19 Best Podcasts For Learning Chinese (All Levels)
And why you should pick just ONE if you want to be fluent
Why Podcasts Are Powerful For Learning Chinese
Traditional Chinese learning methods like textbooks and grammar drills are designed to fail.
They teach you to memorize isolated words and grammar rules, but never show you how real Chinese people actually speak.
It's like learning to cook by memorizing ingredient lists without ever watching a chef in action.
Podcasts solve this problem instantly. They give you:
Real conversations between native speakers (not textbook dialogues)
Natural flow and rhythm you can't get from flashcards
Cultural context that makes vocabulary actually stick
Massive exposure to authentic Chinese without boring study sessions
Which Podcast Should I Listen To?
Most learners make the same mistake I used to make. They listen to "variety" because they think it's better for learning.
10 different podcasts. 5 YouTube channels. Random shows on Netflix.
But here's the thing - your brain can't lock onto patterns when the input keeps changing.
Think about it. Kids don't learn to speak by listening to 20 different people. They copy mom and dad. Over and over and over.
Same voice. Same patterns. Same rhythm.
Until it becomes automatic.
That's why after years of "diverse listening," most learners still sound choppy and unnatural. Their brain never had time to deeply absorb one speaking style.
But when you obsess over one voice?
Your brain starts predicting what they'll say next. You feel their rhythm in your bones. You catch yourself using their exact phrases without thinking.
You don't just learn Chinese.
You learn to be Chinese.
That's the difference between studying a language and absorbing it.
The podcast host I copied? He had no idea he was my Chinese teacher.
But he taught me more than any textbook ever could.
But, in order to find your ONE podcast, you need to try and test listening to a lot.
So here are 15 of my favorite podcasts that I’ve listened to in the 5+ years I've been learning Chinese. Appropriate for all levels.
Beginner Podcasts
1. Pimsleur Mandarin Chinese
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
Although this is technically an audio course, I’ve included this because it essentially functions as a podcast and this is the first type of Chinese audio that I regularly listened to. The episodes are structured with lots of repetition of common words suitable for beginners. There is a focus on conversation from the start which is very practical.
Some learners may find it slow but I enjoyed the repetition, especially as a beginner. The vocabulary taught is a bit more formal and there is less coverage of everyday slang. This podcast is the only paid one on this list (not sponsored) but you can usually find it free at your local library or if you look hard enough online.
2. Popup Chinese
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
This podcast is a casual conversational style dialogue between an English speaker and a native Mandarin speaker breaking down a short and practical audio clip.
I listened to this a lot as a beginner to help me get used to understanding common daily phrases. You only learn a few new words or phrases per episode so the learning is a bit slower than other podcasts.
3. ChinesePod
Duration: 15 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
This is a very popular podcast similar to Popup Chinese. A native English and Mandarin speaker breaks down short passages in Chinese with quirky humor and an addictive intro. They move slowly and this is suitable for beginners.
4. Mandarin Monkey Podcast
Duration: 60 minutes
Accent: 🇹🇼
This is a very casual and conversational style podcast with an equal mix of English and Mandarin (Taiwanese accent) suitable for beginners.
The hosts are a married couple living in Taiwan and they discuss common everyday topics with quirky humor.
5. Coffee Break Chinese
Duration: ~ 20-30 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
Similar to Popup Chinese, you get English and Chinese explanations of common phrases with two hosts. They move very slowly and this is suitable for absolute beginners.
*Update: Other recommendations by readers:
“I quite like Chinese Track, I think it is good for beginners because there is also space for repeating.” - Mia
“Slow Chinese! It’s a podcast done, but at a slower speaking pace (like reading a story book to children.” - Jane
Let me know in the comments what your favorites are.
Intermediate Podcasts
1. Dashu Mandarin
Duration: ~60 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳🇹🇼
This is my favorite podcast for intermediate learners because they discuss very interesting and sometimes controversial topics with humor and wit.
There are three hosts, Richard from Taiwan, Lican from Mainland China and Ben who grew up in Mainland China but is living in Spain. Check out my interview with them here.
2. Talk Taiwanese Mandarin with Abby
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Accent: 🇹🇼
This is a great gateway podcast for those wanting to try more intermediate podcasts because the host speaks clearly and slowly.
The host is from Taiwan and each episode covers a well-researched topic that is practical for Chinese learners interested in Taiwan culture. Check out my interview with her here.
3. Chinese So Hard
Duration: 40-60 minutes
This is a podcast hosted by two passionate Chinese learners (me and my good friend Tom 😂) and we discuss interesting topics and issues Chinese learners face in Mandarin!
Although we are not native speakers, we are learners just like you so we can relate to your struggles, and many learners like listening to us for motivation and inspiration.
4. Chillchat
Duration: 5-20 mins
Accent: 🇨🇳
This podcast is hosted by a Chinese teacher and her partner who is also a Chinese learner so it’s a great way to hear what a typical conversation between a native speaker and a learner sounds like. They discuss interesting cultural topics and differences between China and Western countries. It’s also very relaxing to listen to!
5. 听故事说中文
Accent: 🇨🇳
Duration: 10-50 mins
This podcast focuses on teaching Mandarin through stories and is good for students who are looking for something more structured and produced.
Every episode has two parts: story (A) and story explanation (B), accompanied by annotated vocabulary and transcript. They speak slowly with lots of repetition and it is suitable for intermediate learners.
6. Speak Chinese Naturally
Duration: 10-20 mins
Accent: 🇨🇳
This podcast is good for students looking for something more structured and formal. It is hosted by a passionate language teacher and learner who discusses various topics including Chinese culture, customs, idioms, slang, and stories.
Advanced/Native Podcasts
1. 大人的 Small Talk
Duration: 20-40 mins
Accent: 🇹🇼
This is the podcast that I’ve listened to the most and my favorite podcast on the entire list. It’s also the first podcast I listened to that was not made for language learners.
I started listening to this as a beginner learner, initially not understanding much but as I listened more and more, my comprehension improved significantly.
The hosts are from Taiwan and the theme of their podcast is “adulting”. Each episode is a discussion around topics related to self-development, relationships, communication, career, investing and other “adulting” issues not taught in school.
Not only do I get to learn Chinese through this podcast, but I often find myself in awe of the host’s insight into common struggles in life. Highly recommend.
2. BearTalk 狗熊有话说
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
This is a great gateway podcast for those who want to try listening to something not made for language learners because the host speaks slowly and clearly.
The host is a native Chinese speaker who immigrated to New Zealand and talks about design, productivity, book reviews, language learning, and travel.
3. Steve 說
Duration: ～60 minutes
Accent: 🇨🇳
This is the podcast I’ve been listening to the most recently. The host is a Chinese psychologist/therapist and his podcast focuses on intimate relationships.
I love listening to this podcast because the host is often very insightful and provides a unique and intimate glimpse into the Chinese psyche, way of thinking, and struggles that are often difficult to glean from most popular media.
4. 打個電話給你 One Call Away
Duration: ~60 mins
Accent: 🇨🇳
This is one of my favorites because it’s a fun and easy podcast to listen to. The hosts are two good girlfriends who use the podcast to catch up weekly and they chat casually about topics like their personal relationships, lifestyle, travel, work, etc. This is great for learning colloquial language.
5. 聊聊东西 - Talk to Me in Chinese
Duration: 20-60 mins
Accent: 🇨🇳
I really like this podcast. The podcast host has a soothing and relaxing voice to listen to. She speaks slowly and clearly and talks about a variety of topics including social and cultural issues in China, relationships, travel, languages, and much more. Each episode is very insightful and casual and great for learning colloquial speech.
6. 故事 FM
Duration: ~30 mins
Accent: 🇨🇳
This podcast is very well produced like listening to an audiobook or an investigative report. Each episode includes interviews with ordinary people in mainland China who share fascinating stories on various topics.
The content is more challenging but provides native-level listening practice.
The Podcast Habit That Changed Everything
I discovered that consistency beats intensity every time.
Instead of binge-listening for hours, I listen intermittently throughout the day during “dead times” so that friction is low:
Morning walk
Morning workout
Commuting
Biking
Doing chores around the house
Cooking
Eating meals
This gives me 60-90 minutes of Chinese immersion daily without taking any extra time from my schedule.
Within 1 month of daily listening, I was thinking and even dreaming in Chinese.
The key? I treated podcasts like eavesdropping on interesting conversations with friends, not study sessions.
Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned learner, podcasts are the best tool for learning Chinese.
Hope this helps.
循序渐进，
Danyo
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Great suggestions! Maomi Chinese is also pretty good for beginners! I'll definitely check all of these out!