A great YouTube channel that uses a “natural” approach to learn Mandarin. The videos are completely in Chinese but use comprehensible input to improve the viewer’s language ability little by little. It's most helpful for intermediate or advanced learners. You can also find it in podcast form. Simplified characters.
This channel makes easy-to-understand content for foreigners studying Mandarin, with content both from China and Taiwan. The link leads to a playlist with all the videos in the series, but you can also check out their two YouTube channels for other resources. There are practice materials to go with the videos, but they require a subscription. Simplified and traditional characters depending on the specific video.
A YouTube channel that teaches Mandarin through stories, including traditional stories that can help you learn about Chinese culture. Simplified characters.
A YouTube channel created by a graduate student in Taiwan. There are several good videos on it about pronunciation and slang. Simplified and traditional characters.
his is more of a fun resource that is an American girl who lives in Taiwan and makes videos with her boyfriend. By watching their videos, you can learn about Taiwanese culture and landmarks. Most of the videos are in Mandarin with subtitles in traditional characters and English.
A great podcast that uses all Chinese to tell stories, teaching and explaining vocabulary on the way. There are stories for all levels, and you can also use it to familiarize yourself with traditional Chinese stories and legends. It’s free to listen to through streaming platforms, but transcripts and other materials require subscription.
This is a fun and entertaining podcast made for Chinese learners where the hosts discuss different topics. Most of the podcasts are completely in Mandarin, but they have a few "spin-off" podcasts in English. It is not currently active, but the podcasts are still available to listen to.
Another great podcast for Chinese learners, it focuses on Taiwanese Mandarin. It is best for intermediate and advanced students to improve listening comprehension. Traditional characters.
This is a popular podcast in China in which people from a variety of backgrounds tell stories about many topics. They can be a little challenging for learners because of the lack of dialogues, but advanced students can find all kinds of episodes based on personal interests.
The host Deven talks about his experience as a transgender man and about transgender/LGBT issues in Taiwan and the world. It is good to learn about vocabulary relating to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Two indigenous Taiwanese men discuss indigenous issues and culture. It can be difficult to understand because they use a lot of slang and informal language, but all the episodes are very interesting.
Music
Below are some song recommendations for Chinese learners. Most of the songs below have easy-to-follow lyrics, with lyrics in Chinese characters, Pinyin, and/or English translations.
