Curated supplementary tools for independent Chinese study
Organized & curated by Associate Professor Zhijian Kevin Yang
This page gathers selected external resources that can strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and self-directed practice beyond the core Chinese Proficiency Lab lessons. The goal is not to overwhelm learners with random links, but to provide an organized pathway for purposeful exploration.
Click each section to expand the detailed resource listings.
These podcast-style video lessons are grouped by level and communicative purpose. Beginners may start with HSK L1-L2. Learners preparing for oral performance can move into HSK L3/L4, especially the ACTFL/OPI practice topics.
Use these topic-grouped videos to practice ACTFL/OPI-style speaking tasks, narration, description, role-play, and comparison.
This section uses idioms, fables, legends, and short narrative videos to strengthen listening comprehension, cultural understanding, and vocabulary through memorable stories.
It works especially well for learners who want engaging input with repeated expressions, clear plots, and rich cultural references.
This section uses authentic Chinese news clips to build listening and reading ability through current events, public communication, weather reports, holiday coverage, interviews, and social issues.
It works especially well for learners who want more real-world exposure after foundation work in podcasts and lesson-style videos.
This is a membership-based, HSK level-specific website that provides abundant high-quality Chinese news stories with listening, reading, grammar points, and other learning support for self-paced study. It is especially useful for learners who want to retain and expand their foundation beyond textbook work.