Membership
What is RTM?
The RTM membership helps you bridge the gap to real-world fluency in Mandarin, stay informed about China, and communicate with confidence—all through weekly immersion in real news.
RTM is for intermediate-to-advanced Mandarin learners who feel stuck between structured learning and real-world fluency.
The RTM membership is different to the free newsletter.
While the free content helps you tune into current discussions in China and pick up trending phrases, the RTM membership is an investment which gives you access to valuable content, resources, support, and immersion to help you build real-world fluency in Mandarin.
There are two ways to access the RTM membership:
RTM Plus: A self-paced program offering weekly news-based content through newsletters and podcasts, along with app integrations and tailored resources. Members also receive personalised onboarding, one-month check-ins, and ongoing support. Find out what’s inside RTM Plus here.
RTM Pro: A structured immersion experience with weekly group calls in Mandarin, a consistent study framework, and access to a private community. Pro members receive all the content, resources, and onboarding from RTM Plus, along with a more intensive, guided approach bringing it to life in conversations. Find out what’s inside RTM Pro here.
🧭 Find out more about the RTM membership:
What’s inside RTM Pro (or check out: RTM Pro Sprints—three-month membership)
And continue reading below to find out who it’s for, how it works, who we are, and what RTM members are saying.
Why invest in RTM today?
Maybe you’ve studied for years but still can’t confidently engage with native content.
Or you’re “fluent-ish” but struggle with gaps in vocabulary, cultural context, or understanding fast, native speech.
Perhaps you used to live in China, but your language is slipping—or you’re stuck in the intermediate plateau, unable to progress.
At this stage, textbooks and graded readers can’t get you any further.
But native news still feels out of reach.
What you need is real world content—current, relevant, and challenging—without being overwhelming.
That’s exactly what RTM offers: a bridge to real-world fluency through structured resources based on real-world news.
Why does this matter? Because real-world Mandarin isn’t just about vocabulary—it’s about context.
Pop culture, historical references, social media slang—these are the things native speakers “just know,” but as a learner, you don’t. And standard language learning tools or resources don’t teach them.
RTM fills this gap.
Every week, we immerse you in native news content, break down real-world language, and help you stay connected to how Mandarin is actually spoken today.
It’s not just language learning—it’s fluency-building. And it’s the smartest next step you can take to finally engage confidently with native content, and in real-world conversations.
Invest in RTM today—get fluent, stay informed, and communicate with confidence.
Since 2022, over 1,000 Mandarin learners have used RTM to move beyond textbooks and graded readers and engage confidently with authentic, real-world Mandarin.
Join them today!
“RTM is fantastic material that is current, varied and engaging, which offers flexibility for each learner to use according to their needs.” (RTM member)
What are RTM Podcasts?
With RTM you can choose from four weekly podcasts, which curated current news stories, giving you the content—and the context—to confidently engage with native Chinese news, and stay informed about China.
As a member of RTM you also get invites to attend quarterly Deep Dive webinars.
RTM Advanced (Saturdays): A deep dive into a major news story with English context, key vocabulary, and a full Chinese explanation—complete with transcript and app integrations.
RTM Intermediate (Sundays): A 350-word news article with a 6-minute audio recording, curated word list, example dialogue, grammar insights, exercises, and app integrations.
RTM Conversations (Wednesdays): A natural 5-6 minute Mandarin discussion (male and female voices) reinforcing key vocabulary in context, with transcript, additional vocab, and native content recommendations.
RTM Fluent (Saturdays): A carefully selected native Chinese news article with full audio and a link to the original media report—perfect for post-study practice.
RTM Deep Dives: expert-led quarterly webinars, each tackling a key learning challenge for intermediate to advanced Mandarin learners—featuring live discussions, access to recordings, interactive Q&A, and full archive access.
Read more here about the fantastic tailored resources and tools included in every RTM episode.
“An extremely useful resource for advanced learners of Mandarin to continue learning the language using up to date, relevant and high quality resources that can be accessed via a range of digital mediums.” (RTM member)
How does RTM work?
The power of Contextual Input
RTM content isn’t graded by HSK or CEFR levels.
In real life, language isn’t graded either.
You’ve probably heard of Comprehensible Input—language that’s just beyond your current level but still understandable. It’s great for getting to an intermediate level.
But beyond that? There’s still a huge gap.
The gap is context.
Native Chinese news is full of barriers to the language learner:
Implied meanings that aren’t directly stated
Cultural references from literature, history, and pop culture
Evolving slang and trend-driven phrases
All things native speakers “just know”—but you don’t, because textbooks, apps, and HSK materials don’t cover them.
This is why native content still feels overwhelming—even if you’re “advanced.”
RTM closes that gap with Contextual Input.
We teach you language through real-world news, trends, and events as they happen. This way, you’re not just learning words—you’re learning what they really mean in context.
So you can finally understand Mandarin the way it’s actually spoken—and build fluency that sticks.
The RTM FLUENT Method™
RTM uses Contextual Input through the FLUENT Method™—our six-step system for creating unique content every week to help you break through the intermediate plateau, and communicate with confidence in Mandarin.
Step 1: Find
We scan hundreds of Chinese media sources weekly to uncover the most relevant, widely discussed stories—saving you time and ensuring you find content that matters.
Step 2: Learn
We break down key vocabulary and phrases—not textbook language, but fresh, real-world terms used by native speakers—so you can learn and improve naturally.
Step 3: Understand
Fluency isn’t just about words—it’s about context. We unpack cultural, historical, and social meaning behind what’s being said, helping you truly understand native content.
Step 4: Engage
Our newsletters, podcasts, and learning tools guide you through native content—challenging you to engage with real-world language without overwhelm.
Step 5: Navigate
Armed with real-world knowledge, you’ll feel more confident to navigate conversations, current events, and complex topics in Mandarin.
Step 6: Transform
Fluency happens when language and understanding align. RTM helps you transform your learning, deepen your knowledge of China, and make Mandarin part of your life.
The FLUENT Method™ isn’t just about learning—it’s about transforming how you engage with Mandarin and the world around it.
“The way the content is structured each week is thoughtful, insightful, and most of all beneficial to my understanding of the language and culture of modern China, with history embedded.” (RTM+ member)
Who creates RTM?
RTM is created by experienced operators who have decades of experience in China, and learning and working in Mandarin.
“Amazingly diverse content catering to all spheres of life in China. I highly recommend this platform to all intermediate and advanced learners.”
What RTM members are saying?
Since 2022, over 1,000 Mandarin learners have used RTM to move beyond textbooks and graded readers—and engage more confidently with real-world, up-to-date Mandarin.
Here’s what some of them are saying about how RTM is helping them:
“RealTime Mandarin has been a game-changer for me. The episodes are so interesting and relevant that I can’t wait to challenge myself every week.” (RTM Plus member)
“This has not only boosted my confidence and motivation to improve my Chinese, but it has also revealed a fascinating and important new world to me.” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM has become part of my weekly routine to not only be able to keep up to date on current news but also keep up my motivation for language learning.” (RTM Plus member)
“Well-structured method to bring your Chinese level to an advanced level while staying updated of the latest trends in China.” (RTM Plus member)
“An absolutely fabulous resource and really fills a niche in Chinese-language education.” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM removes a lot of the barriers to literacy by giving students the context they need to understand important idioms and how they are used today.” (RTM Plus member)
“Great for advanced learners who live outside a Chinese-speaking community, helping them understand Chinese as it's spoken.” (RTM Plus member)
“As a lawyer with an almost-exclusively Chinese clientele, RTM increases my ability to conduct meetings in Mandarin and to communicate more effectively.” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM is a tremendously useful and enjoyable tool. I look forward to each weekend when new articles appear.” (RTM Plus member)
“I'm so glad this resource exists, not only as a database of new vocabulary but also as a window into Chinese linguistics and internet-speak. It's an excellent resource to stay focused on relevant vocab and explore current events from the Chinese side.” (RTM Plus member)
“I struggle with finding content at the right level. The RTM service speeds all this up, by presenting you with ready to go content.” (RTM Plus member)
“Best content out there for advanced Chinese learners. Greatly fills the gap for proficiency-seeking Mandarin geeks out there. Awesome and up-to-date slang as well as really nice insights into current mainland events. Keep up the good work!” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM has helped me improve my reading and speaking skills in Chinese tremendously, which is useful for me both professionally and for my own personal interest in China.” (RTM Plus member)
“The weekly content is well analyzed and the podcast is a great additional learning tool. In short, great content presented in an easy to digest way.” (RTM Plus member)
“As an advanced learner, RTM is one of the best resources I’ve found. Weekly updates with incredibly well integrated linguistic approach, real life Chinese with cultural references, native speakers - there’s nothing even similar on the market. The content is invaluable.” (RTM Plus member)
“I am really enjoying the content from RTM! It can be used in all sorts of ways, fitting your own needs and interests.” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM is so great because it repackages current and relevant materials in a way that is interesting, digestible & regular. Importantly, Andrew's passion for what he does also really shows, which is a great motivator!” (RTM Plus member)
“Little did I know I’d be joining a community of highly motivated and dedicated students and teachers, which has not only transformed my learning experience but launched my language capabilities to a new level. This is truly a unique Mandarin learning product you will not find elsewhere.” (RTM Plus member)
“A unique resource where the weekly podcasts enlighten the readers about the vocabulary related to trends and happenings in China. The topic selected for the same is interesting. RTM is a treat to Chinese learners and can be truly helpful in upgrading one's Chinese language.” (RTM Plus member)
“Us long-time Chinese language learners are a very diverse bunch, and Andrew has managed to come up with a product that unites us all: material that is current, varied and engaging, and an expanding set of resources that offer flexibility for each learner to use according to their needs.” (RTM Plus member)
“With RTM, I’m progressing much faster than I ever thought possible through my “comprehensible input” books. I was pleasantly surprised that almost immediately I found opportunities to use the information and vocabulary I learned in conversations!” (RTM Plus member)
“As an advanced learner, I found that RTM offers respite from the laborious task of hacking through long-form Chinese articles, and aided my study with gripping, insightful and accessible definitional explanations, facts about contemporary language use, and introductions to topics I would otherwise be timid to approach.” (RTM Plus member)
“I’d recommend RTM to anyone who wants to engage critically and thoughtfully with current topics pertinent to China today, for which RTM is a stand-alone platform.” (RTM Plus member)
“Two critical areas for the advanced language learner are up-to-date cultural knowledge and diverse and sophisticated native text and audio to facilitate immersion. RTM has the best of both. Massively helpful for learning, and there’s no better way to stay up on what’s happening on the Chinese Internet in Chinese.” (RTM Plus member)
“The articles and podcasts are extremely well researched and interesting, providing insights into language and contemporary culture that are difficult to find on other learning platforms.” (RTM Plus member)
“RTM is the perfect resource for staying up-to-date on current events while learning real-life words & phrases in today's context. The full audio really elevates the learning beyond reading alone. Highly worth it!” (RTM Plus member)
“Fantastic tool to keep learning Chinese! Every newsletter is like a little jewel, full of compelling content. I'm learning a lot. Thank you Andrew and Zoe!” (RTM Plus member)
“I am impressed by your enthusiasm and dedication for the newsletter and now the Conversation Pro. I feel you are pulling out all the stops, which has given me a renewed momentum and inspiration.” (RTM Pro member)
“I look forward each week to reading newsletter, listening to podcasts, and speaking with fellow RTM Pro friends. RTM Pro provides a full immersive experience. Highly recommended.” (RTM Pro member)
“The conversation group is inspirational, and it’s made me do a lot more targeted reading. Andrew and his team are very committed to provide a structured and high quality discussion, and their enthusiasm has given me a new weekly purpose.” (RTM Pro member)
“For me, dedicating time for preparation and actively participating in the conversation has consolidated my use and understanding of the weekly themes and new vocabulary.”
“This program is ideal for learners who strive to improve their knowledge of current affairs and ‘living’ language in China and build a consistent reading habit.”
“I was concerned at first that I wouldn't have time to prepare enough to make it worthwhile, but I find myself prioritizing listening to the article and studying the vocabulary”
“I passed HSK-6 many years ago, and with that vocabulary plus the vocabulary I commonly use for work, and was stuck there. RealTime Mandarin's methods including listening, focused, current vocabulary, and speaking have helped me break through. I think Real Time Mandarin has really found the next frontier in learning Chinese.”
“As an intermediate Chinese learner, Chinese Pro motivates me to consistently read engaging articles. When I first signed up, I doubted my ability to converse fluently in a group. However, through the kind and patient moderators, pleasant discussions, and thought-provoking questions, time flies by.”
“We discuss topics that are hot in China TODAY (not the 1990s), the sessions are engaging and fun, and we learn additional vocab / use cases beyond what we read in the newsletter.”
“Life is way too busy and my Chinese language skills deteriorate as a result. The clear, topical weekly lessons make learning feasible and fun. The Zoom meet ups then provide a space to discuss the weekly topic in a lively, supportive atmosphere.”
“Joining RTM Pro has increased my consistency and motivation in learning and speaking Mandarin. Initially, I was uncertain about paying for another language learning resource that I might end up not using. However, the weekly calls and their structure provide just enough accountability for me to engage with the newsletter in a way that fits into my lifestyle as a working mom.”
“It's fun to learn with others in a relaxed setting while getting feedback on usage of new terms from native speakers. This program would suit intermediate to advanced learners who would like to practice speaking skills and to stay motivated to continuing learning Mandarin.”
🧭 Find out more about the RTM membership:
What’s inside RTM Pro (or check out: RTM Pro Sprints—three-month membership)