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What our students say
Hear how learners experience their progress in Mandarin
Prepare with key vocabulary and grammar in advance, so class time is focused on speaking — while structured review helps you retain and apply what you learn.
Sarah - France
“The structure brought real clarity — for the first time, Chinese truly made sense.”
Max
Germany
“My progress felt steady, consistent, and tangible.”
Sapna
India
“I feel far more confident using Chinese in everyday life.”
Justin
USA
Why Silk Mandarin works
Learn Faster · Connect Better
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Prepare with key vocabulary and grammar in advance, so class time is focused on speaking — while structured review helps you retain and apply what you learn.
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Understand how Chinese works
Learn the logic behind Chinese through one clear rule you can apply when speaking.
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Use Mandarin actively in everyday situations and build confidence through practice and feedback.
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Blog
FAQ
1 . What kind of teaching materials do you use?
We use “HSK Standard Course” as our basis teaching book for Conversational Chinese, while for Business Chinese we use “BCT Standard Course” In addition, we use learning Apps, and our in-house-developed Videos, our Flashcards with Talking Pen and most of all we use our Slow Motion Technique which teaches you Mandarin with just one rule.
2 . How long does it take to become fluent?
That depends mostly on the time you can invest. We have students who reached HSK 5 level within one year while other students chose to go as far as HSK 2 or 3 in one year.
3 . Should I learn Chinese characters?
Yes, we recommend our students to learn Chinese characters. There are many good reasons to learn Chinese characters. It structures your learning and it gives you a beautiful insight into Chinese culture and history, just to mention two of them.
4 . Where do Silk Mandarin’s students come from?
Our students come from all over the world, students from Europe and the Americas make up the biggest part.
1 . If I would like to travel in China can you help and advise me?
Yes, we definitely can recommend you some interesting and beautiful trips and can help you to prepare your trip. All bookings though must be made by yourself.
2 . How do I get around in the city?
It is easy and cheap to get around using metro, bus or taxi. Shanghai is a very bicycle-friendly city, where bicycle-sharing systems, like Mobike are wildly popular.
3 . Does Silk Mandarin provide airport pick-up?
Yes, we provide airport pick-up and drop-off. If you like to make use of this service, indicate this option when you sign up.
1 . Do I need a Chinese bank account?
If you plan to stay longer it is handy to set up your Chinese bank account, which can be simply done at a Chinese bank.
2 . What are the costs of daily life?
That highly depends on your requirements, however, to cover your monthly living costs a minimum amount of around 10.000 RMB (1.250 Eur, 1.500 USD) is required, of which your accommodation will consume by far the largest part.
3 . Are there ATM’s?
China is very ATM-friendly and throughout the city you can easily find an ATM to withdraw money. As in most countries a transaction fee is being charged.
4 . How do I get around in the city?
Yes, you can exchange money at airports, hotels, banks and exchange kiosks. It is advised however to bring a small amount of ‘just in case’ money (500 – 1.000 RMB) with you.
1 . Is China a safe country?
Generally speaking, China is a safe country and most people you will meet are friendly, honest, and trustworthy. Shanghai is not considered dangerous, unlike many other cosmopolitan cities. Like in all big cities you should be watchful and keep your belongings close to yourself.
2 . Do I have access to English speaking doctors?
Yes, Shanghai has several clinics with the latest equipment and English-speaking, foreign-trained doctors who deliver international-caliber health care. Expect to pay rates comparable to those in the West.
3 . Can I drink tap water?
No, the tap water in China is not safe to drink, but it is safe to use it for washing and for brushing your teeth. You can drink boiled water or easily find bottled water in convenient stores everywhere.
4 . Do I need vaccinations before coming to China?
No vaccinations are required for entry to China, but be sure your inoculations are up-to-date. For the latest information on infectious diseases and health-related travel risks (including the latest update on the ever-changing situation with malaria), consult your family doctor.
1 . Can Silk Mandarin provide a Student visa?
As an officially licensed language school we can assist you in obtaining a so-called X2 visa, which is a single-entry student visa with a maximum stay duration of 180 days. As government rules are subject to change we recommend you to contact us to assist you in the application process.
2 . How soon can I get my X2 visa?
Once you have applied for an X2 visa and comply with the requirements it normally takes 5 – 10 days to receive your visa.
3 . Can Silk Mandarin assist in the visa application process?
Yes, as government rules are subject to change we recommend you to contact us to assist you in the application process.
4 . What are the requirements to apply for an X2 visa?
The requirements can differ somewhat per country, but normally the Chinese Embassy of your home country requires the following: a. a passport that is valid for at least six months after the visa issue date and has at least one empty page; b. a completely and correctly filled in visa form c. a recent photograph; d. an accommodation notice; e. your study plan, showing that your main purpose in China is to learn Chinese with a minimum of 20 lessons per week; f. our invitation letter; (For more detailed requirements needed in your country, please check this website: https://www.visaforchina.org/)
Ready to study Chinese now?
+86-21-62378028
Shanghai
Room 1604 - 1605, SOHO Donghai Plaza, 299 Tongren Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Suzhou
Room 201, Building 3, DoBe · Yulangqiao Bang, Gusu District, Suzhou