MaoMi Chinese is a podcast and website for Mandarin Chinese learners made by a professional Chinese teacher as well as a Chinese learner - to get the best of both perspectives. We share tips and provide listening practice for intermediate+ learners. We make your learning more enjoyable by engaging you with intercultural resources across various topics.
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Today's Episode: A beloved street-food seller. Two of China’s top universities. And one surprising discovery. Students thought they were buying goose legs for years—but were they actually duck legs? In this episode, we explore the story behind China’s famous Goose Leg Auntie and the controversy that has everyone talking. Membership Preview: After the Goose Leg Auntie controversy, let's explore a bigger question: why do Chinese people love street food so much? In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we'l...
Today's Episode: Why is it almost impossible to see drugs in China? Why do many Chinese people hate drugs so much? In this episode, we’ll talk about cannabis, the Opium War, strict Chinese laws, and the big cultural difference between China and the West. Let’s learn Chinese through real culture and history! Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we’ll explore how Chinese people use “毒” in real life. Not just for drugs, but for personality, emotions, comments, and everyday situations...
Today's Episode: Trump visited China, and Chinese netizens all noticed the same thing: why did he suddenly become so “serious”? Let’s explore how Chinese people reacted to Trump’s visit while learning natural Chinese along the way! Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+, we’ll learn Chinese through real news headlines about Trump’s visit to China! Learn useful words, internet slang, and natural expressions through authentic Chinese media. Support MaoMi & Get exclusive to premium content!...
Today's Episode: AI actors, AI news presenters, even your “digital clone” still working after you leave… Digital humans are changing everything. Convenient or creepy? Let’s explore what’s really happening in China, and what it means for you. Membership Preview: Can AI really feel love, or are we the ones falling for it? Some people say they talk to ChatGPT every day, even treat it like a partner… Why does it feel so real? Let’s explore this surprising trend together. Support MaoMi & Get excl...
Today's Episode: What is a “work buddy” in China, and why are young people obsessed with finding a “dazi”? In this episode, we explore this trendy concept, how it reflects modern life, and why light, low-pressure relationships are becoming so popular today. Membership Preview: Ready to level up your Chinese with “搭”? In next MaoMi Chinese+, we’ll explore how this small word is used in many natural, everyday expressions. With clear examples and guided speaking practice, you’ll learn to use “搭” sm...
Today's Episode: A shocking story from China: Zhang Xuefeng, a well-known education figure, has died suddenly. In this episode, we look back at his life, his success, and the intense pressure behind it, and ask: what is the real cost of achievement? Membership Preview: In China, reports of “sudden death” among overworked employees are becoming increasingly common, raising serious concern. In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we go beyond the headlines to explore why so many workers are collapsing und...
Today's Episode: A drop of blood, a strand of hair. Can they really solve a crime? In this episode, we explore the life of Henry Lee, a world-famous Chinese forensic scientist. From a difficult childhood to solving major cases, his story feels like a movie! Membership Preview: In the next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we listen to 李昌钰 tell his own life story in Chines，from a difficult childhood to becoming a world-famous forensic scientist. We’ll break it down step by step, learn key vocabulary, and h...
Today's Episode: Have you heard of China’s 3.15 Gala? Do you know why it makes some companies so nervous every year? Today we will explore what it exposes and see how it helps us stay safe as consumers! Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+, we will dive into this year’s 3.15 Gala even more. Which products got exposed? Fake food, unsafe goods… and more! Tune in to see what to watch out for and learn new words while keeping yourself safe! Support MaoMi & Get exclusive to premium content!...
Today's Episode: In China, when something breaks at home, people usually call a shifu — and that shifu is almost always a man. But in Chengdu, a team of women is changing that. They fix lights, appliances and more. Today, let’s talk about the story of the Qiangji Nügong. Membership Preview: You heard the story of the Qiangji Nügong in the MaoMi Chinese episode. But how do they actually speak in real life? In MaoMi Chinese+, we analyse a real interview and help you understand natural spoken Chine...
Today's Episode: Every day, parcels arrive at our doors as if by magic. But who brings them? In this episode, we explore the popular Chinese book I Deliver Parcels in Beijing, written by a former delivery worker, and discover the hidden stories behind China’s delivery riders. Membership Preview: Every day in China, millions of delivery riders rush through the streets bringing food and parcels to people’s doors. But how much do they really earn? What pressures do they face? In next MaoMi Chinese+...
Today's Episode: Why would an American IT engineer spend decades studying Chinese characters? In this episode, we explore the story of Richard Sears, better known in China as “Uncle Hanzi”. From a heart attack that changed his life to building a free website that reveals the ancient forms of Chinese characters, his journey is both unexpected and inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered where Chinese characters come from, this episode will change the way you see them. Membership Preview: In next MaoMi ...
Today's Episode: Robots performing kung fu on the Spring Festival Gala? 🤖🥋 This year’s Spring Festival Gala amazed some viewers and worried others. In this episode, we explore the robot martial arts show, global reactions, and what it means for the future of technology and humans. Membership Preview: China’s robots are everywhere, delivering food, serving in restaurants, running in parks like robot dogs, and even driving cars by themselves. In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we explore China’s fa...
Today's Episode: It’s the Year of the Horse… but why is Draco Malfoy suddenly China’s New Year mascot? 🐎✨ In this episode, we explore homophones, internet memes, and how young people mix pop culture with tradition. Let’s find out why it’s the Year of the Ma … and Malfoy! Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+, we’re exploring lively and powerful expressions with “马”! 🐎 Why does this character appear in so many phrases? What do they really mean, and how can you use them naturally in daily c...
Today's Episode: Why do we suddenly get obsessed, and then instantly turned off? In this episode, we explore how emotions take over, why attraction can feel overwhelming, and how one small moment can make the feeling disappear. Real examples, simple language, and very real life. Membership Preview: Why can a date start with excitement but end with zero feeling? In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we explore the small moments that instantly 下头 — talking too much, bad timing, awkward attitudes, and su...
Today's Episode: A name many people in China remember. In this episode of MaoMi Chinese, we gently revisit the case of Zhang Yingying and focus on the parents left behind. A quiet, serious story about loss, love, and what it means to keep going when answers never come. Membership Preview: When the news fades, the parents stay. After the Zhang Yingying case, next MaoMi Chinese+ episode looks at what happens to mothers and fathers who lose their only child in China. A quiet, heavy topic about loss...
Today's Episode: A simple sentence has taken over Chinese social media: “Love you, old self. See you tomorrow.” Why does it touch so many young people? In this episode, we explore where it came from, what it really means, and why being gentle with yourself matters more than ever. Membership Preview: Why does 老 sometimes mean old , but sometimes mean experienced , close , or even cute ? In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we unpack one small word with many meanings. You will see how 老 changes feeling...
Today's Episode: Is “losing weight” on your 2026 resolution? In this episode of MaoMi Chinese, we talk about a new policy in Hangzhou where the city begins to manage residents’ body weight. Is it about health, control, or good habits? Let’s explore what this rule means and why it has sparked debate. Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+, we will look at real Chinese news headlines about Hangzhou’s weight management plan. We will break down simple words, read between the lines, and see how m...
Today's Episode: A nurse, a marathon champion, and a big online debate. In this episode of MaoMi Chinese, we talk about Zhang Shuihua, known as “the fastest nurse”. Why did her words after winning a marathon cause so much discussion? Where is the line between work, passion, and fairness to others? Membership Preview: Work–life balance sounds simple, but in China it’s much harder than it looks. After the story of the “fastest nurse”, this episode explores overtime culture, pressure at work, and w...
Today's Episode: New year, new resolution. Or the same plans that quietly fail? In this episode of MaoMi Chinese, we talk about New Year resolutions: big ambitions, small realities, and why so many plans don’t last. From cooking at home to going to the gym, let’s discuss how to make goals that actually work. Membership Preview: Want to learn Chinese through real TV shows? In next episode of MaoMi Chinese+, we explore Chinese dramas and variety shows from 2025 that learners can actually understan...
Today's Episode: In this episode, we unpack 擦边, content that touches the line but doesn’t cross it. This is also one of the most mentioned word in China 2025! What does it mean, why is it everywhere, and why does it spark debate in China? Membership Preview: Perfect faces, perfect lives, perfect videos, and people are tired. In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we will explore 活人感, another 2025’s most talked-about word. Why do Chinese netizens crave “real people” online, and what does 活人感 really mean...
Today's Episode: Have you noticed that many Chinese tour groups are full of older people? In this episode, we talk about why 大爷大妈 love group travel, how time, language and safety play a role, and what this says about travel culture in China. Simple Chinese, real life, real culture. Membership Preview: Very cheap group tours can look attractive, but they often come with hidden problems. In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we talk about what can go wrong on low-price tours, how people feel when things...
Today's Episode: Eating alone is becoming more popular in China. In this episode, we talk about 一人食 — what it means, why young people choose it, and why eating alone doesn’t always mean being lonely. Simple Chinese, real life, real culture. Membership Preview: How do you say “I want to be alone” in natural Chinese? In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, you’ll learn many gentle, polite ways to say it — with simple sentences, slow explanations, and lots of examples you can actually use. Support MaoMi &a...
Today's Episode: Why do so many Chinese viewers love Zootopia 2 but dislike its Chinese dubbing? In this episode, we explore why celebrity voice acting often feels “not right”, why people say they “get pulled out of the story”, and what audiences really want. Let’s dive in! Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we look at some fun and surprising Chinese translations of famous films, and explore the culture, humour, and history behind them. If you’ve ever wondered why titles change ...
Today's Episode: Discover how a young woman from the UK fell head-over-heels for Chinese food and became one of its greatest storytellers. In this episode, meet Fuchsia Dunlop — the first foreigner to train at a Sichuan chef school, and explore her delicious journey into Chinese cuisine. Membership Preview: Discover China’s breakfast culture with next MaoMi Chinese+ episode! From hot, filling meals in the north to soft, light dishes in the south, and unique local specialties in every city. Learn...
Today's Episode: Blind boxes are one of the hottest trends in China. What’s the secret behind their charm? Let’s talk about the excitement, the collecting culture, the social side, and why some people can’t stop buying them. Fun or a waste of money? Membership Preview: In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we open another kind of “blind box” — words with 盲 . What do they really mean? How do Chinese people use them? You’ll get clear explanations, natural examples, and speaking practice to help you reme...
Today's Episode: On today’s episode of MaoMi Chinese , let’s meet Xuanxuan, a shy young woman with a huge heart. She boldly asks strangers at weddings if she can take their leftovers… and brings them home to feed 120 stray cats ! A story of courage, kindness, and a little chaos. Today’s episode is sponsored by Maayot Chinese , a graded Chinese reading platform packed with many helpful features. Explore it and find out more! Membership Preview: Want to know why cats and dogs are taking over Chine...
Today's Episode: A Tibetan boy from a small town became famous across China — all because of one smile. In this episode, discover who Ding Zhen is, why people loved him, and why some later criticised him. A story about fame, purity, and being yourself. Today’s episode is sponsored by Maayot Chinese , a graded Chinese reading platform packed with many helpful features. Explore it and find out more! Membership Preview: A smile made Ding Zhen famous across China, but what does his story tell us abo...
Today's Episode: Where do Chinese people love to move to — and why? 🌏 In this episode, we’ll explore the top countries Chinese immigrants choose, and uncover what draws them there — education, lifestyle, or just the dream of a new world. Today’s episode is sponsored by Maayot Chinese , a graded Chinese reading platform packed with many helpful features. Explore it and find out more! Membership Preview: Ever wondered what it takes to get a Chinese Green Card? 🇨🇳 In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode,...
Today's Episode: Have you ever seen a barbecue restaurant using corn as fuel? 🌽🔥 In today’s episode of MaoMi Chinese, we will talk about a viral story from China — how a creative idea sparked a huge online debate about waste, food, and innovation! Today’s episode is sponsored by Maayot Chinese , a graded Chinese reading platform packed with many helpful features. Explore it and find out more! Membership Preview: Want to learn fun internet slang in Chinese? 😎 In next MaoMi Chinese+ episode, we...
