HSK Test in Shenzhen: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

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:

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.