Monthly Activities

At That’s Mandarin, Chinese language learning continues outside the classroom. One of the best ways to learn about China is to experience its rich culture – both ancient and modern. We organize group trips to all of Beijing and Shanghai’s most iconic spots, including the Great Wall. Our schools also organize group activities like movie salons, mahjong games, and calligraphy lessons, and That’s Mandarin’s teaching team has even been known to sing a mean “Hotel California” at the local KTV bar.

Activities

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See below for more information, and click HERE for the schedule of up-coming events.

This Week’s Movie Screenings of Chinese language movies, with follow up discussion to practice your Chinese

Karaoke Competition! Sing-along to China’s best pop tunes with the That’s Mandarin teachers!

Chinese Corner Get out of the classroom, and into Chinese corner. Students have fun practicing their Chinese, and teachers are on hand to help.

Mahjong – (Ma Jiang) Learn the world famous Ming Dynasty game, and compete against your classmates.

The Iconic Great Wall of China

The Great Wall spans from China’s Western desert to its eastern coast. Most trips head to Badaling as it is the closest and most reconstructed part of the wall. Unfortunately it is also the most crowded and does not give you a chance to truly enjoy one of China’s most famous sites in all its splendour. Our trip heads to Simatai, further away but far more spectacular with its steep peaks and views that stretch for miles. For the daring there is also a zip line across the Simatai lake. We would also like to arrange a ‘Wild Wall’ trekking trip – starting at Jinshanling and ending at Simatai. It is a 5 hour walk along parts of the wall that remain largely unchanged from their original condition. Let us know if you are keen and we will make the arrangements.

Imperial Splendor: The Forbidden City and Jing Shan

Standing at the heart of one of the world’s most bustling cities stands the epic Forbidden City ‘GuGong.’ We hope to deepen the enjoyment of your visit to the Forbidden City by hiring an expert guide who can explain the function of the various courtyards, the history of its different parts and teach you more about the history of China as seen from its administrative heart. Once we have completed the walk through the Forbidden City we carry on into Jing Shan park – a remarkable site but often missed by visitors to Beijing. At Jing Shan you can see where the last emperor of the Ming committed suicide before he could be captured by the invading Qing army, and at the top of Coal Hill you can enjoy spectacular views of what is otherwise an almost perfectly flat city. You may feel thirsty after all this – thankfully the bars and restaurants of Houhai lake are a short cab ride away.

Chinese Martial Arts: Tai Qi and Kung Fu

On warm spring and summer days we will be holding Tai Qi and Kung Fu classes on the DongZhiMen campus sun deck. Tai Qi is made famous by the lao-Beijingers who occupy the city’s parks and enjoy sessions of gentle movements – helping them to relax through concentration and improve their balance and flexibility. Kung Fu teaches you form, fighting, self-defense and respect. After a hectic day at work or studying,Tai Qi and Kung Fu are a great way to unwind.

Chinese Calligraphy

Behind the writing system of the Chinese language lie clues about a long and rich culture. Avoid the mind-numbing repetition of constantly writing out characters, and instead join us as we seek to unveil the true majesty of HanZi. With our MaoBis (the traditional brush stroke tool) in hand we will practice writing out some of Chinese’s most complex and beautiful characters, all the while discussing the history behind them and the meaning within.

Culture and History Workshops

With over 5000 years of history, there is much to learn about China other than its language. We offer cooking classes, history lectures, instruction on playing Mahjong and culture classes to broaden your understanding of China. We also offer hot topic discussion sessions where together we can reflect on the consequences of the massive changes occurring within China as its development continues.

Bohemian Beijing : 798 Art Area

The 798 Art Area in Beijing is an artistic haven for those who want to discover the local art scene。Chinese art is now internationally recognized for its distinctive styles and character. Single pieces sell for many millions of dollars. 798 is where much of the revolution in modern Chinese art began – from its multiple art galleries and distinct bohemian atmosphere you will soon develop an appreciation for an artistic movement gaining influence and popularity around the world.

The Good Life: Beijing Countryside

We drive out to a farm – to get a feel for a world a million miles away from the bustle of Beijing – to learn about the life in the countryside, and enjoy a farmer’s lunch.

Empress’ Retreat: The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, with its fascinating history, beautiful lake and spectacular buildings is another unmissable site for any visitor to Beijing. As the summer retreat for Empress Cixi the Summer Palace cost a great deal of imperial taxes to build and would later be ramsacked by invading foreign armies. Our guide will help us better understand the fascinating and controversial history behind this UNESCO Heritage site.

Trip to the iconic sites of Beijing’s 2008 Olympics

In the summer of 2008 the world’s eyes were focused on Beijing as it hosted the Olympic Games. From the stunning opening ceremony, to Usain Bolt’s amazing 100m victory and the unique architecture of the Water Cube, the games drew admiration from sports fans across the globe. We will visit the main Olympic park, where visitors can stand on the track at the Bird’s Nest stadium where Usain Bolt broke world records, and go inside the Water Cube to take in the site of Michael Phelps’s amazing 8 gold medal haul.

Weekend Tea Drinking

Enjoy a fine cup of China’s famous brews, and use the Chinese you learnt in the week. Great way to review and relax as well as learning about the ancient tradition of tea making and tea ceremonies in China. We can take you to Beijing’s most secluded tea houses where you’ll learn which teas are the best, how they should be poured and how they should be drunk.