EAST MEETS WEST
Slow Motion Technique
Me and my business partner Liwen Gong decided to set up our own school in 2015. Main reason for this was my own learning experience so far and her long-time teaching experience. After trying different schools as a student myself I found that basically all students were struggling with the same question:
“Teacher, what is the logic of Mandarin? All those rules you give me, they make my head spin! If only you could explain its logic to me, I bet I would be fluent before you know!”
Yes, It seemed that the teaching methods used, simply couldn’t bridge the gap between Western and Chinese thinking, between Western languages and the Chinese language. Instead of offering comprehension, rules were offered, and even more rules.
To provide you with this logic, our team came up with a new methodology called Slow Motion Technique. Slow Motion Technique indeed shows you the logic of Mandarin, and more importantly, teaches you Mandarin with just ONE rule instead of dozens, and which student wouldn’t like that?
There are things you wished you knew earlier in life, well Slow Motion Technique for me for sure is one of them. I do hope you will find it as helpful as I did at the time!
— Tjibbe van Ellen (Netherlands)
Celebrating 10 Years of Silk Mandarin
Since 2015, Silk Mandarin has been dedicated to helping students from all over the world learn Chinese faster and connect with Chinese culture better. In 2025, we proudly celebrate our 10th anniversary – a milestone that reflects our passion, innovation, and the wonderful community we’ve built together.
A Decade in Pictures
A touching journey through photos, showcasing Silk Mandarin’s growth, milestones, and unforgettable memories over the past 10 years.
Global Voices, Heartfelt Wishes
Students and alumni from across the globe send their warm congratulations to Silk Mandarin on its 10th anniversary.
Our mission and vision
Our Mission
We believe understanding each other’s language and culture unites people. It is our mission to teach the beautiful Chinese language and culture to all who have an interest in it, whatever their ambition, background or age, and wherever they are.
Our Vision
To become the world’s most appreciated Mandarin school, because of our excellent teaching quality, our passionate service, and, above all, because our Slow Motion Technique has proven to be the key to learning Mandarin faster and with fun!
Our Concept
3 F Learning
Faster, Fun and Flexible were the words we kept in mind when designing our teaching method and our products. Indeed it is our goal to make our students learn Faster, with Fun and in a Flexible way.
Our Method: How You Learn Mandarin with Us
We guide you to fluency through a clear three-part method. First, Blended Learning combines flexible self-study with live sessions focused on speaking and interaction. Then, our structured learning path takes you step by step through pronunciation, grammar, and characters. Finally, with Repeat and Elevate, you revisit each stage to deepen your skills and grow confidently toward fluency.
2 IN 1 Conversational Chinese + HSK
Our 2 IN 1 curriculum offers what most courses don’t: real-life speaking skills and a clear, structured path toward HSK proficiency—without doubling your effort. You’ll build everyday fluency while naturally progressing through the HSK framework. And because our course is designed to prepare you as you go, there’s no need for separate HSK prep classes, saving you valuable time. The exam itself is entirely optional—but if you decide to take it, you’ll already be ready. It’s practical, efficient, and designed for long-term success—whether or not certification is your goal.
2 PLUS 1 Business Chinese + BCT
What sets our 2 PLUS 1 curriculum apart is its smart design: instead of starting from scratch, it builds directly on the solid foundation of our 2 IN 1 track. You first develop real conversational fluency and progress naturally through the HSK framework—then we add a targeted Business Chinese module with practical language for meetings, negotiations, networking, and written communication.
Because conversational and business Chinese are taught as one connected path—not as two separate tracks—each stage builds on the last and reinforces your fluency. There’s no need for extra BCT prep: the exam is optional, but the preparation is built in. And unlike generic business courses, we don’t stop at vocabulary—we give you the cultural insight, etiquette, and communication skills you need to make the right impression in any professional setting.
Our Team
Our teachers are the backbone of our institute and make it what we want it to be. Based on their long-time teaching experience and the students’ feedback our Slow Motion Technique, Structure Map, 1-2-3- Learning Cycle, Magical talking Pen and our 2 IN 1 and 2 PLUS 1 curriculums came to light. And surely more is to follow!
Amy
Catherine
Christina
David
Echo
Fermina
Hannah
Jasmine
Jenny
Jerry
Joanna
Lindsay
Silvia
Siqin
Sisi
Vicky
What Our Students Say
Sapna（India）
Learning Chinese requires real commitment, and Silk Mandarin makes it tangible and actionable for everyday use. The teachers are knowledgeable and patient so that you really feel the progress you are making. What’s best is that you develop strong empathy and curiosity for Chinese culture, and have lots of fun while learning. Its a real pleasure learning Chinese with Silk Mandarin.
Cid（Brazil）
I’ve studied some foreign languages but Chinese is, by far, the toughest one for me. The Chinese mind-set, the pronunciations, the five different tons, the Chinese characters… everything is a challenge. If you propose yourself to face this challenge you will need a lot of self discipline and motivation. Having a good methodology, good teachers and supportive staffs will help you to reach your goals. Silk Mandarin gathers all these qualities.
Pietro（Italy）
Silk Mandarin was suggested to me by a good friend that has been studying there for some time. All the expectations I had were met: new offices, programs that allows you to have the most effective class based on your level and budget, enthusiastic and well prepared teachers, friendly and always available employees. If I wouldn’t have had such a positive environment I would have probably quit Chinese class long time ago.
Daniel（Netherlands）
Over the last few years I have tried over 5 different Mandarin schools and found that Silk Mandarin is by far the best. The teachers and the management are all extremely involved and passionate about teaching Chinese: it really is something special!
Max（Germany）
The classes are great fun and highly effective at the same time. The course is well structured and my teacher takes her time to explain questions and problems that might arise with grammar or vocabulary. She uses the Slow Motion Technique of Silk Mandarin to teach sentence structure. She has patience and is always of good humor. She gives out additional vocabulary at request and tries to organize class in an interactive way. Every lesson comes with a grammar review and vocabulary handout in addition to the course material.
Alex（Danmark）
I’ve been living in Shanghai for over five years and tried many different schools. At Silk Mandarin I always recommend it to my friends that need a place to study Chinese. They make it fun, they care about your learning, and it works. I started around HSK 2/3 level and am now 6.
Ajay（UK）
From the very first trial class I was engaged and inspired by the highly interactive and less scholastic approach of Silk Mandarin, but also how each class and stage is highly focused around building upon as well as perfecting the basics of the language. Through this process, I have also reignited my passion and curiosity for Chinese culture, which has inspired me personally to immerse myself in other areas beyond the HSK syllabus. I would thoroughly recommend Silk Mandarin to anyone looking to press reset on their Mandarin language skills, and learn from some of the best teachers in China.
Uli & Suprimi（Germany）
Silk Mandarin always tries to adapt the class as much as possible and are doing an extra effort to find ways to improve our skills. We not only learn Chinese very fast here, but also enjoy the time we spend in the extra curriculum activities.
