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Learn Chinese in Chengdu vs Learn Chinese in Kunming


After making up your mind to travel to China and immerse in Mandarin learning, another problem might be put in front of you: Where should I choose to stay and study Chinese? China is such a wondrous vast land and has distinct regional diversity. Every part of the land would be worth exploring. Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these top-tier cities, are frequently cited by the media as a tag of China. However, when you are already tired of the flash of modern city light, you would prefer somewhere else with a slower pace and where you could experience the original Chinese lifestyle.

Then the southwestern area of China may catch your sight with its milder climate, lower living budget, and richer natural sightseeing spots. Kunming and Chengdu are the two major cities that usually be considered Mandarin learner’s destinations. Kunming would have my vote as your best choice, and the followings are my explanation and comparison for your reference:

Dialectal Accent Affection

Standard Mandarin is well known as the official Chinese-speaking language; however, as mentioned previously, with its vast territory, China holds various dialects in different regions, and Beijing dialect is not Mandarin.

In Kunming, almost everyone can speak standard Mandarin because we get less accent affection than people who speak Mandarin with a strong Chengdu or Sichuan dialect accent. It’s the most important fact that you should take into serious consideration when selecting a proper destination for your Chinese learning. In addition, Kunming, as a less international capital city, has fewer foreigners, which means you can immerse yourself in a pure Chinese language environment. You speak Chinese every day with local Chinese people; you can experience the pure Chinese culture; you can live the life same as a Chinese.

Besides above, Kunming has Keats School as your solid base of Mandarin study. Keats School has a long history and rich experience in Chinese teaching practice. There are various Mandarin Chinese learning programs available that can match your particular requirements. You would have a highly individualized learning schedule delivered by professional teachers at Keats.

Living Environment

      

Both Kunming and Chengdu have plenty of communities that you could join to meet people and make friends with. Foods in both areas tend to be spicy flavored, and cheap, but all cooked with fresh materials. You would also find loads of positive reviews from foreigners about how amazing their daily meals are. Both of the two places have convenient traffic system that consists of metros, buses and express train. People from both cities are amicable and willing to help foreigners with practicing their Chinese speaking skills.

However, there is a huge difference between Kunming and Chengdu when it comes to natural living conditions. With its reputation as ‘Eternal Spring City,’ Kunming is famous for its mild climate and much less polluted air, while you can rarely see blue sky in Chengdu. Living in Kunming is more peaceful and relaxed. There are many attractions you can visit during your time in Kunming.

Located in the center of Kunming city, Keats School is easy to approach. Keats provides every student with comfortable accommodation and tasty meals. What’s more, you could always join the fun activities and events held here and get any support you need from the Keats team.

Unique Ethnic Culture and Customs

   

If you’re also interested in traveling and hiking after classes, Kunming would be a more attractive destination for you. Not just because of the various touring spots nearby the Kunming city, such as Dali, Shangri-la, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna, but also because of its unique ethnic culture and customs. The population in China is classified into 56 different groups according to their own customs and traditions, which contribute to the country’s diversity and regional characteristics. Besides Han people, other 55 groups are considered ethnic minority groups due to their relatively low population base and their distinct ethnic culture. In Yunnan Province, where Kunming locates in, 25 ethnic minority groups inhabit here. You would have a great chance to explore these unique and splendid ethnic minority group cultures and customs. Out of Yunnan, there won’t be a second place in which you could have the same experience or the same precious memory out of Yunnan.

Living Costs

The budget would also be an important aspect to think about when you choose your destination. One of the reasons Kunming is so welcomed and popular among Mandarin learners is that Kunming is a budget-friendly city. You don’t have to pinch pennies all the time, while the cost is much more expensive in Chengdu. With a lower living cost, you could save a large quantity of money for expenses in another field. You may take Kunming as the relatively economical choice rather than Chengdu.

Keats School is also good at planning a study trip for each individual who wants to travel in Yunnan. If you’re interested in learning Mandarin and experiencing culture at the same time, Keats will help you to combine your learning schedule together with your touring plan and other advice about cultural experiencing.

 

I hope you find this comparison helpful and if you are curious about more details of learning Chinese in Kunming, you could find more information here in this fabulous Keats Mandarin study community. 

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OVER 7300+ STUDENTS HAVE STUDIED AT KEATS

Kim

Kim | UK

Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes

I’ve had an amazing time at Keats. I am amazed at how much I’ve learned over the last 3 weeks and I will be really sad to go. We are already planning on our next trip of coming back because we had such a fantastic time here. They really tailor the Chinese language course to you and your individual needs.

嶋田京子

嶋田京子 | Japan

Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes

Kunming’s scenery is very beautiful. It is the best place to study Chinese in China. My favorite learning method at Keats School is one-on-one because it is suitable for everyone. My teacher is very good, very caring, and lovely. My life when learning Chinese in Kunming is very good and the weather is very good. The air is very good. It is good for the elderly’s body.

Amauri

Amauri | USA

Small Group Chinese Class

The teachers at Keats know how to read the students and how to help students learn Chinese language easily. They know the level of the students. I am a slow learner, but they managed to adapt to my learning. They made the class very fun, very exciting. I am pleased that not only I got to learn the culture and the language, but I also got to make amazing friends, really unbelievable, Chinese friends and European friends, American friends, from all over the world.

Liam

Liam | UK

HSK Test Preparation Course

Last year I started studying Chinese at University. The reason that I came here is that currently, I’m preparing for the HSK 5 test. Also, I heard that this is one of the best schools to study Mandarin in China. After I came here I realized that Kunming is a pretty cool city to live in and with regards to the teachers’ teaching methods, I think they’re very professional. And I think the language environment is good so now I’m ready to take the HSK 5.

Paul

Paul | UK

Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes

All teachers are really lovely. The teaching level at Keats is so much higher. I really love the city. It is very comfortable to get around. I fully recommend Keats. It is a great place to study Chinese in China. We are looking forward to coming back again later this year.

David

David | Australia

Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes

It has been notable because I have met a lot of people who I met first time last year like me to come back to Keats this year. The teaching has been fantastic. The teachers carefully prepare each lesson. I think this one-on-one approach is really a great way to rapidly increase your level of Chinese and increase your confidence and fluency with the language.

Nicholas

Nicholas | Canada

Intensive One-on-One Chinese Classes

At Keats, I have a lot of opportunities to practice what I have learned. I really like this school, because I can learn Chinese in one-on-one style, so I think this is the best immersion program in China and my teacher is the best teacher. I feel that without my teacher, my Chinese will definitely not improve so much. I’m very happy because, at Keats, I have improved my Chinese significantly.

SJOERD

SJOERD | Netherlands

Small Group Chinese Class

We use a lot of games to learn grammar and new words. We have really good teachers, really patient. She helps us a lot. Our class is really nice and we have people from all over the world, different countries. We often discuss topics in Chinese in our class. I live in the dorm of Keats. It is very convenient. I don’t have to spend time traveling. You can just focus on learning Chinese.

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