Dali, located in Yunnan Province, is increasingly becoming a favored destination for those seeking to learn Chinese. Known for its stunning natural scenery, unique culture, and relaxed atmosphere, Dali provides an ideal setting for language learning. Below are five detailed reasons why Dali is a great place to learn Chinese.
5 Reasons Why Learn Chinese in Dali
Reason 1: Breathtaking Natural Environment
Dali has a long history dating back to the kingdom of Nanzhao in the 8th century. It sits on the edge of the beautiful Erhai Lake. Therefore, it’s also one of the most attractive touring destinations, both domestic and international.
Dali’s breathtaking natural environment makes it a peaceful and inspiring place for studying Chinese. Nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, the scenery alone provides a calming backdrop that reduces stress and promotes focused learning. In contrast to the noise and distractions of larger cities, Dali offers a slower pace of life, which can significantly benefit language learners looking to concentrate on their studies.
The town itself is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. With options for hiking, biking, and boat rides on Erhai Lake, students can take breaks in between lessons to engage with the environment in a tranquil, picturesque setting. Nature has long been linked to mental clarity, and for many, learning Chinese in a beautiful location like Dali can encourage reflection, creativity, and a deeper connection to the language. Whether it’s walking through Dali Old Town or visiting the nearby Bai ethnic villages, the peaceful atmosphere makes the language-learning process more enjoyable and immersive.
Reason 2: Cultural Diversity and Rich History
Dali is located in an area known for its cultural diversity. The city is home to the Bai ethnic minority, who have preserved a unique culture and language, adding to the richness of the experience for Chinese language learners. While Mandarin is the official language, the opportunity to encounter and engage with Bai and other local minority groups creates an enriching linguistic environment, offering students a broader understanding of China’s cultural and linguistic tapestry.
The city itself has a long history that dates back over a thousand years. Dali was once the capital of the Kingdom of Dali during the Tang Dynasty, and remnants of that history can be seen in the ancient architecture, such as the Three Pagodas and ancient city walls. For language learners, this history presents a compelling context for studying the Chinese language, with countless opportunities to explore historical sites and learn about Chinese civilization. Students can gain not just language skills but also a deep appreciation for the local culture and history, which enriches their overall language-learning journey.
Moreover, the town’s vibrant arts scene, including local handicrafts and traditional music, further immerses students in the Chinese language and culture.
Reason 3: A Relaxed and Supportive Atmosphere
Dali offers a much more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to larger Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai. With its small-town charm, the pace of life is slower, and people are more likely to engage with visitors in a friendly and approachable manner. This creates an ideal environment for language learners, as they feel more comfortable practicing their Chinese in real-life situations without the pressure of a fast-paced, stressful urban environment.
The city’s low-stress environment also means that students can focus on their language studies without the overwhelming distractions common in larger cities. Local residents are often patient and supportive of learners, making it easier for students to practice their spoken Chinese. Whether in cafes, markets, or local shops, people in Dali are typically kind and willing to help learners practice their language skills, making it easier to build confidence.
Additionally, Dali’s small size makes it more manageable for learners to get around and navigate. This increased accessibility means that learners can interact with locals more easily, whether it’s purchasing groceries in the market or participating in a community event. These everyday interactions help reinforce language learning outside the classroom, which is essential for acquiring conversational skills.
Reason 4: Focus on Holistic Language Development
Dali is an excellent location for holistic language learning. In larger cities, students often feel like they are merely learning from a textbook, with limited opportunities for real-world practice. In Dali, the blend of outdoor activities, cultural immersion, and the relaxed atmosphere provides learners with unique opportunities to develop language skills in all areas, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Keats in Dali often integrates cultural experiences, such as hiking trips, and visits to ethnic villages, which help students understand the context in which Chinese is used in everyday life. This approach not only sharpens practical language skills but also helps students understand the nuances of Chinese culture. Language learners can engage in conversations with local residents during these activities, deepening their linguistic ability while simultaneously gaining a richer cultural understanding.
This approach helps students develop listening and speaking fluency in natural, non-classroom environments. Real-world immersion, such as navigating local markets or speaking with fellow travelers in Mandarin, strengthens language retention and fosters more authentic communication skills.
Reason 5: Keats School in Dali: An Immersive Learning Experience
Keats School in Dali provides one of the most exceptional language learning experiences in the region. Known for its personalized approach to teaching Mandarin, Keats offers high-quality one-on-one Chinese lessons with professional and dedicated teachers who tailor the curriculum to meet each student’s individual needs. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, Keats’ flexible and customized courses ensure rapid progress and a deep understanding of Chinese.
One of the standout features of Keats is its immersion-based method, which not only focuses on language instruction but also integrates cultural experiences into the learning process. The best thing about studying in Dali is that your teacher will accompany you to do sightseeing every day after class, to create a pure Chinese language environment for you. Your teacher will practice Chinese with you in real-life situations. Studying Chinese in Dali not only focuses on the Chinese language but also offers a chance to explore the local culture with your teacher. Note: The entrance ticket and transportation fee (if there is any) for sightseeing after class are not included in the tuition fee. Many places are free.
The small town of Dali is an ideal setting for such a focused and immersive learning experience, with Keats School providing ample opportunities for students to practice their language skills in the local community. As students engage with locals, shopkeepers, and tourists, they are exposed to real-life language use, which significantly accelerates fluency.
Moreover, Keats School’s flexible schedule allows students to set their own pace. When you learn Chinese in Dali, you can study for as long or as short a time as needed, making it perfect for anyone with differing time constraints or personal goals. Whether you choose to take a short course or engage in an intensive program, Keats ensures that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed.
Overall, Keats School’s emphasis on immersion, personalized instruction, and cultural integration, combined with the tranquil and beautiful environment of Dali, creates the perfect setting for anyone looking to learn Chinese effectively and enjoyably.
In conclusion, Dali’s stunning natural beauty, cultural diversity, relaxed atmosphere, holistic approach to learning, and the high-quality Keats School language program make it an exceptional place to study Chinese. Whether you’re engaging with locals in real-life situations, participating in cultural experiences, or studying at Keats, Dali offers a truly immersive language-learning experience.
