China City Guide I Must-Visit Cities for Mandarin Learners

Must-do experiences in 5 Chinese cities 🌆

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That's Mandarin has campuses in five beautiful cities, each with its unique character:

📍 Beijing · Shanghai · Suzhou · Chengdu · Hangzhou

Here's a guide to the top sights, dishes, and experiences in each city so you can explore while practicing your Mandarin.

Shanghai‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                          

01. Take a Stroll Along the Bund

The Bund (外滩, Wàitān) is at the top of the list of things to see in Shanghai. Walk along the Huangpu River for stunning views of the city's iconic skyline.


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外滩

Wàitān

the Bund


 PRO TIP 


Take the Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游船, Huángpǔ Jiāng yóuchuán) and sail through the heart of the city, and watch the skyline light up.

02. Try Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao (小笼包, xiǎolóngbāo) is a true Shanghai specialty. These delicate soup-filled dumplings are a must-try to experience authentic Shanghainese cuisine.


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小笼包

xiǎolóngbāo

xiaolongbao; steamed dumpling

Source: 百度百科


 NOTE 


Bite the xiaolongbao carefully so you don't spill the hot broth 🍲


03. Visit Yu Garden

Step into a peaceful Yu Garden (豫园, Yùyuán) from the Ming Dynasty. With ponds, rocks, bridges, and pavilions, it's a quiet break from the busy city.


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豫园

Yùyuán

Yu Garden 

Source: 百度百科


 NOTE 


Stay until sunset. The surrounding streets become even more charming after dark when lanterns and shop lights come on ✨

Beijing‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                          

01. Wander Through Hutongs

A hutong (胡同, hútòng) is a narrow alley lined with traditional courtyard homes (四合院, sìhéyuàn). Wandering through old alleyways is a perfect place to practice Chinese and meet locals.


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胡同

hútòng

hutong; alley


02. Walk The Great Wall 

Take a day trip to see one of the wonders of the world. Walk along the top of the wall, enjoy the mountain views, and feel the history under your feet.


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长城

Chángchéng

The Great Wall


 NOTE 


The Great Wall stretches thousands of kilometers, but some parts are more famous and easier to visit:

  • Badaling (八达岭 Bādálǐng) - most popular and tourist-friendly

  • Mutianyu (慕田峪 Mùtiányù) - less crowded than Badaling

  • Jinshanling (金山岭 Jīnshānlǐng) - partially restored, very scenic


03. Temple of Heaven


Visit the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán), where emperors once prayed for good harvests.



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天坛

Tiāntán

Temple of Heaven


 NOTE 


Come in the morning to watch locals practicing Tai Chi (太极拳, tàijíquán).

Suzhou‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                          

01. Take a Canal Boat Ride


Glide through Suzhou's canals in a traditional wooden boat and admire stone bridges, whitewashed houses, and glowing red lanterns.

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坐船

zuò chuán

to take or go by a boat


02. Try Suzhou-style Noodles

These thin noodles are served in sweet or salty broth and topped with meats or seafood.


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苏式面

Sūshì miàn

Suzhou-style Noodles

Source: 百度百科


03. Visit Classical Chinese Gardens

Suzhou is home to some of China's most famous gardens, featuring ponds, bamboo groves, and rock sculptures.



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园林

yuánlín

landscape garden


 GARDENS TO VISIT 

  • Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园 Zhuōzhèng Yuán)

  • Lingering Garden (留园 Liú Yuán)

Chengdu‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                          

01. Visit Chengdu Panda Base

See China's most beloved animals up close, watch pandas play, nap, and munch on bamboo.




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大熊猫基地

dàxióngmāo jīdì

Chengdu Panda Base


 NOTE 


    Mornings are best when pandas are most active 🐼


    02. Enjoy Sichuan Opera

    川剧变脸 (Chuānjù biànliǎn) is a must-see! It's a dazzling part of Sichuan opera where performers wear brightly colored costumes and magically change their masks in the blink of an eye.


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    川剧变脸

    Chuānjù biànliǎn

    Sichuan opera face-changing 

    Source: 百度百科


    03. Try Sichuan Hotpot


    Sichuan hotpot (火锅, huǒguō) is all about spicy, numbing flavors. Cook meats, vegetables, and tofu in bubbling chili broth for a social dining experience.


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    火锅

    huǒguō

    hotpot 


     NOTE 


      Start with the "mild" option unless you're ready for full Sichuan heat 🌶️

      Hangzhou‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                                

      01. Visit West Lake


      No trip to Hangzhou is complete without visiting West Lake (西湖, Xīhú). Walk, cycle, or take a boat to enjoy willow-lined paths, stone bridges, and temple views.


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      西湖

      Xīhú

      West Lake


      02. Visit Longjing Tea Fields

      Visit the hills where Longjing green tea is grown. You can see how tea is picked and even try making some yourself.


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      龙井茶园

      lóngjǐngchá yuán

      Longjing tea fields


       PRO TIP 


      Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed longjing tea in a local teahouse.

      🍵 Longjing tea (龙井茶 lóngjǐngchá)


        03. Try Beggar's Chicken

        A traditional Hangzhou dish where the chicken is wrapped in clay and slow-cooked. It's soft, juicy, and full of flavor.


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        叫花鸡

        jiàohuājī

        beggar's chicken

        Source: 百度百科


         VISIT US 


        With campuses in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, you can study Mandarin while fully immersing yourself in Chinese culture.


        Contact us for info about the courses, accommodation, and student life 📒


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        Practice with Teachers‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

                      

        To discuss the travel topic

        with Chinese teachers at That's Mandarin,
        book a free trial class with them 👇


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