Learn Chinese in Shanghai: Language Schools Guide

Shanghai is an excellent place to learn Mandarin Chinese. Here is a local's guide.

Language Schools

Mandarin House

A professional school with multiple locations across Shanghai. Offers intensive courses (20-30 hours/week), part-time evening courses, and private tutoring. Cultural activities are included - calligraphy, tea ceremony, cooking. Good for serious learners.

That's Mandarin

Known for innovative teaching methods and a user-friendly online platform. Flexible schedules for travelers. Offers both online and in-person options. Good for short-term learners.

GoEast Mandarin

Popular with the expat community. Located in the French Concession. Small class sizes (4-8 students). Friendly, modern approach to teaching.

Local's Take: If you are only in Shanghai for a short time, focus on practical survival phrases rather than characters. Being able to say "how much?" (duo shao qian?), "thank you" (xie xie), and "this one" (zhe ge) will transform your experience. Locals genuinely appreciate any effort to speak Chinese.

Program Types

Intensive Courses

20-30 hours per week for rapid progress. Best for dedicated learners with time.

Part-Time Courses

Evening and weekend options. Balance study with exploration.

Private Tutoring

One-on-one instruction with flexible scheduling and a customized curriculum. Best for travelers with limited time.

Immersion Programs

Combine study with cultural activities and homestay options for full language immersion.

Short-Term Options

• Week-long intensive courses for a quick boost
• Weekend workshops on specific topics (ordering food, taking taxis)
• Private lessons tailored to your travel needs

Costs

• Group classes: 50-100 RMB per hour
• Private tutoring: 150-300 RMB per hour
• Intensive programs: 2,000-5,000 RMB per week

Tips

• Learn basic phrases before arriving (hello, thank you, how much, where is...)
• Practice with locals daily - taxi drivers and market vendors are great teachers
• Use language apps (Pleco for dictionary, DuChinese for reading)
• Join language exchange meetups to practice with locals learning English

Learning Chinese in Shanghai accelerates your language journey and deepens your travel experience.