Business Chinese Resources
Build practical Mandarin for the workplace with resources covering business vocabulary, meetings, presentations, negotiations, etiquette and real-world professional communication. Includes courses, textbooks, listening practice and other tools for using Mandarin confidently at work.
Looking to spend less? Browse our resources for finding free and cheap Chinese learning books.
Business Chinese Courses
★ Builds intermediate Mandarin skills for real-life business and professional situations. Business Chinese 1 中级汉语（上）, offered by Shanghai Jiao Tong University through Coursera, is designed for learners who have reached about HSK 3 and want to strengthen both everyday and workplace Chinese. The five-module course uses dialogues, vocabulary, grammar, readings, assignments and speaking practice while covering HSK 3–5 language points and practical situations such as travel arrangements, hotels and professional communication. Full course materials and the certificate experience generally require payment, although eligible learners may have access to a free trial, a no-certificate option, or financial aid. Available on the web, Android and iOS.
Free Preview / Paid
★ Live teacher-led lessons focus on practical Mandarin for real business situations. GoEast Mandarin Business Chinese Course is a paid program for intermediate and advanced learners covering workplace communication, negotiations, contracts, suppliers, client expectations, legal issues, salaries, data reports, and Chinese business culture. Lessons use business readings and news, flashcards, presentations, conversation practice, and role-play with teachers specially trained in Business Chinese. Courses are available online and in Shanghai, with different levels beginning around HSK 3+.
Paid
★ Focuses on practical Mandarin for business negotiations, networking and professional relationships. MandarinX – Mandarin Chinese for Business is a self-paced intermediate course covering common phrases and scenarios for business and negotiation, Chinese business culture and etiquette, professional networking and maintaining business relationships. Basic Mandarin knowledge is recommended. The course can be audited for free, while a paid verified track adds graded coursework and a certificate.
Free Audit / Paid CertificateTextbooks & Structured Study
★ Uses real company case studies to teach practical business Chinese in context. Business Chinese for Success: Real Cases from Real Companies (成功之道) by Fangyuan Yuan is an intermediate-to-advanced textbook from Peking University Press that develops business vocabulary and communication skills through case studies involving companies operating in China. Learners practice reading, discussion and business-related language while gaining exposure to contemporary commercial topics and Chinese business culture. Available from ChinaSprout and other retailers.
Textbook
★ A structured three-volume series that builds practical Mandarin skills for business communication. Far East Business Chinese I–III is a paid textbook series for learners who already have a basic foundation in Mandarin. Lessons combine authentic workplace reading materials, listening comprehension, business vocabulary, exercises and notes on Chinese business culture, making the books suitable for classroom study or independent learning. Books I and II are available in both traditional and simplified Chinese, while Book III is available in traditional Chinese. View the series on the web. U.S. buyers can also check Senseio Bookstore, AbeBooks and other retailers.
Textbook Series
★ A three-level Business Chinese series built around realistic professional situations and workplace communication. Startup Business Chinese by Jane C. M. Kuo is a textbook series for learners who want practical Mandarin for professional settings. The series progresses from introductory through intermediate-high Chinese and covers workplace vocabulary, business and social interactions, situational dialogues, grammar practice, listening comprehension and cultural notes on Chinese business etiquette. Pinyin is included to support spoken-language development, and accompanying audio is available for listening practice. Available from Cheng & Tsui: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Free audio download links: Level 1 Audio, Level 2 Audio and Level 3 Audio.
Textbook SeriesListening & Workplace Practice
★ University-produced podcasts provide advanced listening practice through authentic business talks, language tutorials and textbook companion audio. Columbia University's Listen and Learn: Advanced Business Chinese Podcasts is a free series created for advanced learners who have studied Chinese for at least four years. Hosted by Columbia senior lecturer Zhongqi Shi, the episodes include authentic business discussions, language tutorials and accompanying audio for Business Chinese: Winning Strategy (商务中文案例教程). Available on the web and Spotify.
Free Podcast
★ Free video lessons teach practical Mandarin for workplace and professional situations. 每日中文课 Free To Learn Chinese offers Business Chinese videos covering workplace vocabulary, professional expressions, meetings, communication and other real-world business situations. Many video lessons are free to watch, while additional Business Chinese training and premium materials are available through a paid membership.
You Tube ChannelBusiness Vocabulary, Culture & Communication
★ Practical posts focus on Mandarin for workplace communication and Chinese business culture. Business Chinese Learning is a free Facebook-based resource featuring business Chinese vocabulary, job-interview phrases, business etiquette, cultural guidance, and everyday language useful for communicating with Chinese clients and colleagues.
Free Facebook Group
★ Learn 100 practical business terms through clear sentence examples and listening practice. Mandarin Corner’s Business Chinese Vocabulary series is a free two-part video lesson covering 100 useful words for business and everyday conversations about work, trade, sales, shipping, finance, and related topics. Part 1 covers words 1–50, while Part 2 covers 51–100, with slow, clear Mandarin, English translations, and sentence examples that also provide useful listening practice. Additional transcripts, PDFs, audio, and flashcards are available through their website, with some companion materials reserved for supporters.
Free YouTube Videos