How to Learn Chinese: Science-Based Approach That Actually Works
The guide to mastering a foreign language — especially one that is very different to any other language you already speak
Magda Sawyer
Posts by Magda Sawyer
Hot springs near Chongqing
Your guide to best hot springs near Chongqing & best hotels to enjoy your experience!
Learning Mandarin as an Adult: My Honest Journey from Zero to Conversational (2026)
After 2.5 years of learning Mandarin as an adult, I passed HSK3 at 88%. Here's what actually works — from comprehensible input to flashcards — and my honest advice.
Backpack vs Suitcase: Which Is Best for Your Travel Needs?
Backpack vs suitcase: which one is better for travelling
Stroller vs. Carrier: Which is Best for Traveling with Your Baby?
When planning a trip with a baby, parents often face the stroller versus carrier dilemma. Each has unique benefits for different travel scenarios, so we’ve broken down the best use cases, pros and cons, and tips to help you choose!
China with Kids: Yes, You Can Do This — Here's How
All-in-one trip planning advice from a family who keeps coming back (6 times and counting!)
First Time in China: How to Plan Your Perfect Itinerary
How to plan your first trip to China — practical tips on choosing cities, budgets, transport, and sample itineraries from someone who's traveled there 6 times.
![How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554209721-6dbb1575b852?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHl1YW58ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE0MzM0Mjc2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=320)
How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown [2026]
Detailed cost breakdown for different types of travellers.
Why We Sent Our 2-Year-Old to a Mandarin Preschool
Our multilingual journey & what we have learned along the way
A homestay in Tibetan countryside - with children!
Taking a baby and a toddler to a homestay in a village in the countryside near Lhasa
Chongqing by night
Pictures of Chongqing by night
Is Learning Chinese Worth It? An Honest Take from a Mandarin Learner (2026)
Is Mandarin worth learning? A multilingual language learner and frequent China traveler shares the honest case for and against learning Chinese — including why it's not as hard as you think.