Plain and Practical Reading

Chinese Track Homepage

Plain and Practical Blogs/Periodicals
The BLCU Blog - Posted by Michael de Waal-Montgomery, a 2010-2011 BLCU student (now in Chinese journalism) who has and continues post-graduation to provide some of the most practical advice through his blog and YouTube.

My BLCU Blog - Another blog by a Filipino student (2011) with some of the most practical advice for newbies to BLCU.

The World of Chinese - Chinese language and culture magazine. Keeps very up-to-date with Chinese culture around Beijing, Shanghai, and beyond. Click on 'Topics' to start off with language and travel/food basics or delve deeper into articles on colloquialism, expression, and how to grab a proper taxi and avoid the 'hei che.'

Living a Dream in China - A regular blog from a Finnish student who has graduated, married, and is living the Chinese culture. With a love of China and excellent advice on lifestyle beyond Beijing and Shanghai, learning Chinese, travel, and love, Sara Jaaksola's blog provides you the tips and experiences you are likely to share after a couple years in China. In plain language, well written, and highly insightful.

Sinocism Chinese Newsletter - A serious, daily newsletter compiled by Bill Bishop  focusing on economic, political, and daily Chinese news. As the site accurately states: "Don’t you want to join the more than 14,000 investors, policymakers, executives, analysts, diplomats, journalists and others who are gaining valuable insights into China?"

Online Video Series
Local Laowai - Over 100, shorter videos from a young, down to earth, American man living and going to school in Beijing. Provides insight and advice from dating to supermarkets to many other living topics.

SerpentZA's YouTube Channel - Many really interesting videos from a wild yet somehow professional early-30's, UK male living in Shenzhen. He motorcycles around China, drinks all types of beer, and intrigues us with "beer girl," someone perhaps from Hong Kong, we don't really know for sure. He digs deep through casual interviews with locals and answers the questions we all want to ask... and what few reply.

Practical Language Sites
Chinese Grammer Wiki - Covers beginner and immediate level grammar with many examples and corresponds with commonly used Chinese language texts. U South Carolina Chinese texts are included  as well as many other Chinese texts.

eChineseLearning Newsletter archive - The newsletter is free, does not require a subscription to view, and provides interesting notes from tones to national collequialisms. It is up-to-date and teaches you something new, for free.

University of Oxford Elementary Chinese Website - Excellent resources including a hefty section covering many grammer points.