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Improve and practice your Mandarin in just 10 minutes a week through real news as it’s happening.
Top 10 Substack globally in Education. Join a community of 12,000+ Mandarin learners and China watchers getting fluent every week.
Hi, I’m Andrew.
I’m the founder of RealTime Mandarin.
Thanks for being here.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced learner of Mandarin, you’re in the right place!
Because I can help you get back your fluency, stay informed about China, and communicate confidently in authentic Mandarin — even if you're feeling rusty, unmotivated, or don’t have time.
I’ll do this with my free newsletter, RealTime Mandarin.
Published every Saturday since February 2021, it immerses you in one current Chinese news story each week, and teaches you five on-trend phrases to discuss it confidently in Mandarin.
All in just 10 minutes a week.
It’s a simple and quick way to stay motivated and engaged with your Chinese language learning, and keep up to date with what’s happening in China.
Sign up now with one click to get the next free newsletter in your inbox on Saturday!
Here’s what readers of RealTime Mandarin are saying about how it’s helping them…
Geremie R. Barmé, Editor of China Heritage, and preeminent sinologist
“I very much enjoy RealTime Mandarin. Through it I rediscover old friends and encounter delightful new acquaintances. It often makes me wistful for nights spent in the rowdy company of revellers in ‘Old Peking’”
Bill Bishop, founder, Sinocism
“An excellent resource to help learners of Mandarin stay up to date with the latest language trends in China”
Madelyn Ross, President Emeritus, US-China Education Trust
“This really is a wonderful platform for people like me who want to keep their Mandarin current and refreshed, while staying informed about what ’s happening in China.”
Jeremy Goldkorn, Editor, The China Week
“The best and most efficient way I’ve found to maintain my Chinese reading, and learn new idiomatic language. Because it’s drawn from Chinese media reports and online language, it’s also an excellent resource for keeping up with current events in China”
Jing Tsu, Author of Kingdom of Characters
“I really enjoy reading RealTime Mandarin. I find the choices of topic delightful, insightful, and topical. It’s a great way to keep up with the latest Chinese language trends”
Kaiser Kuo, Founder, Sinica Podcast
“Just the best resource I know for learning Mandarin in context: you not only learn new vocab, but get a deeply-informed guide to how it’s used in real life. Great way to keep up on usages, and keep your finger on the pulse of modern China”
Join the 12,100+ subscribers getting the next newsletter on Saturday!