Free

Hacking Chinese

Evidence-based strategies for learning Mandarin

Last verified: Jul 1, 2026

Hacking Chinese by Olle Linge is the leading blog on how to learn Chinese effectively. Articles cover study strategies, resource reviews, pronunciation tips, and motivation — backed by linguistics research. Essential reading for any serious learner, regardless of which apps or courses you use.

Pros

  • Research-backed advice
  • Honest resource reviews
  • All skill areas covered

Cons

  • Blog format (not a course)
  • No exercises

Related resources

Paid

italki

Affordable tutors and professional teachers

speakinglisteninggrammar
Subscription

Hack Chinese

Purpose-built HSK vocabulary trainer

vocabularywriting
Freemium

ChineseClass101

Audio and video lessons for all levels

listeningvocabularygrammar
Free

Mandarinspot

Reading helper with pinyin and translation overlay

readingvocabulary

Practice reading with ReadChinese

HSK-leveled stories with audio narration, word-by-word annotation, and built-in vocabulary review. Start reading for free.

Start reading free →