Integrated Chinese is one of the most popular and widely used textbooks for learning Mandarin Chinese. This comprehensive series is authored by Yuehua Liu and Tao-Chung Yao and is published by Cheng & Tsui. It covers all levels of language proficiency, from beginner to advanced. The series includes textbooks, workbooks, character workbooks, and audio resources, making it a complete package for learners.

Integrated Chinese is known for its structured approach, focusing on building a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and character writing. The lessons are engaging and incorporate cultural insights, which help learners understand the context in which the language is used. Each chapter includes dialogues, exercises, and review sections to reinforce learning.

New Practical Chinese Reader

New Practical Chinese Reader (NPCR) is another highly recommended series for learning Chinese. Authored by Liu Xun and published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press, NPCR is designed for learners who aim to use Chinese for communication in daily life, work, and study.

The series consists of six volumes, each with accompanying workbooks and audio resources. NPCR emphasizes practical language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The lessons are structured around real-life scenarios, making it easier for learners to apply what they have learned in everyday situations. The series also includes cultural notes and explanations to help learners gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

Chinese Made Easy

Chinese Made Easy, authored by Yamin Ma and published by Joint Publishing (HK) Co., Ltd., is a popular choice for learners of all ages, including children and teenagers. The series is designed to make learning Chinese fun and engaging, with colorful illustrations, interactive exercises, and games.

Chinese Made Easy covers all aspects of language learning, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The lessons are well-structured and gradually introduce new vocabulary and grammar points. The series also includes workbooks, CDs, and online resources to support learning. The focus on practical language skills and cultural knowledge makes it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate learners.

HSK Standard Course

HSK Standard Course is a series of textbooks specifically designed to prepare learners for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), the standardized test for Chinese language proficiency. The series is authored by Jiang Liping and published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press.

The HSK Standard Course consists of six levels, corresponding to the six levels of the HSK exam. Each level includes a textbook, workbook, and audio resources. The lessons are structured around the vocabulary and grammar required for the HSK exam, with plenty of practice exercises and mock tests. The series also includes cultural notes and explanations to help learners understand the context of the language.

Colloquial Chinese

Colloquial Chinese is a series of textbooks authored by P.C. T’ung and D.E. Pollard and published by Routledge. It is designed for self-study and is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

The series focuses on practical language skills, with an emphasis on listening and speaking. The lessons are structured around real-life scenarios, making it easier for learners to apply what they have learned in everyday situations. Each chapter includes dialogues, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and exercises. The series also includes audio resources to support listening practice.

Developing Chinese

Developing Chinese, published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press, is a comprehensive series designed for learners who want to improve their Chinese language skills. The series covers all levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced.

The lessons in Developing Chinese are structured around real-life scenarios and focus on practical language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The series includes textbooks, workbooks, and audio resources, making it a complete package for learners. Each chapter includes dialogues, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and exercises to reinforce learning. The series also includes cultural notes and explanations to help learners gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

Chinese Grammar Wiki BOOK

Chinese Grammar Wiki BOOK, authored by John Pasden and published by AllSet Learning, is a valuable resource for learners who want to master Chinese grammar. The book is based on the popular Chinese Grammar Wiki website, which provides clear and comprehensive explanations of Chinese grammar points.

The book is organized by proficiency level, making it easy for learners to find the grammar points they need to study. Each grammar point is explained in detail, with example sentences and exercises to reinforce learning. The book also includes cultural notes and explanations to help learners understand the context of the language.

Short-Term Spoken Chinese

Short-Term Spoken Chinese is a series of textbooks designed for learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills in a short period of time. The series is authored by Ma Jianfei and published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press.

The lessons in Short-Term Spoken Chinese are structured around real-life scenarios and focus on practical language skills. Each chapter includes dialogues, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and exercises to reinforce learning. The series also includes audio resources to support listening practice. The focus on speaking and listening makes it an excellent choice for learners who want to improve their oral communication skills.

Chinese Breeze

Chinese Breeze is a series of graded readers designed to help learners improve their reading skills. The series is published by Peking University Press and includes books at different levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced.

Each book in the Chinese Breeze series is a short story written in simple Chinese, with vocabulary and grammar appropriate for the target level. The stories are engaging and cover a wide range of genres, including romance, mystery, and adventure. Each book includes vocabulary lists and exercises to reinforce learning. The series also includes audio resources to support listening practice.

Easy Peasy Chinese

Easy Peasy Chinese, authored by Elinor Greenwood and published by Dorling Kindersley, is a beginner-friendly book designed to make learning Chinese fun and accessible. The book is colorful and engaging, with plenty of illustrations and interactive exercises.

Easy Peasy Chinese covers all aspects of language learning, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The lessons are well-structured and gradually introduce new vocabulary and grammar points. The book also includes cultural notes and explanations to help learners understand the context of the language. The focus on practical language skills and cultural knowledge makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these top 10 Chinese books offer a variety of approaches to learning the language, catering to different learning styles and proficiency levels. Whether you are a beginner just starting your language journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your skills, there is a book on this list that can meet your needs. By incorporating these resources into your study routine, you can make significant progress in mastering Chinese and gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.