Learn Chinese in Shanghai

Why learn Chinese in Shanghai?

If you choose to learn Chinese in Shanghai, you’ll be immersing yourself in the language in China’s largest city and one of its most influential cultural hubs. With a rich blend of history, tradition and modern ambition, Shanghai offers an exciting backdrop for study, where every neighbourhood seems to tell a different story. It’s a place where classic Chinese heritage sits side by side with sleek skyscrapers, international cuisine and a truly global mindset.

Shanghai is also a youthful, energetic city, famous for its cosmopolitan outlook and a fast pace of life that keeps things interesting for students. The locals love to socialise and celebrate, so during your time in the city you may find yourself taking part in colourful dragon and lion dances at Spring Festival, or enjoying seasonal events and street celebrations throughout the year. In July, you could even sample local beers and soak up the lively atmosphere at Shanghai’s Beer Festival, a popular highlight for residents and visitors alike.

If you’re eager to spot the latest trends, styles and new ideas while you study, Nanjing Lu is the perfect place to start. As China’s number one shopping street, it’s packed with flagship stores, bright lights and buzzing crowds, offering a front-row seat to modern urban China. For a different perspective, head to the iconic riverside Bund, where striking architecture, historic buildings and views across the water capture the city’s distinctive mix of old and new. Learn Chinese in Shanghai, and discover a city where ambition, culture and opportunity meet—and where anything truly feels possible

Our school in Shanghai

Our Chinese school is located in the old French Concession, right in the heart of downtown Shanghai and within easy walking distance of the famous Yongkang Lu Bar Street and Nanjing Road. The school’s premises are situated on a modern office block and are equipped with a student rest area and free WIFI access. Free tea and coffee are also available for students throughout the day.

Location of our school in Shanghai

Accommodation options in Shanghai

Our Chinese school in Shanghai offers accommodation with Chinese Host Families, or in shared apartments.

For students who would like to immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture then staying in a host family is the very best option. You will have a single room and be able to share the home, meals, conversation and daily activities with your host family, learning more and more Chinese as you practise! You host provides breakfast and the evening meal and you have access to the kitchen, laundry and bathroom, as well as Internet access. All water, electricity and gas bills are also included.

If you choose to stay in a shared apartment during your Chinese course, you will have a private room and share the bathroom with fellow international students, or with local Chinese students.

Available activities in Shanghai

Whilst you are in Shanghai, you are sure to want to gain a better understanding of the culture, as well as the local area. For this reason, our colleagues at the school regularly offer a varied programme of optional weekly activities, such as guided visits of local places of interest, as well as martial arts, culture and history lessons, giving you plenty of opportunity to socialise with other students studying at the school and explore Shanghai! As with all our schools, our colleagues will inform you of the exact activities offered on arrival, as well as any additional costs involved (usually for things like entrance fees and transport).

New visitors to Shanghai may like to book the school’s ‘Shanghai Survival Kit’ which is the perfect support when you first arrive. This includes an airport transfer on arrival, a pre-charged Chinese 3G SIM card with 300MB of data and 200 minutes of free local calls during your first month, support registering with the police on arrival (required for all foreign visitors to China), access to a bicycle for your entire stay and a Shanghai public transport card, which can be used on the entire subway and bus system. Just ask us about prices for this package.

How to get to our school in Shanghai

Shanghai has excellent transport connections, making it easy to arrive by train, boat or plane. Shanghai has two airports, Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Domestic Airport. We can arrange an airport transfer for you, if required. Please contact us for details.

School statistics

Student stories on our blog

Shanghai: China’s Capital of Magic

Shanghai is the vibrant centre of China’s soaring economy, a bustling international metropolis and an amazing place to experience the best of modern China. Expats have named Shanghai the most attractive city for foreigners in Mainland China, surpassing popular cities including Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. This doesn’t come as a surprise – Shanghai is a city of superlatives that will enthral everyone travelling there. Read more...

 

Shanghai-big, bigger, huge

When I arrived in Shanghai last year the first thing I noticed was a huge Ferris wheel somewhere in PuDong. It was higher than some surrounding skyscrapers! The next thing were the confusing motorways as my driver took me from one end of Shanghai to the other. It took us two hours to reach my accommodation. Shanghai, although huge, is not too confusing once you get used to it. However, my first day running errands there was not the easiest thing I’ve ever done! Luckily I met a Chinese guy who helped me find my way to where I had to be. After that I understood the city’s structure and it was a piece of cake (but never left the house without a map, just in case). The city has so much to offer that it's difficult to grasp it in the short time I spent there, especially since I was working and not on holiday! Read more...

 

My China Experience!

China is a country which has always fascinated me and the thought of visiting was truly a life long dream. My trip to Shanghai and Beijing was absolutely amazing. I loved the combination of ancient history and ultra-modern technology and architecture. I can honestly say that the reality of life in China far surpassed my expectations. Travelling as a complete beginner in Chinese I was slightly concerned about what to expect when I arrived in China, but there was no need to worry! I was met at the airport by the school’s transfer driver Mr Wu who took me directly to my accommodation and after a long flight it was well worth booking this service. Read more...