10 Cool Hobbies to Talk About in Chinese


Whether you're meeting new friends in China or learning Mandarin for fun, one of the best ways to start a conversation is by talking about your hobbies.

In this article, we'll explore some exciting hobbies in Chinese, so you can talk about what you love doing in your free time 🤓

Hobby in Chinese


              

First things first, let's learn how to say "hobby" in Chinese:


爱好

àihào

hobby


You can also use the word for "interest":



兴趣

xìngqù

interest


NOTE

To spark a friendly conversation, try asking:


你有什么爱好/兴趣?
Nǐ yǒu shénme àihào/xìngqù?
What are your hobbies/interests?

And here's how you can answer:
我的爱好是······
Wǒ de àihào shì…
My hobbies are…

我的兴趣是······
Wǒ de xìngqù shì…
My interests are…


10 Cool & Fun

Hobbies in Chinese


              

Here's a list of 10 awesome hobbies to spice up your vocabulary and make your conversations more interesting:

01. Rock Climbing

A popular weekend activity in Chinese cities — perfect if you're into pushing limits and conquering heights.

攀岩

pānyán

rock climbing


02. Street Photography

Street photography is a favorite hobby for many in China — perfect for those who enjoy walking around, people-watching, and snapping cool pics on the go.


街头摄影

jiētóu shèyǐng

street photography


NOTE

If you're on 小红书 (Xiǎohóngshū), consider pairing your hobby with #citywalk — a trendy activity that's all about exploring cities on foot. 


It's a fun way to transform your hobby into a creative lifestyle and share your unique perspective with a wider audience 📸


03. Playing Mahjong

Mahjong (麻将 májiàng) is a fun way to practice Chinese, learn numbers, and bond with locals over tea and laughter.


打麻将

dǎ májiàng

playing mahjong


04. Video Gaming

Online gaming is a massively popular hobby in China, especially among younger generations.


打游戏

dǎ yóuxì

to play videogames


NOTE

Have you tried Chinese games? If not, start with "Black Myth: Wukong" — China's first AAA game inspired by Journey to the West:


| Black Myth: Wukong | Chinese Guide



05. Baking

Whether you're into sourdough or cupcakes, baking is both a delicious and relaxing hobby 🍰


烘焙

hōngbèi

baking


06. Board Games

Great for brainwork and socializing, 桌游 (zhuōyóu) is booming across China.


桌游

zhuōyóu

board games


Chinese cities are full of events where you can meet friends and play games like:


  • 狼人杀 (Lángrén Shā) - Werewolf, or Chinese Mafia

  • 三国杀 (Sānguó Shā) - Killers of the Three Kingdoms

  • 剧本杀 (Jùběn Shā) – Murder Mystery



07. Camping

It's more than just pitching a tent in the woods — camping (露营 lùyíng) is a hobby that helps you to slow down, recharge and reconnect with nature.


露营

lùyíng

camping


NOTE

In the middle of fast-paced city life, a new trend is taking over — urban camping (城市露营 chéngshì lùyíng). Instead of heading to remote mountains or forests, people are now setting up stylish tents on rooftops, balconies, or in scenic urban parks.

08. Yoga

Yoga blends movement, breathing, and mindfulness. Whether it's mat-based or aerial yoga, it's a popular wellness activity all over China.


练瑜伽
liàn yújiā
to practice yoga

NOTE

Take a look at some essential Chinese vocabulary for a smooth yoga practice 🧘‍♀️

| 练瑜伽,学中文 | Yoga in Chinese

09. Handicraft

If you enjoy creating with your hands, 手工艺 (shǒugōngyì) is a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day.


手工艺
shǒugōngyì
handicraft

Try these popular crafts:

  • 剪纸 (jiǎnzhǐ) – Chinese paper cutting

  • 刺绣 (cìxiù) – embroidery

  • 编织 (biānzhī) – weaving or knitting

  • 陶艺 (táoyì) – pottery


10. Gardening

Whether you have a backyard, a sunny balcony, or just a few pots on your windowsill, gardening (园艺 yuányì) can be both rewarding and therapeutic 🌿


园艺
yuányì
gardening

Even a small balcony can become a green oasis, if you try these popular activities:

  • 种花 (zhòng huā) – planting flowers

  • 种菜 (zhòng cài) – growing vegetables

  • 插花艺术 (chāhuā yìshù) – flower arranging art


Your Turn!


              

Now that you know how to talk about hobbies in Chinese, let's practice:

你的爱好是什么?
Nǐ de àihào shì shénme?
What is your hobby?

Drop your answer in the comments — we'd love to hear it!

Practice with Teachers


              

To discuss this topic with Chinese teachers,
book a free trial class with That's Mandarin 👇



Have questions?

Ask us on WeChat!



@thatsmandarin006




No comments:

Post a Comment