HSK Test in Guangzhou: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

HSK Test Preparation in Guangzhou

Perhaps most important is how you prepare for the HSK, so let’s go through a few HSK tips for you to do well on the test in Guangzhou. Even if your Chinese skills are well above average, it’s a good idea to incorporate a few tips and strategies into your studying and test-taking. That way you can bring your “A” game on test day. 

#1: Understand the HSK Test Structure

Knowing how the HSK is structured is the first step to conquering it.

HSK 1 and HSK 2 are designed for basic Chinese learners and therefore fairly short. The tests consist of only two sections: listening and reading. Each section is broken down into a number of questions in the form of multiple choices. Questions are presented in both pinyin and characters. There is no writing section.

Each section is scored out of 100. The two section scores are then added together for a final, total score of 200 points, and you need to score at least 120 to pass the tests.

From HSK 3 onwards, all the questions are presented in Chinese characters only. The tests are broken up into three sections: listening, reading (all multiple choices), and writing. The total score is 300 (100 each for listening, reading, and writing sections), and you need to score at least 180 to pass the tests.

Here’s a chart that summarizes the test structure, time, and scoring of each HSK test level:

Check out below for a comprehensive detail for each of the HSK test sections and items.

– HSK 1 Test Structure 
– HSK 2 Test Structure
– HSK 3 Test Structure
– HSK 4 Test Structure
– HSK 5 Test Structure
– HSK 6 Test Structure

#2: Take HSK Practice Tests

To get a better idea of your current HSK level and how much you’ll need to study for the HSK test, it’ll be smart to take some practice tests. That way, you can see where your current areas of strength and weakness are and see how the test works before you take the official HSK.

We’ve created quite a few HSK practice tests (for all six levels) on our website using real questions from past HSK exams. Try them out online or download and print out the paper edition. They require no registration and are completely free.

Best HSK Prep Books

Now that you live in Guangzhou, you can also purchase HSK preparation books that include access to practice tests in bookstores or on Taobao.com. Here are our top picks:

-Official Examination Papers of HSK (2018 Version)
This book series is published by People’s Education Press and is available at all 6 HSK levels. Each book consists of five retired HSK tests at the respective level, accompanied by an audio CD for the listening section and detailed answers.
Book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试真题集(2018版)
Price: 45.00-85.00 RMB depending on the level

–HSK Simulation Tests (2nd Edition)
This book series published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press contains 10 mock tests with realistic questions at each level. The books come complete with an audio CD and answers.
Book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试模拟试题集(第2版)
Price: 32.00-65.00 RMB depending on the level

Where to Get Them in Guangzhou

• New Page Foreign Bookstore
  Located on the B1 floor of the Guangzhou Book Center, New Page has a good collection of books for learning Chinese.
  Address: No 123 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou
  Open hours: 10:00-21:30 Mon-Fri & 9:30-21:30 Sat-Sun

Once you’ve got a practice test and are ready to take it, try to recreate a real testing environment as closely as possible: find a slightly noisy place to take your test in (this is important since the keyboard hit sound can get quite loud in the computer-based test, and in some test centers, paper-based tests and computer-based tests take place in the same testing room), and time yourself using official time limits.

#3: Make a Weekly HSK Study Plan

Look at your daily and weekly schedules and see how many hours a week you can spend studying for the HSK. Even if your HSK date isn’t for several months, you’ll still want to try to budget at least 4-6 hours of studying Mandarin each week. 

Studying Mandarin doesn’t always have to mean textbooks and grammar drills. If you don’t use much Mandarin in your daily life, then start incorporating the language into your daily routine bit by bit. 

Watch TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos in Mandarin. Read news articles, magazines, books, or blogs in Mandarin. See if you can find a Chinese tutor or friend to practice speaking Mandarin. They are just as important as sitting down and studying grammar and vocabulary.

Learning and retaining a language happens over time, and you can’t really cram for it or just study for one or two hours a week. It’s a good rule of thumb to study at least one hour each day, five days per week.

Learn More: Best HSK Study & Prep Resources

#4: Attend an HSK Preparation Course

If you find it challenging to study for the HSK on your own, why not take an HSK preparation course in Guangzhou? A good teacher familiar with the HSK structure can save you considerable time and effort. You will learn the exact grammar structures, vocabulary and sentence patterns you need to put you in great shape going into your HSK Test.

Best HSK Preparation Courses in Guangzhou

A few institutions in Guangzhou run the special HSK preparation course, and here are our top recommendations:

1. Easy Chinese Language Learning Center
Easy Chinese’s short-term intensive HSK preparation class in Guangzhou aims to help students pass the HSK test with ease. The school is one of the ten official HSK test centers in Guangzhou offering computer-based tests.
Cost: starts from 180CNY/hour for 1-1 tutoring
Link: www.easychinese.com.cn

2. Expat Chinese
Founded and operated by a professional foreign Chinese language teacher from Finland, Expat Chinese’s main strength is understanding HSK test-takers’ needs and possible struggles from a foreign learner’s perspective.
Cost: varies depending on how many hours you sign up. Enquire the school for details.
Link: expatchinese.com

#5: Relax on the Test Day

The HSK is a test but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If you’re relaxed, you will be far more likely to do well, and if you fail, you can always retake the test after more study.

One of the best ways to help yourself relax is to make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast, arrive at the test center at least half an hour before the test and make sure you study enough past papers to let you know what to expect. Being familiar with the structure, timing and content of the test will help to put you at ease.

Also, drink enough water before and during your test to stay hydrated, so you won’t feel weary and lose your concentration.