Textbooks for Learning Chinese
For Chinese, the best textbook depends a bit on your level and learning style, but here’s the rundown of top choices, with honest pros and cons:
1. Integrated Chinese (IC) — 4th Edition
Best for: Structured learners, beginners to intermediate (HSK 1–4)
- Pros:
- Widely used in universities.
- Covers grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Comes with workbooks, character practice books, and online audio.
- Clear pacing and progression.
- Cons:
- Dialogue topics are a bit dry and textbooky.
- Simplified characters only (unless you get the traditional version).
- Can feel academic if you’re more into immersion.
2. New Practical Chinese Reader (NPCR)
Best for: Old-school learners or those aiming for HSK
- Pros:
- Strong grammar explanations.
- Good for building foundations from scratch.
- Includes listening and character writing.
- Cons:
- Slightly outdated cultural context.
- Layout isn’t as modern or user-friendly.
3. Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Best for: Supplementing your main textbook with real stories
- Pros:
- Simplified language in actual story form.
- Builds vocab in-context.
- Based on familiar Western stories (like Sherlock Holmes) but rewritten for Chinese learners.
- Cons:
- Not a textbook, so no grammar explanations or exercises.
4. Colloquial Chinese / Teach Yourself Chinese
Best for: Independent learners who want a casual tone
- Pros:
- Dialogue-focused, with more real-life situations.
- Cheaper, comes with audio.
- Cons:
- Less depth than IC or NPCR.
- No formal writing instruction or character practice.
5. Chinese Grammar Wiki (by AllSet Learning)
Best for: Grammar reference at any level
- Pros:
- Clean explanations, sorted by level (A1–C1).
- Real examples.
- Free online or purchasable as a printed book.
- Cons:
- Not a textbook, just grammar explanations.
- Doesn’t provide structured lessons or vocab lists.
Verdict:
If you want a structured path, go with Integrated Chinese.
If you prefer to mix structured + immersion, pair IC with Mandarin Companion and Chinese Grammar Wiki.