1. Diverse Student Demographics. Their website is available in 16 languages, which means you’ll be studying in a very international environment – perfect for meeting people sharing the same interests as you from around the world.
2. Organized Management. LTL has a great international management team that’s all about making your time in China enjoyable. They speak multiple languages (like English, German, Italian, French, and Russian), and this makes communication a lot easier for students and parents from North America and Europe.
3. Flexible Online Learning. Everyone’s into online learning nowadays, but LTL’s live class system – Flexi Classes – is next level.
You can study anytime, anywhere in small groups or solo, with professional teachers in China. Plus, you can easily book, reschedule, or cancel classes. Honestly, it’s my top recommendation for online Chinese classes.
What I Don't Like
The homestay accommodation is pretty steep at around $1,890 USD per month, making LTL the priciest Mandarin school for student housing I found – about 1.5 times the average cost. (But hey, you can always find your own spot to save some cash!)
Other than that, I don’t have many complaints, though I do wish they could spruce up the learning environment a bit. Unlike some other schools here that have their own buildings or campuses to offer a more relaxing learning and social environment, both LTL schools in Beijing and Shanghai are located in busy office buildings and can become overcrowded during peak seasons.
What Other Reviewers Say
With over 110 reviews giving LTL a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, the school has received excellent recommendations from former students. A lot of reviews mentioned they loved the school’s online program, calling it the best way to learn Chinese without actually being in China.
The Verdict
With nearly $23 USD for a group class and $46 USD for a 1-on-1 class (20 classes per week deal), this is not a low-budget school. But quality has its price and LTL school can easily prove why it is worth it!
If you are a serious student seeking a meaningful learning experience in a warm and supportive atmosphere with a focus on cultural understanding, you don’t have to go too far beyond LTL.
2. That's Mandarin
With a price tag of $1,830 USD for a two-week group class package (which includes 2015 weekly hours and homestay), That’s Mandarin ranks among the most expensive Mandarin schools in China. Losing rating points for the higher costs and still snagging the 2nd spot on this list means it’s definitely worth checking out!
Founded in 2005, That’s Mandarin operates three centers located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou (its Shenzhen branch is permanently closed).
If numbers are anything to go by then the school holds the record of having the most number of students studying Chinese. Over 50,000 students have taken courses with That’s Mandarin – simply mind-boggling!
All of their campuses are in great locations and have good facilities. Each classroom has plenty of natural light, interactive whiteboards, and computers for multimedia learning. I particularly like their Shanghai campus, as it has its own café and a spacious terrace where you can chill and meet new friends. You can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge while you relax or study after class.
That’s Mandarin was also the first Chinese language school in China to combine traditional classroom teaching with online learning back in 2010. With a specially designed learning platform, they can support their programs both online and offline effortlessly. All of these aspects make That’s Mandarin one of the top Chinese language schools in China.
What I Like
1. Tech-driven Classes. For beginners and elementary students, That’s Mandarin has probably the best Chinese learning platform – NihaoCafe (formerly “Mandarin Café”), on which they’ve created a course around a TV series they filmed in 2019, featuring 64 episodes and over 70 characters in 45 locations.
You can watch videos, read interactive dialogues, learn new words and grammar, and practice with exercises on the platform, independently or with the help of their professional teachers.
2. The Curriculum. Their curriculum is in sync with the current HSK level system, which is perfect if you’re aiming to pass the HSK test.
What I Don't Like
Mandatory immersion for beginners. All classes at That’s Mandarin are taught in Chinese, and students are expected to speak only Chinese while at school, even beginners. While this is great for more advanced students, the “one size fits all” approach can be very frustrating for beginners in my experience.
Their lessons are also shorter. Each lesson at That’s Mandarin is just 45 minutes whereas other schools typically offer 50-55 minutes.
The third thing That’s Mandarin can do better is to increase transparency in its pricing.
Unlike other schools, That’s Mandarin only advertises an attractive “starting price” on their website, which only applies if you buy a bulk package of lessons. For any course, you need to contact them directly for a quote, and rates can increase sharply for short-term studies. Overall, I found that it’s more expensive compared to most schools out there.
What Other Reviewers Say
Over 150 online reviews give it a 9.5 out of 10 rating, pretty persuasive. I’ve heard nothing but good experiences with That’s Mandarin, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of the most sought-after Chinese language schools in China.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a holistic approach with a thorough grounding in grammar and conversation practice as well as a sociable learning atmosphere at a large school (and are willing to stretch your budget for that matter), That’s Mandarin is the way to go!
3. MandarinRocks
Only in terms of scale, MandarinRocks is not at the top as it has only one center in Shanghai but where it gains some crucial points is the fact that it has an exceptional reputation for having the best Mandarin teachers.
This cozy Mandarin school, tucked inside a remodeled Shanghai-style lane house with a lovely courtyard has been in the business since 2001, helping thousands of students integrate into Chinese society over the years. They give great importance to individualized attention and student satisfaction, and have a variety of benefits that can’t be reaped from your typical chain school.
MandarinRocks offers Chinese courses for all levels. Besides the standard General Chinese course, you can sign up for Combined Chinese (a mix of group and private lessons), Business Chinese, HSK prep, and even a unique Study-Internship program for college students and young pros. Plus, they’re pioneers of youth immersion programs, hosting fantastic Chinese summer camps for kids every year.
MandarinRocks positions itself as the best affordable school in Shanghai, potentially in all of China as well – and they might just be right. Compared to other big-city Mandarin schools, it’s definitely the least expensive option.
For example, studying Chinese at MandarinRocks in the heart of Shanghai while staying with a local host family will just cost you $1,565 USD for two weeks including 20 class hours per week.
Even though it is the third Chinese language school mentioned in this comparison, MandarinRocks remains an outstanding choice for learning Chinese in China.
What I Like
1. The Teachers. When choosing a school, you’ll always want to find a school that employs the best experts in the field. MandarinRocks has a very competent teaching team. Many of their teachers have over 10 years of experience – pretty impressive and well above the average!
2. The Relatively Small Size. In larger schools, it’s common for teachers to juggle a ton of students, which can leave some folks feeling lost. At MandarinRocks, the small class sizes mean teachers have more time for one-on-one interaction. They really tailor their teaching to fit each student’s pace and learning style, so you won’t feel overwhelmed or left behind.
What I Don't Like
Since it’s a smaller school, spots can fill up fast. You might have to book and pay for your course well ahead of time.
The school’s online presence could also use a makeover. Their website feels outdated and doesn’t have much useful info or resources to support self-paced learning.
What Other Reviewers Say
Even though the school has not made it to Trustpilot yet, I’ve seen only positive reviews on Chinese learning sites and forums, with most reviewers giving a perfect score. Many highlight the friendly vibe and competent Mandarin teachers. Since classes are capped at 6 students, you know you’re gonna get the comfort of full support from their teachers.
The Verdict
My experience with MandarinRocks has been overwhelmingly positive. Their responsiveness and welcoming approach make a compelling case. If you’re looking for a supportive, budget-friendly school committed to very high-quality teaching, MandarinRocks is the clear choice. Rest assured, you will not be disappointed.
4. CLI
Located in picturesque Guilin, CLI is the place to be when you wish to study Mandarin and at the same time enjoy the relaxed pace of life in a smaller Chinese city. With lots of cultural happenings, a lively nightlife, and gorgeous natural spots nearby, it’s super easy to connect with fellow students and enjoy your time in China.
CLI was founded in 2009 by two American brothers and has hosted over 2,500 students as of 2024. The school prides itself in delivering focused 1-on-1 Chinese immersion, which includes 20 weekly hours of private intensive Mandarin training with 3 different Chinese teachers.
The program integrates all aspects of the Chinese language – reading, writing, speaking, grammar, listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary – into a unique learning experience.
You can combine your studies with an array of weekly activities, and monthly excursions to maximize your experience, all included in the tuition.
For a two-week immersion program, you’re looking at $1,490 USD for a single room. If you want to try living with a local family, that’s available for $1,760 USD. If you want to get the real feel of life in a small Chinese city, this school is a great option!
What I Like
The “three instructors” approach. When learning a language, it’s good to be exposed to different accents, vocabulary, and teaching styles. CLI provides each student with three unique Mandarin instructors: one who focuses primarily on reading and writing skills, another who emphasizes listening and speaking, and a third teacher who ties all components together with in-depth daily lessons and reviews.
What I Don't Like
On the flip side, I do wish there were more course options. Most of what CLI offers is just the 1-on-1 intensive instruction and a semester abroad program teamed up with Guangxi Normal University. Group classes are rarely available due to a lack of students choosing to study in Guilin.
Additionally, the long class periods featuring only one student can cause problems with class momentum. If you’re looking for classmates to interact and progress with you, you might want to explore other places.
5. Keats
If you prefer learning Chinese by surrounding yourself with mostly locals, then I recommend heading to a less tourist-heavy city city.
Located in sunny Kunming where spring temperatures are present nearly all 365 days of the year, Keats Chinese School can help you immerse yourself in the local culture and learn Chinese quickly.
They offer a two-week small group Chinese class that includes 20 hours of lessons each week, a single room to stay in, and three meals a day – all for just $1,300 USD. This makes the Yunnan-based school one of the best cheap Mandarin schools in China without skimping on quality.
However, it’s not just the price that makes Keats an appealing option. With 21 years of experience, the school understands how stressful studying abroad can be, especially for first-timers. They work hard to ease the transition by providing 24/7 support throughout your stay, for free!
Their Mandarin Plus Program lets you add fun extras to your intensive Mandarin course. You can either top it off with Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chinese calligraphy, or cooking. Getting involved in Chinese culture is definitely one of the coolest ways to learn Mandarin!
What I Like
The school offers lots of of free perks for full-time students, like access to a gym, cultural workshops, Saturday excursions, and even one free Chinese massage every week.
With nine teaching locations across Yunnan Province, you can explore different spots and really get into the local culture while studying.
What I Don't Like
Like Guilin, Kunming is not the top choice for many Chinese language students. Quite possible there will not be any other students at your level to share a group class with.
If that’s the case, you’d have to pay more for their 1-on-1 program. Plus, Kunming isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot and may be considered somewhat boring to live in by Western standards.
The school primarily offers all-inclusive study and living packages, so if you only want to take lessons without staying at their residence, the hourly tuition rate can get pretty high.
6. Hanbridge Mandarin
Founded in 2006, Hanbridge Mandarin is a Chinese language school chain with locations in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Chengdu. To learn Chinese in China, you get some great options for destinations with their Chinese courses. One of those made our list: Hanbridge Mandarin Shenzhen.
The school is ideal for those staying in the Canton area or wishing to explore Hong Kong on weekends for its excellent location on the Hong Kong border.
Now, about the price: a standard two-week group class (20 hours per week, plus homestay) will run you $2,520 USD. Yes, Hanbridge Mandarin is the priciest option on our list, but when you compare it to the costs of studying Chinese in nearby Hong Kong, it’s still a good deal.
The school has special offers like AP Chinese courses for high-school students, industry-specific Chinese courses for professionals, and Chinese summer camps for kids. After Chinese lessons, the school keeps you entertained through after-school activities city tours, excursions, and cultural experiences, all conducted in Chinese.
What I Like
The academic strength. Holding adequate courses means little if the teachers in charge of those courses are insufficiently versed in them. Although you might think it all comes down to teaching Chinese, it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Hanbridge Mandarin has a great teaching team – about 65% of their teachers have a master’s degree, and 30% have lived and taught abroad.
What I Don't Like
For a school of its size, it’s intriguing that they only have female teachers according to their “Meet the Team” page. No offense, it would be cool if they had some male teachers too for those who don’t want to sound all feminine when speaking Chinese.
Also, like That’s Mandarin, the school hides pricing information on their website. You have to get in touch with them to see the prices.
7. GoEast Mandarin
GoEast Mandarin was founded by three Chinese girls in 2012 in Shanghai, making it the youngest school on my list. However, with a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot and Google My Business by former students, the Mandarin school is another good option for studying Chinese in China.
The school offers Chinese courses for adults and kids at all language levels. If you also want to learn Chinese characters, then they have a special Hanzi Character course. With Chinese being increasingly important in the business world, they also help companies to become more competitive through corporate Mandarin training.
GoEast Mandarin has two campuses in Shanghai: one in the vibrant Yangpu university town and the other in the posh former French Concession, so there are plenty of things to see and do outside school.
What I Like
Chinese learning is a field that is constantly changing, and a good Mandarin school is able to keep up with all the latest trends.
Besides employing experienced teachers who don’t shy away from using innovative techniques in their teaching efforts, GoEast Mandarin actively employs these trends. They have incorporated some excellent Chinese learning apps, such as the Chairman’s Bao and Du Chinese, into their courses, making your learning experience more effective.
What I Don't Like
The school is mainly focused on Shanghai-based students and online learning. If you’re coming from afar, keep in mind they don’t handle student accommodations or logistics like other schools do, which could be a massive headache for students traveling to China for the first time. They don’t run any residential youth programs either.
How I Chose the Best Mandarin Schools in China
To be fair, I knew from the beginning that I wouldn’t be able to research and review every Mandarin school in China – there are easily hundreds of them. So I decided to focus only on schools that are:
- Accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Education
- Recognized by international language associations
- Popular among students (measured by social media mentions and reviews)
After spending about two weeks diving into research – reading extensive reviews, sending email inquiries, and even making cold calls – I managed to narrow it down to the top seven Chinese schools that really stood out to me.
(Not to mention that my job here is to research the best language-learning resources all day.)
The Ranking System
The best Mandarin schools should have a solid reputation, small class sizes, quality teaching, easy communication, help with visa applications, and a range of course and housing options. Plus, they should offer fun after-class activities and reliable support for students.
Besides, having a specialized test preparation program is an indicator of a high-quality Mandarin school, which is why I gave extra credit to schools that offer HSK courses or are registered HSK test centers.
Living in a post-pandemic world, being able to offer Chinese courses online is also a vital ranking criterion.
I purposely looked at schools located in different parts of China since you might be looking for a course in the center of China’s capital while the next guy wants to study and chill in a laid-back town.
No matter what type of learner you are, this list has the best options for you.
Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Mandarin School
There are a couple of things you need to take into account while choosing a Mandarin school in China. Here are the most important ones to look for:
Types of Courses
To choose the best school, you first need to determine why exactly you’re learning Chinese and go from there. Mandarin courses come in all shapes and sizes, from conversation and Pinyin courses, reading and general courses, to AP and HSK preparation courses.
Do you want to focus on speaking Chinese, or learning characters at the same time? Get clear on your style, and then find a school that can offer you the type of learning you desire.
Location
If you purely want to improve your Mandarin, you can go with pretty much any school. But if you want to make the most of your time in China, put a little more thought into where you want to study.
Not all cities in China will grant you the same experience. If you enjoy cosmopolitan life, Shanghai is hands down the best place to study Chinese – the city has it all: great culture, world-class food, nightlife, and diversity. You get to meet interesting people from all over the world.
If history is more of your thing, then Beijing has the upper hand – You’ll be amazed by the sheer number of ancient palaces and temples the city boasts.
On the other hand, if you want to really dive into the language, a less touristy place like Kunming could be your best bet. It’s not as exciting, and the food options might be limited, but without all the distractions, you might pick up the language faster, plus it costs less to live there.
Of course, you can look for Mandarin schools with multiple locations. That way, you can keep your courses going while exploring different parts of China without having to switch schools.
Mix of Nationalities
Think about where your classmates are from and their ages – this matters! Ask about the student body. Trust me, you don’t want to be placed in a class where everyone already speaks Cantonese or Japanese, and you’re the only one who can’t read characters…
FAQs
Is it better to learn Chinese at a language school or a university in China?
The choice between a language school and a university in China largely depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay.
If you’re watching your spending and are planning to be there for a while (think about a year), going with a semester or year-long program at a Chinese university might be the way to go. These are generally cheaper because they’re funded by the government and have larger class sizes. But if your budget allows for it, a Mandarin school could be a better fit.
Mandarin programs at Chinese universities often suffer from inflexibility and slow progress. The learning materials are frequently outdated (for instance, talking about dormitory life from decades ago), and teaching methods can be traditional. While the curriculum may be effective in the long run, it can be quite dull – particularly for beginners – even at the “best” institutions like BLCU or Fudan University.
How long does it take to learn Chinese in China?
Chinese is one of the most valuable languages globally, but it is also one of the most challenging to master. Most experts estimate that a Western learner with average aptitude will need about 2,200 hours of traditional study to achieve full proficiency. I agree with that.
The good news? With great Mandarin teachers, cool learning apps, focused immersion, and a solid study plan, you can definitely speed things up.
The best Mandarin schools can help you learn Chinese faster. GoEast Mandarin, for example, proposes 300 hours of lessons to reach a conversationally fluent level. LTL states something similar – their full Chinese immersion program aims to get a complete beginner to HSK 5 (intermediate/B2-) within a year.
How much does it cost to learn Chinese at a language school in China?
While it is generally more expensive than attending a typical Chinese university, tuition at a Mandarin school in China is considerably cheaper than in the US, UK, and many European countries. Depending on the location, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,400 USD and $1,900 USD for a two-week intensive program, which usually includes housing.
Additional costs might include registration fees, textbook fees, visa support, and extracurricular activities. Budget about $20-30 USD a day for meals and other daily costs as well.
Which type of visa should I apply for to study at a Mandarin school in China?
As for visas, the Chinese government doesn’t have strict requirements for studying at a Mandarin school in China.
For short-term studies, most students go for a tourist visa since it’s less hassle. If you’re from certain countries, you can get a 30-day free visa when you arrive; others will need one before they fly to China.
Typically, Chinese tourist visas are valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality and previous visa history. If you’re planning to hang out in China for over three months, just ask your school for help with getting a student visa that lasts longer. This usually comes with an extra fee.
Just a heads up: you can only get a student visa if you’re studying Chinese full-time. So, if you’re just taking a few hours a week, you won’t qualify. Make sure to check with your school about what they need for full-time enrollment before you sign up for a course.
Ready to Learn Chinese?
Not all Mandarin schools are created equal. If you’re planning to learn Chinese in China, it’s important to pick the right Mandarin school that meets your needs.
While I couldn’t cover every amazing Mandarin school in China, I hope to have helped you in your process of finding the perfect place to study Chinese with this post.
If you’re ready to learn Chinese, check out our top hand-picked resources to get started!
Bonus: Take Advantage of China’s Visa-free Policy!
After three years of pandemic border controls, China is back open to international students! Citizens from over 50 countries can now visit China without a visa for up to 30 days. But don’t wait until you land in China to start learning! We’ve reviewed the best online Chinese classes so you can learn already from the comfort of your home! Read this.