Graded Chinese Readers: Best Apps and Books by HSK Level
Graded readers are the fastest way to read Chinese. We compare Du Chinese, The Chairman’s Bao, Mandarin Companion, and free alternatives by HSK level.
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Best Chinese TV Shows and Dramas for Learning in 2026
The best Chinese TV shows and dramas for learners in 2026 — from 三体 to 家有儿女 — ranked by difficulty, with a watching strategy that improves listening.
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The Best YouTube Channels for Learning Chinese in 2026
The YouTube channels worth your time in 2026, sorted by level and goal – comprehensible input, tone fixes, HSK structure, street interviews.
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The Ultimate Pinyin Chart: Every Sound Explained
The complete pinyin chart for English speakers: all 21 initials and 36 finals with sound anchors, the trap sounds decoded, and the drills that fix them.
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Free HSK Mock Tests Online: Where to Find Them (2026)
The best free HSK mock tests in 2026, tested: full New HSK exams, official sample papers, and a four-week rhythm that actually raises your score.
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Mandarin Learning Apps Compared: The Honest 2026 List
I tested six Mandarin apps for three weeks each in 2026. Here’s the honest comparison — including which ones actually teach your ears tones.
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The Best Chinese Flashcards: Anki Decks vs Built-In Apps
Anki vs built-in app flashcards: which retains vocabulary? I ran a 30-day comparison and here’s the data, and how to build a deck that doesn’t rot.
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How to Type in Chinese on Any Device (2026 Guide)
Set up pinyin typing on iPhone, Android, Windows, or macOS in about 10 minutes. Plus a daily practice loop and the trick that keeps your tones honest.
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Best Chinese Dictionaries: Pleco, Add-ons, and Alternatives
Pleco is still the best Chinese dictionary in 2026 — but you don’t need everything it sells. What to buy, what to skip, and the alternatives that hold up.
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Best Chinese Textbooks in 2026: Honest Teacher Reviews
I’ve taught from every major Chinese textbook. Here’s an honest comparison of the usual suspects — prices, level ranges, and the real gaps each one leaves.