Harbin city (hā ěr bīn 哈尔滨) is an attractive destination for traveling and visiting. As the provincial capital and transportation center of Heilongjiang province, Harbin is the largest central city in the north-eastern part of China. When traveling in Heilongjiang province, you must go to visit Harbin. However, is it an ideal place for international students to learn Chinese? In my own opinion, I would say that you have a better choice than Harbin. Kunming city would be a better place for you to learn Chinese in China. 

We will have a look together about why you should learn Chinese in Kunming rather than Harbin.

Harbin is a historic city worth visiting and touring, while Kunming is more suitable for learning.

The Russian-style city appearance and the winter scenery of ice and snow are undoubtedly the two determinative reasons for attracting tourists to visit Harbin. Its profound history has left this city with Western architecture, such as Russian, Baroque, and Byzantine. Therefore this city is also known as the “Oriental Moscow.” Harbin turns into a beautiful ice city in winter, with unique landscapes-ice sculptures hidden in the streets and lanes. In the night, with colorful light and decorative lanterns, the whole Harbin city is glowing with its beauty. Besides, various snow sports such as skating, skiing, and ice sledge are prevalent and worth experiencing in Harbin.

But that is the only attractive season in this city, and the temperature is shallow and freezing, which is very unfriendly to people who prefer some sunshine and mild climate in winter.

Unlike Harbin, as one of the most popular migrating destinations in south China, Kunming is rated as one of the most liveable cities in China.

Nowadays, more and more residences of North China are migrating towards the warmer southland of China, where there are more opportunities for working and a better climate for living.

In Kunming, you can enjoy a spring-like climate throughout the whole year. It’s also a place with a comfortable climate and slow-paced living. You will have the chance to breathe the cleanest air and appreciate the bluest sky here as well, which is very rare to see in other areas of China.

As for the transportation system, Kunming boasts the fifth largest international airport in China, making it a convenient transfer spot to accept international students from different corners of the world and ideal for traveling lovers to access the South-eastern Asian country.

You can enjoy both diverse gourmets and unique minority group cultures in Kunming.

In Harbin, the famous local foods include Russian-style western food, North-eastern China-style stew, Harbin sausage, Harbin beer, and various special street snacks. These local foods are all the special signature food of this city which will make you a real treat.

In Kunming city, you will have the chance to try over 25 kinds of minority group gourmets and also their unique cultures at the same time. Yunnan province, where Kunming is located, is the home of 25 different minority groups in China. This contributes greatly to Yunnan’s diversity in the aspect of local culture and the local food.

Experiencing the authentic Chinese living style and Chinese culture are prominent parts of your Chinese language learning. To really master the Chinese language, it’s necessary to understand its culture first.

Besides the above, Kunming also shares many other advantages in the aspect of learning the Chinese language.

-It has the best and biggest private language school in China: Keats School.

Keats School has a systematic and outstanding Chinese language program. Keats School offers intensive one-on-one Chinese courses, small group Chinese classes, online Chinese lessons, HSK Test Preparation, Chinese Language Course + Volunteer in China, Chinese Language Course + Tour in China, Children Chinese Program, and customized Mandarin courses for organizations companies. You would be satisfied with the flexibility of the duration and course schedule, for it would be all customized to fit your personal arrangement. By studying with Keats School, you will see yourself make rapid and steady progress as time being.

-You can have more chances for practicing out of the class

The most prominent reason you decided to travel to China for language study and get immerse in its culture is that you can practice your oral Chinese at the utmost in an environment full of native Chinese speakers.

Kunming is an ideal destination that can offer a proper chance for daily Chinese communication practicing. Due to its less internationalization, local residents do not speak English often and are also less affected by dialect accent, considering the Kunming dialect is quite close to standard Mandarin. Therefore, you could practice your oral Chinese proficiency properly here.

Furthermore, you could join in the language events and activities held by Keats School after classes too. It’s a fabulous chance for you to meet locals and practicing oral Chinese with targeted topics. You would have the chance to make new friends and explore more cultural experiences too.

-Kunming is a better place for it is budget-friendly

One of the benefits of studying Chinese in Kunming is its relatively lower costs. Tuition fee offered by Keats School includes accommodation (with private bathroom), three meals per day, free access to facilities in school such as library and fitness center, language exchange events and activities held by the school, 24/7 supports, and student discount at Keats cafeteria. Your daily expense is almost covered by your tuition here. There is no need to worry even if you’re out of school. Local living cost in Kunming is relatively low compared with other capital cities of China. You may save a lot of expense and invest in other aspects of spending it on your tours after finishing your Chinese learning program here.

To know more about the cost of study in Kunming, check out the post HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LEARN CHINESE IN CHINA

You may also read the following relevant posts about more interesting living tips in Kunming:

THINGS TO DO IN KUNMING

6 PARKS YOU MUST SEE IN KUNMING