Listening to Chinese podcasts is an excellent way to improve your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. If you listen to podcasts regularly, combined with 1-on-1 online Chinese lessons, you get an immersive Chinese learning environment that will help you improve your Chinese faster. Below are 5 interesting Chinese podcasts that you must know about to boost your Chinese proficiency. You can listen to these shows on Apple Podcasts or their respective podcast websites.
1. Melnyks Chinese
What It’s About: If you’re looking for a podcast that takes you beyond textbook phrases and into real-life Mandarin, Melnyks Chinese is a perfect choice. This podcast offers easy-to-follow, scenario-based lessons on everyday topics like greeting people, discussing hobbies, and meeting new friends in Chinese. Each episode is packed with practical phrases you can use right away, and the host’s clear, slow-paced teaching style, with English translations, ensures you can understand every word (for example, “明天我要去唱歌” (Míng tiān wǒ yào qù chàng gē), Tomorrow I’m going to sing).
Perfect for: Beginners who want a solid foundation in conversational Chinese.
Why You’ll Love It: Melnyks Chinese makes learning both approachable and engaging. The pure audio format lets you focus on listening and pronunciation, while the real-life scenarios help you start thinking and responding in Chinese. With each lesson, you’re not just memorizing phrases—you’re gaining confidence to have real conversations.
2. Dapeng Talks Chinese 大鹏说中文 (Dà péng shuō zhōng wén)
What It’s About: If you want to dive deep into authentic conversations and cultural insights, Dapeng Talks Chinese is the podcast for you. The podcast focuses on practical Chinese expressions, covering listening, pronunciation, and common vocabulary. For instance, he might explain the difference between different Chinese words such as “巴不得” (bā bù dé) and “恨不得” (hèn bù dé), “目标” (mù biāo) and “目的” (mù dì), making sure they grasp meanings and apply them in real-life scenarios. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate learner, this podcast offers invaluable insights into both language and culture, helping you feel more connected to the Chinese-speaking world.
Perfect for: Beginner to intermediate learners who want to improve Chinese listening skills.
Why You’ll Love It: Dapeng Talks Chinese offers a unique blend of language learning and cultural insights. The engaging discussions and storytelling make it easy to absorb vocabulary and grammar in context. Plus, the dynamic format encourages active participation, helping you develop your speaking skills in a fun and relatable way. With each episode, you’ll not only learn the language but also discover the richness of Chinese culture.
3. Maomi Chinese
What It’s About: If you’re eager to immerse yourself in engaging Chinese conversations, Maomi Chinese is an excellent choice. This podcast delves into various cultural themes and everyday situations, helping you learn through storytelling and relatable contexts. Each episode features native speakers discussing social hot topics and cultural phenomena like “A new way of saving money in China 省钱新方法“(shěng qián xīn fāng fǎ) and “The Chinese doctor who got stabbed by his patient 陶勇医生“(táo yǒng yī shēng), making learning Chinese more engaging.
Perfect for: Intermediate learners who are interested in Chinese culture and Chinese social life.
Why You’ll Love It: Maomi Chinese provides a playful and immersive approach to language learning. With its focus on storytelling and interactive content, you’ll find yourself naturally picking up new vocabulary and expressions. The friendly and supportive atmosphere encourages you to practice speaking and listening without fear of making mistakes. Each lesson feels like a conversation with a friend, making it easier to stay motivated and engaged in your learning journey.
4. TeaTime Chinese 茶歇中文 (Chá xiē zhōng wén)
What It’s About: If you’re seeking a relaxed yet informative approach to learning Mandarin, TeaTime Chinese is an excellent option. This podcast invites you to join casual conversations about various topics, from Chinese Stories to Book Sharing, making it perfect for upper-intermediate to advanced learners. Each episode features engaging discussions, allowing you to absorb useful vocabulary and phrases in a natural context. The friendly hosts create an inviting atmosphere, ensuring you know interesting traditional Chinese stories and books like “孙悟空大闹天宫 (sūn wù kōng dà nào tiān gōng), The Monkey King causing havoc in Heaven” and “活着 (huó zhe), To Live“ while enjoying your own cup!
Perfect for: Upper-intermediate to advanced learners who want to have an in-depth understanding of traditional Chinese culture.
Why You’ll Love It: TeaTime Chinese combines language learning with a cozy, conversational vibe. Each episode features engaging discussions on everyday topics, making it easy to relate the language to real-life situations. The emphasis on listening and speaking practice helps you build confidence while enjoying cultural insights and tips. With its friendly hosts and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’re chatting over tea with friends, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.
5. Universal Residents 宇宙乘客 (Yǔ zhòu chéng kè)
What It’s About: If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of language and culture, Universal Residents is a fantastic choice. This podcast dives into the experiences of foreigners living in China, sharing their stories, challenges, and cultural insights. Each episode features candid conversations that highlight the nuances of adapting to a new environment, along with practical vocabulary related to daily life and cultural exchanges.
Perfect for: Advanced learners who want to further improve their Chinese skills.
Why You’ll Love It: With a focus on current social issues from a female perspective, Universal Residents is ideal for advanced learners who want to explore Chinese culture while hearing diverse viewpoints on key topics like “当代年轻人：财神庙前香火旺盛，月老庙前也是长跪不起啊 (Dāng dài nián qīng rén: cái shén miào qián xiāng huǒ wàng shèng, yuè lǎo miào qián yě shì cháng guì bù qǐ a), Contemporary young people: the incense in front of the God of Wealth Temple is prosperous, and the old moon is long in front of the temple“. The anchor’s humorous and rational narration enables you to understand Chinese culture while broadening your cognitive horizons.
These engaging podcasts are perfect for boosting your listening skills and making the most of your downtime. But while listening is essential, true fluency comes from speaking and interacting in real conversations. A skilled teacher can provide immediate feedback on pronunciation, phrasing, and tones—helping you speak more naturally and confidently.
If you’re ready to go beyond listening practice, try a free trial lesson with eChineseLearning! Our one-on-one courses are fully customized to your needs, with professional teachers, flexible 24/7 scheduling, and a satisfaction guarantee. With structured support and interactive guidance, you’ll make faster progress toward fluency and enjoy a more effective, immersive learning experience.
