Learn Chinese in China like never before with our invigorating Multi City Chinese program.
Grasp a unique taste of the Chinese culture and your language skills will improve vastly as you experience some fascinating cities in the Middle Kingdom.
Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Beihai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Singapore and Chengde offer excellent opportunities to dive right into Chinese culture.
This could include a host of activities. Mixing with locals in Chengde after a day of studying at school, drinking tea at a traditional tea shop in Beijing, or throwing yourself into the bright night lights of Shanghai.
The possibilities are endless
Experience all this whilst studying abroad and learning Mandarin.
Study Chinese in China with LTL
Study in up to 8 different cities
Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Beihai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Singapore and Chengde
Monday – Friday Intensive Chinese
Unique Cultural Experience
Flexible options to suit you
Make friends from all over the world
Speak to us for tailored programs
Experience Beijing
History – Beijing has it in abundance Stylish – The Capital has a modern, stylish side. Live it large Famous – The Great Wall, Forbidden City & Tian’anmen Square Hutongs – Explore the Beijing’s famous old town
Experience Chengde
Immersion – Experience “real China”, like never before No foreigners – Watch your Mandarin progress fast 24/7 – You’ll speak non stop Chinese in Chengde, great practice Adventure – Hiking, food, exploring. A proper adventure
Experience Shanghai
Modern – Experience staggering skyscrapers across the city Architecture – Nowhere does skyscrapers like Shanghai Diverse – All kinds of worldwide nationalities to meet Nightlife – When dark Shanghai shines bright, it’s sublime
Learn Chinese in China
All Round – Taste a little bit of everything all over China Homestay – Enhance your Chinese even further Support – We are here to help 24/7 in any City Family – We are a family at LTL, join us and meet friends for life
Multi City Program Options
Metropolitan China (Beijing – Shanghai)
Beijing and Shanghai, two incredible cities in their own right. Both offer such different opportunities in such diverse environments. You’ll learn the culture of this wonderful country and enhance your language skills when studying Chinese abroad with LTL. Choose one of our three course options below and get on the road to studying Chinese abroad.
You can choose between three program options:
Metropolitan China Standard
Our standard package includes 20 hours of small group classes each week. Our Shanghai school is located in the old French concession. In Beijing, you’ll be right in the thick of the action in the central business district (CBD). The 20 hour program each week will be the perfect opportunity to push on your Mandarin knowledge.
Metropolitan China Intensive
If you want to absolutely maximise your time in Metropolitan China and progress your Mandarin, this is the course for you. As with the standard package you will receive 20 hours of group classes but on top of that you also get 10 hours of 1 on 1 classes, this is where your Mandarin language skills will progress even faster.
Metropolitan China Individual
Receive 20 hours of 1 on 1 classes every week with our individual package. All focus will be on you as you enhance your Mandarin language skills as quickly as possible. The study plan will be personalised so you achieve the goals you strive for before arriving in China. The perfect program if you want speedy progression.
Metropolitan China Prices (CNY)
Weeks
Standard
Individual
Intensive
4 wks
12,956
22,215
21,972
6 wks
16,708
29,928
29,580
8 wks
20,078
36,856
36,414
10 wks
23,094
43,056
42,531
12 wks
25,783
48,583
47,983
14 wks
29,383
55,983
55,283
16 wks
32,983
63,383
62,583
18-52 wks
3,600 / 2 wks
7,400 / 2 wks
7,300 / 2 wks
Prices are all in CNY (Chinese Yuan/Renminbi)
All our Metropolitan programs include airport pickup, your transport between cities and your survival kit upon arrival.
Survival kits include a Chinese Mobile SIM card (make sure your phone is unlocked), help with police registration, help with setting up a bank account, a bicycle to use, public transport cards including money, local maps and the guidance of the LTL support team 24/7.
The duration of the course is entirely up to you, with a minimum of 4 weeks and the maximum 52 weeks. The longer you join multi city Chinese program, the greater the saving.
Where will I stay?
We have a number of accommodation options which are priced the same in both cities. Our Homestays ensure you utilise everything you learn in the classroom or you can opt for our serviced or shared apartmentswith fellow LTL students.
We aim to locate you within a relatively short commute from the school whether in Apartments or Homestays.
Three City Combo (Shanghai – Beijing – Chengde)
Experience all three cities on offer from the modern day metropolis of Shanghai to the full immersion experience in Chengde.
Your journey will start in Shanghai before heading north to Beijing. You’ll conclude your adventure in Chengde where your Mandarin knowledge will really boost due to zero foreign contact.
We offer three different programs here which are as follows:
Three City Standard
Our standard package offers 20 hours of Mandarin lessons a week. Classes are small and intimate, with one of our expert teachers in our Shanghai school. After that, it’s on to Beijing. However, we raise the bar when you get to Chengde. 20 hours of private lessons every week and no English allowed. Full immersion will see your Chinese language skills improve rapidly.
Three City Intensive
Throw yourself in the deep end with 30 hours of Chinese Language lessons every week at our schools. 20 hours of group classes, and 10 hours of one to one tutoring in Shanghai and Beijing.
When you head to Chengde you’ll have a whole 30 hours a week of private one to one classes. If you really want to enhance your Mandarin as quickly as possible, we recommend this program.
Three City Individual
Our individual course allows you to mould the course around your specific needs and goals. In Shanghai, Beijing and then finally Chengde you will study 20 hours of private, 1 on 1 classes each week.
This gives you the opportunity to set specific targets, goals and topics you wish to achieve. Chengde is the perfect way to end your trip as you will experience full immersion.
Three City Prices (CNY)
Weeks
Standard
Individual
Intensive
6 wks
23,330
32,143
36,202
9 wks
29,982
42,258
47,912
12 wks
35,598
50,798
57,798
15 wks
42,898
61,898
70,648
18 wks
50,198
72,998
83,498
21 wks
57,498
84,098
96,348
24-51 wks
7,300 /3wks
11,100 /3wks
12,850 /3wks
Prices are all in CNY (Chinese Yuan/Renminbi)
Likewise, with the Metropolitan programs, the same package is included in the price. Airport pickup, transport between cities and your survival kit making your transition to China that little bit more comfortable.
Survival kits include a Chinese SIM card (make sure your phone is unlocked before coming to China), help with police registration and setting up any new bank accounts.
Additionally you’ll also receive usage of a bicycle, public transport cards topped up for convenience, maps and our 24/7 support.
The duration of the course can be a minimum of 4 weeks and the maximum 52 weeks. Chat to us for further details and we will make sure you are matched with the perfect Multi City Program.
Chinese Immersion Program (Beijing – Chengde)
This unique Chinese Immersion program allows you to gain a real insight into modern-day China from two very different perspectives.
Students spend the first half of their Chinese language course at our Beijing school right in the heart of the Central Business District. You will then take the train to the city of Chengde, China’s old Imperial Summer Capital, nestled in the mountains of Hebei province.
This is a whole new experience in itself and because of this we’ve made another page for it.
How will I travel from City to City and what are the costs?
There are no extra travel costs between cities. All costs are included in the price and we have zero hidden costs at LTL. Chengde now has an airport meaning you can fly between all 3 cities. The journey’s can also be completed via High Speed Train. Beijing to Shanghai takes shy of five hours. Very fast considering the distance. The trains are comfortable and a pleasurable ride. Soon we are also opening a new school in Taiwan and in Beihai which will give you even more options.
Can you give an idea of the cost of living?
In China you will enjoy a decent cost of living where the main expenditure is rent. Chengde, as you may expect, is the cheapest of the 3 cities to live in but even Beijing and Shanghai won’t set you back greatly compared to other big cities worldwide. Lunch and Dinner can be purchased for anything between 2 and 10 USD on most days depending on your choice of food. In Chengde there is a good chance your Chinese friends will end up treating you to food and drink also.
I’m a beginner, is this for me?
Of course. Almost 50% of our students are beginners coming from abroad so this is perfectly normal.
In terms of accommodation, what would you recommend?
If you wish to have a chat to us about your specific requirements then drop us a message via our Contact Page. In terms of general advice we’ve always been mad keen on the Homestays. They maintain your Chinese speaking outside of class and stop you falling into the trap of talking your first language too often outside of the school. This is hugely important when learning Chinese and wanting to achieve full immersion.
What are the main differences between the LTL schools?
Whilst Beijing is our main school, Shanghai and Beijing offer very similar environments. There are small groups of students always around, regular activities and people to meet. Chengde is almost the opposite to this. Focus moves towards immersion rather than contact with other foreigners. Experience Chinese culture first hand in the final destination of your trip and learn Chinese throughout China.
Chengde sounds like a real challenge. Am I up to the task?
Chengde is “real China” as we like to say. Life will most likely be very different to what you are used to but in a positive manner. You may end up partaking in a whole host of activities in Chengde which include hiking, playing with your local sports team, enjoying the public dancing or just getting to know new friends. This is an experience we cannot recommend highly enough and we are sure you’ll have a memorable experience in Chengde. Be aware though, if you are not keen on complete immersion this might not be the place for you. Chat with us and we can discuss your options further if you remain unsure.
How can I prepare myself for the adventure in China?
We send out pre-course information packages which give you all the information you need. This includes what to pack and any potential technical questions you may have. Shanghai and Beijing have everything you need anyway so if there is something you forget or don’t have, we can help sort you out upon arrival. You will be fully supported by LTL when you come to learn Chinese in China.
What Our Students Say
Ben
USA
★
★
★
★
★
The classes in Beijing and Shanghai were both great, nothing to complain about. Doing an indivdual class is great as you can learn about whatever you want to, or need to, at your own pace. The class is fully adapted to you.
Learning Chinese in at 40 – yes, I can! I would warmly recommend taking time to learn a language and studying with LTL. I made friends with other students, equally the younger and the older ones.
I have had a great experience at LTL. I leave China with a new skill, friends from all over the world, and the ability to live and travel comfortably in one of the biggest, most influential countries in the world.
I Googled around for language schools in Beijing. I first looked at university programs but those weren’t flexible enough and they seemed too impersonal so I decided to look for a private language school. I decided on LTL due to the size and the reviews I read.
It just seemed like a high quality school. The homestay component also helped sway my decision.
Originally I planned to just learn in Beijing and then hang around in Shanghai. But my parents convinced me to also do classes in Shanghai.
When I first arrived in China I had to adjust to the heat more than to the culture! By the time i arrived in Shanghai I was confident enough to make my own way from the airport to my homestay.
The Beijing homestay was fine. Very nice family they worked as reporters. We all ate dinner every night, and talked together it was very nice.
They also always helped me out whenever I needed. They provided me with everything I needed.
Ben attending a Mongolian dinner with LTL Shanghai
Shanghai homestay was great. Two parents, father was a doctor, and the mother was not working the time so we got to spend a lot of time together.
There was also a 4yr baby boy, and grandma. It was lot of fun and I got to practice my Mandarin a lot.
The classes in Beijing and Shanghai were both great, nothing to complain about.
Doing an individual class is great as you can learn about whatever you want to, or need to, at your own pace.
I don’t really have the ability to memorize as well as other people, so having individual classes especially adapted to your own learning is extra valuable.
Both Beijing and Shanghai had their advantages. The cultural activities and sights in Beijing are more authentic and there is more of them which I enjoyed. While Shanghai is more livable, feels less crowded and has more western food options.
Taitti
Germany
Learning Chinese in China at 40 years of age – yes, I can!
When I took a longer break from work to learn Chinese and travel, I was a little apprehensive of what learning a new language would be like.
With me being nearly 40 years of age it had been many years since I’d been to university and studied daily in a classroom setting. The life-long learner in me was itching to try it out, and I off I went to Beijing!
I studied two and a half months with LTL – and I loved it. I had a full Chinese immersion experience, spending time in Beijing, Chengde and also travelling around China.
My first two months were spent in Beijing, learning Chinese and staying in a Chinese host family. I wanted to make most out of my time in China, and I spent my evenings during the week on study, but my weekends were focused on sightseeing.
My teachers Helen and Felix were both fantastic. Helen was our written Chinese teacher. I was always inspired by her love for the beauty of Chinese characters.
It made Chinese writing much easier, when someone helped you see the fascinating side in it. She was equally good at teaching our youngest (13 years old) and oldest (that was me) in the group.
Felix was our spoken Chinese teacher and he had a great sense of humour. He did not only spend some time with ensuring all students learned the correct pronunciation, but also always had something interesting to tell about the topic. I had many good laughs in his class when we were playing out dialogues in Chinese, and trying out our new vocabulary.
The atmosphere, support and social life at LTL were great. The school is small, and we got to know each other quite well.
There were plenty of socials and suggestions for what we could do on weekends. It was always easy to find someone who wanted to go for a excursion or sightseeing together. We had Beijing duck, hot pot and numerous other meals together.
We also visited the less and more famous sites in Beijing. One of the most memorable ones for me is the flag raising on Tiananmen square. Yes, it means getting up early, but it’s worth it! Of the museums I would recommend the National Art Museum. We were in luck as the exhibitions at the time had both contemporary and traditional Chinese art on display.
I also visited Shanghai, Xi’an, Huashan mountain and hiked in Yunnan. Plenty to do in China!
During the two weeks in LTL Chengde I had an amazing Chinese lady as my “host family”. She taught me how to make my favourite Chinese food, dumplings. Nom! I still don’t know how she managed to make about 50 of them in the time I made three, little broken ones ☺ My “auntie” had a real talent.
In Chengde I had a private teacher who taught me quite a lot about local culture in the short time. I enjoyed being outside of busy Beijing, too.
Beijing was great, of course, for the social life and the sightseeing, yet it was nice to have the change of scenery and be in a place where I could cycle or walk anywhere.
I would warmly recommend taking time to learn a language and studying with LTL. I made friends with other students, equally the younger and the older ones.
Most of the other students who were not at university age came only for short 1-2 weeks, or they were already based in Beijing and working there, and I think both are great options: Using a holiday to study in Beijing, or taking a longer break to immerse in the language and culture. The school provided excellent teaching, teachers were friendly and everyone in the office was always willing to help and answer questions. So – what are you waiting for?
Maggie
USA
Hello! I am a recent college graduate from the USA. I did a 15 week intensive study program with LTL in all 3 cities. I did 5 weeks in each location, starting in Shanghai, then to Beijing, and ending my adventure in Chengde. I started from an absolute zero level and now I can use Chinese conversationally with my host family and in day to day life.
Maggie at the Great Wall
I am very glad to have found LTL, and that I chose to do the 3 city program. I found LTL on the Internet and decided to do all three cities because I wanted as many experiences as possible, and wanted to see more places in China. LTL is great for this because their staff give you insider information on the cities and recommendations on how and when to go to a site. They also organized trips to places I never would have found on my own, like a hike to a remote part of the Great Wall and the Shanghai Marriage Market.
When I arrived in Shanghai I had no idea if I had set myself up for months of pain or an awesome experience. Luckily, it turned out to be the latter, and the supportive, all inclusive atmosphere at LTL made adapting to the culture shock much easier. That and Shanghai’s international ties made getting around the city a great place to start to study Chinese. LTL Shanghai’s Alex and Fu Lala were so supportive. I never felt lost or alone despite being in a city of 24 million. The other students were wonderful, and we all commiserated on the daily 40℃ (104℉) weather. I took 4 hours of group classes and 2 hours of individual a day, so I not only had the opportunity to learn at my own pace, but also learned in a group which was often more fun and cooperative.
Friends in Shanghai
Five weeks flew by and I found myself taking the bullet train to Beijing and my new school.
The summer was coming to an end and my classmates changed from college students to travelling professionals.
Over the course of my trip, my classmates ranged from a 17 year old Spanish girl starting college that autumn to a 68 year old former German diplomat who had worked in the Beijing Embassy.
I’m glad I chose to go to Beijing because, though Shanghai is amazing and looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, Beijing has all of the classic sights and so much history!
My classes were once again excellent.
Instead of hot weather, we commiserated about how crazy the subway was in the mornings.
Maggie and her classmates in Beijing.
Chengde was again a big change and a great experience. Chengde is different because there is no actual school location and all classes are individual.
That being said, my homestay was great and I saw huge improvement in my Chinese.
In my 5 weeks there I saw 3 other foreigners. It really is a true immersion, and after my first week I was tired using all Chinese all the time. But after a week I started to become comfortable.
I would recommend Chengde to anyone looking to focus on their Chinese culture and language study, because the isolation forced me to stop using English speaking classmates and independently work on my Chinese.
All in all, I have had a great experience at LTL. I leave China with a new skill, friends from all over the world, and the ability to live and travel comfortably in one of the biggest, most influential countries in the world.
Thank you LTL for an amazing language and cultural experience!
Study Chinese with the LTL Semester in Beijing. Achieve fluency with us by joining our intensive semester program which lasts 18/36 weeks for a discounted price.
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