HSK Test in Shenzhen: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

If you are studying or interested in learning Chinese, you might be aware of the HSK (aka the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), a Chinese test you can take in Shenzhen. But what is the HSK test exactly? How does it work? What can you do with it? And what do you need to know to take the HSK test in Shenzhen?
If you’ve got these questions, then you’ve come to the right place! This guide will give you all the need-to-know answers to start yourself off right. We’ll cover every detail of the HSK test in Shenzhen, from levels, formats, structures, to test centers, dates, registration, and more. At the end of this guide, you should know everything you need to take or prepare for the HSK in Shenzhen.
Let’s dig in!
The HSK Basics
Learning the basics of HSK is a vital first step in achieving your Chinese language goals, and we’ll try to make it as concise and easy to understand as possible.
What Is the HSK? Why Do You Need It?
For true beginners. Learn what the HSK is, why it matters, and whether or not you need to take the HSK in the first place. If you are curious, learn a bit more about the history of the HSK.
HSK Levels
Ever heard of HSK levels? There are six of them and each is its own exam. This chapter shows how the HSK levels are defined, how to work out your HSK level, and determine which level to aim for.
HSK Requirements
Are you taking the HSK as part of a school application? Don’t dive in until you know the exact requirement for each school you are applying to! This chapter shows what HSK levels and scores you need to get into a top Chinese university.
HSK Testing Options
The HSK test is offered in two different ways: internet-based HSK and paper-based HSK. Both have advantages and disadvantages. This chapter will help you pick the right HSK version for you through a thorough comparison.
HSK Test in Shenzhen
Once you know the fundamentals, it’s time to look at how you can actually take the HSK test in Shenzhen.
HSK Test Dates in Shenzhen
The HSK tests are conducted 11 times a year in Shenzhen, so you have plenty of dates to choose from. This chapter lists all the HSK test dates, registration deadlines, and results release dates for 2023. Aslo learn how to pick the best date for you and your schedule.
HSK Test Centers in Shenzhen
Taking the HSK test in Shenzhen is easy. There are 5 HSK test centers across the city, and 4 of them offer the internet-based option. Find all their locations and contact details in this chapter. We’ve even come up with some tips to help you decide the best HSK test center for you.
Register for the HSK in Shenzhen
The most convenient way to register for the HSK test in Shenzhen is with your HSK account on the test website. You can do it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Follow this chapter to complete your HSK registration online.
HSK Preparation in Shenzhen
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 Shenzhen. Be sure to take note of the dozens of resources we link to throughout the chapters – they’re also worthy of your attention.
#1: Know the HSK Test Structure
Regardless of whether you’re just starting to study for the HSK, or if you’re about to take it for the 6th time, the more you know about the test, the better prepared you’ll be. And knowing how the HSK is structured is the first step to conquering it.
HSK 1 and HSK 2 are designed for basic Chinese learners. They mainly test what you learn from the textbook, covering 150 to 300 vocabulary words. 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. You need to know roughly 2500 characters and over 5,000 words for HSK 6. There are three sections on the tests: listening, reading (all multiple choices), and writing. The total score is 300 (100 for each section), and you need to score at least 180 to pass the tests.
The following table summarizes the test structure, time, and scoring of each HSK test:
Level | Test Structure | Test Time | Test Scoring | ||||||
Listening | Reading | Writing | Full | Pass | |||||
Questions | Time | Questions | Time | Items | Time | ||||
HSK1 | 20 | 18mins | 20 | 17mins | None | / | 35mins | 200 | 120 |
HSK2 | 35 | 28mins | 25 | 22mins | None | / | 50mins | 200 | 120 |
HSK3 | 40 | 40mins | 30 | 30mins | 10 | 15mins | 85mins | 300 | 180 |
HSK4 | 45 | 35mins | 40 | 40mins | 15 | 25mins | 100mins | 300 | 180 |
HSK5 | 45 | 35mins | 45 | 45mins | 10 | 40mins | 120mins | 300 | 180 |
HSK6 | 50 | 40mins | 50 | 50mins | 1 | 45mins | 135mins | 300 | 180 |
Here’s 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 Mock 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 mock 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 mock 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 version. They require no registration and are completely free.
Best Books to Help Prepare for the HSK Test
Now that you live in Shenzhen, you can also purchase HSK preparation books that include access to practice tests in bookstores or on Taobao.com. Our top recommendations are:
-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 Shenzhen
- Shenzhen Book Mall (CBD Store) | 深圳书城 (中心城店)
Probably the biggest book mall in China. You can find rows of books for HSK and Chinese studies.
Address: 2014, No1 Fuzhong Road, Futian District
Open hours: 10:00-22:00 Mon-Thu, 10:00-22:30 Fri, 09:30-22:30 Sat, 9:30-22:00 Sun
- Shenzhen Book Mall (Luohu Store) | 深圳书城 (罗湖总店)
It also has a great selection of books for learning Chinese as a foreign language. The Luohu store was primarily set up as a textbook hub for schools, colleges, and universities, and continues to do so for students.
Address: 5033 East Shennan Road, Luohu District
Open hours: Spring & Winter: 09:30-21:00 Thu-Sun; Summer & Fall: 09:30-21:30 Mon-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 vlogs, dramas, TV shows, and movies 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 Resources for HSK Study & Preparation
#4: Attend an HSK Prep Course

If you find it challenging to study for the HSK on your own, why not take an HSK preparation course in Shenzhen? 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 Prep Courses in Shenzhen
A few institutions in Shenzhen run the special HSK preparation course, and here are our top picks:
1. Hanbridge
Hanbridge Mandarin School offers one of the leading HSK preparation courses in Shenzhen with an exceptional record of student pass rates. The course can be taken onsite and online.
Cost: ranges between 60-300CNY per session depending on the package; enquire to confirm
Link: https://www.hanbridgemandarin.com/course/chinese-for-hsk-test
2. Hanlin Language Center
A language center that teaches Mandarin, English, and several other languages. They have an experienced teaching team for HSK preparation and a high passing rate
Cost: ranges between 150-550CNY per session depending on the package; enquire to confirm
Link: http://hanlinlanguage.com/en/
#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 have done enough exercise 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.
Recap: Taking the HSK Test in Shenzhen

The HSK is the world’s most popular Chinese proficiency test. Any non-native Chinese speakers can take the HSK test if they’re interested in assessing their knowledge of Mandarin. An HSK certificate can be a great boost to your academic and career potential.
It’s easy to take the HSK test in Shenzhen with 4 authorized test centers in the city and 11 test dates a year. You can choose to take an HSK test from 6 existing levels (HSK 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and 2 formats (internet-based, paper-based), and can take the test as many times as you want. The HSK certificate is valid for good (if you’re taking the HSK as part of a school application, then the scores are valid for two years).
To pass the HSK, you need to accurately determine your level, take some mock tests, make a study plan, stick to it, study hard, relax on the test day and let your instincts flow. If needed, you can take an HSK preparation course in Shenzhen or hire a Chinese tutor to help you crush the exam.