Nǐ hǎo ma? Your child can learn more than just this one phrase at the best Mandarin classes for kids in Hong Kong
Cantonese might be the local lingo here, but with some 1 billion native speakers—and many more who have studied it as a second or third language—roughly 1/7th of the world’s population speaks Mandarin, making it a very useful language to know. Especially if you want to be able to travel to places like Shenzhen or read books by Chinese authors. If you want to give your kids a leg-up in the years to come, enrol them in one of the best Mandarin classes for kids in Hong Kong and they’ll be conversant before you know it.
The best Mandarin classes for kids in Hong Kong
1. Mini Mandarins Learning Centre
Your kids might not even realise they’re at a language class at Mini Mandarins! With a focus on teaching functional Mandarin through interactive activities, role play, and lots of fun, the language centre creates a dynamic environment that allows kids to learn through situational teaching.
Classes are limited to just four to six students, which means everyone gets personal attention—and did we mention that all teachers are native Mandarin speakers? The centre offers several programmes, including the First Words Series and the entry-level Speaking Series for young learners, Academic Series that focuses on Pin Yin, character recognition, or oral comprehension, and even special workshops for school interviews.
Mini Mandarins Learning Centre, Room 202-205, Wilson House, 19-27 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2320 1128
2. HK Kidz
Part of the Hong Kong Institute of Languages, HK Kidz caters to tots from the age of one-and-a-half through 12—enrol them young, and they’ll be fluent before you know it. There’s a wide range of options available so you can pick exactly what your child needs, from private or group classes to programmes for immersion or exam prep.
If students show a flair for the language (or perhaps just want to improve), they can even attend enrichment courses, including holiday workshops, drama and nature classes, and more! And, if Mandarin isn’t enough for your little overachiever, the centre offers classes in a slew of other languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.
HK Kidz has locations in Central and Wong Chuk Hang
3. Mulberry House Academy
Technically, Mulberry House is a pre-school, but it’s a great spot for kids to learn Mandarin. The Academy offers an immersive MandarinSmart programme for kids as young as eight months, which means your little one will be practically nattering fluently from the moment they start speaking.
Through the specialised curriculum, kids are taught to think, read, write, and speak in Mandarin through experiential learning in small groups. Sessions make learning the language fun and easy through a mix of music, stories, and playtime that keep students engaged. There are one-on-one online classes for the Covid-era, but if you prefer in-person sessions, you can enrol in a trial class for $300. There are different levels available, from Accompanied Playgroup through Primary Foundation Program catering to kids from zero through 12 years, so you’ll find a class perfect for your child.
Mulberry House Academy has two campuses in Central and Wong Chuk Hang
4. Beijing Mandarin
Whether your child is just beginning their journey with Mandarin or is already conversant and wants to brush up their skills, they’ll find exactly what they need at Beijing Mandarin. For young tots, the centre offers introductory programmes like Baby First Chinese and My Fun Chinese. Those with some Mandarin abilities already under their belt can opt for classes that will take their language skills to the next level, such as the My Smart Chinese class for teens or exam prep sessions.
To help students fast-track their learning, Beijing Mandarin uses its proprietary SREM methodology which allows kids to learn Mandarin up to three times faster than conventional methods, meaning they’ll be parle-ing like a pro in no time.
Beijing Mandarin, 23/F, Winsan Tower, 98 Thomson Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, p. 2865 1660
5. Yifan
Ideal for little learners, Yifan offers a Mandarin for Munchkins programme that caters to toddlers from one to three years. Each class has just nine students to ensure the teacher’s full attention, while an emphasis on fun learning—read: lots of singalongs, storytime, and games—means kids can learn quickly and casually.
For older children, the Mandarin Builder classes offer a little more independence in learning, while the Mandarin Focus and Focus for Teens programmes give extra support for older students learning Mandarin in a traditional school setting with individualised sessions. For a full immersion, Yifan also offers holiday camps and playgroups, along with Chinese calligraphy, ink drawing, and cultural experiences.
Yifan has locations in Central and Discovery Bay.
