ChinesePod - Beginner

First impressions. Intent stares. Is he sizing up the map of your face--determining your future wealth, lack of it, sexual prowess, eyebrow hair luck factor? Or is he just trying to decipher your nin hao? In this lesson, get introduced to your friend's father, and learn the Chinese equivalent of a firm handshake, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0998

Explore the enchanting city of Hangzhou, famous for its romantic charm and historical depth. Dive into culinary delights like the mouthwatering West Lake vinegar fish. Discover the intriguing connections between language and culture, including the significance of Mandarin verbs. Uncover the genius of the Song dynasty through the lens of poetry and culinary innovation. Lastly, examine the cultural nuances behind dishes like dong poo ro and the importance of rice in Chinese dining traditions.

You can't understand the cows 'mou', the chicken's 'gege,' the sheep's 'miemie,' the horse's 'huirhuir,' nor the pig and its incessant 'hengheng.' In China, you even need a translator for the animals. The good thing is, they mostly look the same. In this podcast, learn how to ask about animals, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0994

Peking, Khanbaliq, Yanjing, Beijing. No matter what you call it, the city is a paradise for foodies. From snacks to banquets, you'll find it here. Get the low down on the foods of Beijing for your listening and eating pleasure, and learn how to say them in Chinese. Are you ready to eat? A capital idea! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1018

While you may not relish your walk up five flights of stairs six times a day, think of it as a pre-Huangshan hike training ground. Or the third stage of your triathlon-esque commute home. The way to stairmaster-free nice buttocks. After all, the elevator-less buildings of China were the breeding ground for the likes of Yao Ming and Liu Xiang. So, lift those knees, and get buzzed up to the fifth floor, and listen to this ChinesePod lesson on going upstairs. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0990

We call it Szechuan, they call it Sichuan. Does Ants on a Tree really come with ants? Was it just a novelty dish? All just a joke on the American public? Well, now is your chance to find out. Learn about the Chinese cuisine embraced the world over: the hot and spicy Sichuan. And while you're at it, add a few more dishes to your ordering repertoire. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0968

You know the signs. A mass of people, ten deep, reminiscent of a football huddle. A flying chair. A lot of arguing and pointing and yelling, but nary a punch thrown. Yes, it is the China street argument. Whether you're a looky-loo, or more of the steal-a-furtive-glance type, listen to this Chinese lesson and join in on the biggest spectator sport in urban China. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0982

Our hungry traveler ventures off to the "Hawaii of China" for some much needed R&R. An island resort in China you say? It's true that Hainan's resort destination, Sanya, has flown under the radar to most of the western world, but it has all the requirements of an island getaway. When you tire of the sun, sand, and coconut tree hammocks, a world of seafood and tropical fruit awaits. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0944

Fabric markets, little shops, department stores, Taobao... cheap and cheerful clothes abound in China. You're feeling like a knock-out in your knock-offs, and now that you're going to be looking so pretty, better learn how to accept a compliment. In this podcast, learn how to comment on clothing, and how to respond, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0978

When you mix a Portuguese bun with a Chinese egg roll, what do you get? Is there any hope of a compatible union for these two unlikely partners in calories? This edition of the Hungry Traveler takes us to the shores of Macao. The Las Vegas of China, where one can only hope to find all-you-can-eat buffets filled with this kind of fare... Work up an appetite listening to this podcast on the cuisine of Macao. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0933