Shopping Outings for those who Learn Chinese in China

Four words which sound excitingly fascinating today but impossible 10 years ago “Learn Chinese in China.” Students who jump on the opportunity to explore, experience, and taste this exotic land never look back

China is the fasting growing nation in the world, combine this with the largest population in the world and you have the recipe for the largest economic giant this planet has ever seen. China has already surpassed Japan in the #2 spot for largest economies, and it is expected to surpass the USA for #1 spot within 10-15 years.

For those who do decide to learn Chinese in China get prepared to engage in language courses that are very challenging. Chinese is completely different to any western language. Outside of the classroom it is important to mix hard studying with fun times and local interaction. One fun-time activity which gets students practicing the language materials learned in class is shopping and with China known as the “Factory of the world” shopping options in cities such as Beijing can be limitless

Panjiayuan- Beijing

Panjiayuan is an experience in itself and is one great place for those who learn Chinese in China to begin their shopping excursions. It is located near the heart of the city next to the Temple of Heaven. In the large courtyard, salesmen sit in rows with blankets filled with various vases, jewellery, china, statuettes, pearls, Mao-related items and more curiosities. There are a hundred or so small shops around the yard so get prepared to stay for awhile. As with all outdoor shopping markets within China, for those who learn Chinese in China it is important to bargain and to use Chinese when doing so. This will separate you from the tourist group allowing you to receive cheaper prices. One must bargain hard however, as it is expected and required when on the lookout for a good idea

Salespeople and Recommendations

Salespeople are friendly and professional. They know what they are doing! When you receive an initial price for an item come back with a price half that and say that is all you can afford. From here start bargaining. Remember the old “walk away” trick. If things start to head for a stalemate then walk away. If the seller really wants a sell he/she will call you back. It works 8 out of 10 times.

Global Language sees the importance in social interaction with locals, and shopping outings serve as a fun activity which gets students out and practicing the materials they learnt in the classroom. Students will be taken to a variety of shopping “hotspots” all the time being accompanied by staff who are fluent in both Chinese and English. Tips, advise, safety, and entertainment will all be supplied allowing for those who learn Chinese in China to “let their hair down” enjoy the moment and learn the language

Other outings will also be included such as restaurant outings; nightlife outings; and cultural outings. All of these activities are based on one principle, “to safely get students mingling within Chinese cultural, allowing them to flourish and get them on the path to Mandarin language fluency.”