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. Mandarin Time School
One of the highest-ranking Mandarin schools in Hong Kong, Mandarin Time School provides private and group classes for kids and teens, the perfect programmes to kickstart your children’s Chinese learning journey. Learning from the largest teaching team in the city on a spacious campus, students gain valuable resources of a tried-and-tested institution while still benefiting from the attention of small class sizes, with just 3 or 4 kids on average in each class. Mandarin Time School offers various class levels to cater to three age groups: 4.5 to 7 years old; 8 to 11 years old; and 12 to 15 years old. In addition to these interactive lessons that encourage learners in a fun environment, Mandarin Time School also holds Immersion Camps during the Summer, Easter, and Christmas holidays.
Mandarin Time School, 14/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6111 0523
2. Mini Mandarins Learning Centre
Your kids may not even realise they’re at a language class when they’re having a blast at Mini Mandarins! With a focus on teaching functional Mandarin through interactive activities, role play, and lots of fun, this language centre creates a dynamic environment that allows kids to learn Chinese through situational teaching. Classes are limited to a maximum of 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 Mini Tots Programme for young learners; the Academic Series focusing on Pin Yin, character recognition, and oral comprehension; and even special workshops, like the Inspire Series, for school interviews.
Mini Mandarins Learning Centre, Room 202-205, Wilson House, 19-27 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2320 1128
3. Mulberry House Academy
Dedicated to harnessing children’s linguistic potential with stimulating learning environments, Mulberry House Academy offers Mandarin education through playgroups, kindergarten, K12 schooling, and more. In a natural immersion learning setting where Mandarin is the sole medium of instruction, children learn the language along with others in the same developmental stage, under the guidance of native-speaking instructors. With inquiry-based immersion curricula for kids as young as eight months, your little one will be practically nattering fluently from the moment they start speaking. Through the specialised programmes, kids are taught to think, read, write, and speak in Mandarin through experiential learning in small groups. Options for one-on-one or group online classes are also available for those who prefer learning virtually.
Mulberry House Academy has two campuses in Central and Aberdeen.
4. iMandarinChinese
Reach learning goals from the comfort of your own home with iMandarinChinese! Providing the ultimate flexibility via online courses, iMandarinChinese is based in Hong Kong but can accommodate students in any time zone. All teachers here have degrees to teach Mandarin, as well as at least three years of experience. While most of the lessons are private, arrangements can be made for classes of bigger sizes. Build your child’s confidence and engagement in learning Mandarin with courses tailored to their needs, such as the popular Children Beginner Course, IB Chinese Course, Travel Mandarin Course, among others.
Find out more about iMandarinChinese.
5. Hong Kong Institute of Languages
The Hong Kong Institute of Languages caters to kids from the age of three through 12 – enrol them young, and they’ll be fluent before you know it! The younger kids here can join fun-filled programmes to nail their first steps into learning Mandarin while slightly older children can enrol in Creative Writing, Language in Action, or Exam/School Interview Prep courses. Hong Kong Institute of Languages also offers a Mother-Tongue Support workshop to help kids engage and practise their native language while attending international schools. Is Mandarin not enough for your little polyglot? The centre offers classes in a slew of other languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.
Hong Kong Institute of Languages, 6/F, Wellington Plaza, 56-58 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2877 6160
6. Linguabox Group
An online Mandarin learning platform that caters to students of all ages, Linguabox offers bespoke tutoring services that are tailored to the learning styles and goals of each individual. It’s led by certified native Chinese instructors who’ve had over 30 years of experience, and are passionate about their students’ success. During the 25- or 50-minute lessons, the teachers at Linguabox use a blend of multimedia resources such as videos, audio recordings, and interactive exercises to create an immersive language learning environment.
In addition to providing homework support and guiding pupils through their school curricula, Linguabox offers excellent resources for HSK test preparation. From personalised plans and guidance to comprehensive study materials, students are given the essential tools to excel in their exams. Using the professional and interactive online education platform, busy students can enjoy flexible scheduling benefits on top of an engaging learning experience. The dedicated teachers at Linguabox are even available to answer any questions and provide feedback outside of class time. With Linguabox, your kids will be able to master Mandarin effectively and enjoyably!
Linguabox Group, Suite A, 12/F, Ritz Plaza, 122 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 9685 8939
7. 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. 9344 9631
8. Yifan
Ideal for little learners, Yifan offers playgroups for toddlers and programmes like Mandarin in Action that caters to kiddos from three to five years. Each class is small enough in size to ensure the teacher’s full attention, while an emphasis on fun learning – read: lots of sand painting, storytime, and mini-sports games – means kids can learn quickly and casually. Older children can take the Mandarin Focus and Cooking in Mandarin classes to gain more independence in learning and hands-on experiences. For a fuller immersion in language learning, Yifan also offers dynamic programmes like holiday camps, culture workshops, book series, and Yifan Theatre.
Yifan has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
9. The C Club @ Southside
Guiding little learners through Putonghua Chinese, The C Club @ Southside is a popular spot for kids from Hong Kong’s many international schools. In small classes, early learners (kindergarteners) will engage in fun playtime with songs, flash cards, and beginning writing. As students advance in their language skills and development, they’ll focus on topics like grammar, creative writing, and even test-taking skills. For those in search of a more immersive and intensive learning experience, The C Club @ Southside also holds camps around five times a year. Students will be able to learn through different activities, such as mini STEM projects, Chinese cooking, painting, and more!
The C Club @ Southside, Unit 1702, 17/F, M Place, 54 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, p. 3427 9619
[This article was originally published in April 2021 and updated in 2024 by Min Ji Park.]
