Walking Mandarin | 走讀中文
Walking Mandarin is a Mandarin learning podcast designed for intermediate learners. It explores culture, current topics, and everyday life through natural spoken Chinese. The show helps listeners train their listening skills while working through real Mandarin, one episode at a time.
单集
A2–B1 | TOCFL 3 | HSK 3-4 | I Wish My Chinese Were Better 😭｜真希望我的中文再好一點！ | Taiwan Mandarin
Have you ever felt like your Chinese is good enough for everyday conversations, but you still wish it were better?In this episode, William talks about his frustration with speaking Chinese and discusses with 淑婷老師 how he can overcome the challenge of improving his Chinese.🎧 Listen to natural Taiwanese Mandarin and learn how to move from simple conversations to expressing your own ideas in Chinese.在
A2–B1 | TOCFL 3 | HSK 4–5 | Why Do Migrant Workers Go Illegal? | 合法工作竟然這麼難？！ | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for intermediate to upper-intermediate Mandarin learners (CEFR A2–B1 | TOCFL 3 | HSK 4–5).In this episode, we unpack a dark reality:Why do tens of thousands of people risk their lives swimming across borders or paying huge agency fees just to work abroad?From Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan to undocumented migrants in Europe, we explore the hidden costs, agency debt, and unfair
A2-B1 | TOCFL 3 | HSK 4 | Ghost Month Special: A Taiwanese Ghost Story | 農曆七月聽故事：跨海報仇的台灣經典鬼故事 | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for intermediate to upper-intermediate Mandarin learners (CEFR A2｜TOCFL 3｜HSK 4).In this Ghost Month Special episode, we tell a classic Taiwanese ghost story about a girl named Mei-ling, a cross-border scam, and a supernatural revenge. Beyond the spine-tingling tale, we explore the intriguing mindset behind Taiwanese ghost culture—why people in Taiwan both fear and admire ghosts.在這集Podcas
B1+ | TOCFL 3 | HSK 4-5 | My Favorite Taiwanese Sanctuary - 林田山林業文化園區 | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for intermediate Mandarin learners (CEFR B1｜TOCFL Band 3｜HSK 4).In this episode, we explore the magical and serene atmosphere of Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park in Hualien, Taiwan, through a natural, heartwarming, and conversational Taiwanese Mandarin story.在這集 Podcast 中，我將跟你分享我最喜歡的秘密基地 - 林田山林業文化園區。內容包括林田山的歷史，氣氛，以及它給我的感覺。跟著故事放慢腳步，學習如何用自然的台灣華語聊聊「旅遊景點」、「放鬆舒壓」和「個人感受」。🔗 Google map - 林田山林業文化
B2 | TOCFL 4 | HSK 5 | Animals as Secret Spies? | 史上最強的間諜竟然是蟑螂 | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for intermediate Mandarin learners (B2 / TOCFL 4 / HSK 5).In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of animal spies and unique career paths through a natural, humorous, and conversational Taiwanese Mandarin dialogue.在這集 Podcast 中，我們帶你聊聊顛覆想像的「動物間諜」——為什麼蟑螂是史上最強的間諜？是什麼讓二戰中的鴿子以時速100的速度狂奔？以及說書人領悟到的真理 - 「天生我材必有用」！透過這集對話，你會學到怎麼用自然的台灣華語聊聊本能和專長，也會聽到說書人道地的台灣口音，聽聽台灣人怎麼說中文。00:57 A Cockroach S
B2 | TOCFL 4 | HSK 5 | Hungary's Public TV Apologizes for Lying. Can We Trust the News? | 我們還能相信新聞媒體嗎？ | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for upper-intermediate Mandarin learners (B2 / TOCFL 4 / HSK 5).In this episode, we discuss a major media shock in Hungary: the public TV channel M1 apologized for lying. We also explore the impact of fake news, media brainwashing, and the challenge of communicating with family members who live in a different reality.在這集 Podcast 中，我們從「匈牙利國家電視台（M1）公開道歉承認說謊」的震驚新聞聊起，深入探討媒體控制、政治宣傳與假新聞如何影響民眾，甚
B1 | TOCFL 3 | HSK 4 | A Taste of Taiwan's Military Villages | 眷村的家鄉味 | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for intermediate Mandarin learners (B1 / TOCFL 3 / HSK 4).In this episode, we explore Taiwan's unique cultural history and food memories through a natural, conversational Taiwanese Mandarin dialogue.在這集 Podcast 中，我們帶你走進台灣特有的歷史社區——「眷村/juàn cūn/」，一起聊聊這裡獨特的生活故事與美食文化。透過這集對話，你將能學到如何用自然的台灣華語聊聊歷史文化、鄰里生活以及如何表達你的「家鄉味」。🔗 Village Mouth - 村子口https://maps.app.goo.gl/mFGKChTpuG6HoqwX7🔗 Documentary
B2-C1 | TOCFL 4-5 | HSK 5 | From Kings to Emperors: Why Do People Crave Power? | Taiwan Mandarin
Improve your Chinese with this intermediate-to-advanced Mandarin listening practice episode about the origin of the title “Emperor” (皇帝) and the rise of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.Perfect for learners preparing for TOCFL 4–5 / HSK 5, or anyone who wants to move beyond textbook Chinese and experience more natural storytelling Mandarin.0:31 King or Emperor? - 國王？天皇？皇帝？ 1:07 Before the
B2-C1 | TOCFL 4 | HSK 5-6 | The Starbucks PR Disaster in Korea | 星巴克翻車了？ | Taiwan Mandarin
Designed for upper-intermediate to advanced Mandarin learners (B2–C1 / TOCFL 4 / HSK 5–6).In this episode, we break down real-world corporate crises and public boycotts through a natural, conversational Taiwanese Mandarin dialogue.在這集 Podcast 中，我們帶你探討國際與台灣社會都非常有感的議題——企業公關危機與消費者信任。韓國兩千多家星巴克因一場行銷失誤引發眾怒，甚至掀起抵制風波。當企業犯錯卻選擇推託責任、甚至讓人覺得「把消費者當笨蛋」，社會會如何反應？這集除了分析這場星巴克危機，也會延伸聊到台灣人記憶深刻的頂新黑心油事件——即使過了十多年，仍有人持續抵制
EP 18 | Dragon Boat Festival Quirks: Eating Jelly Zongzi? | 端午節的生活智慧: 划龍舟、立蛋...果凍粽子?！| Mandarin Listening (A2-B1)
Improve your Chinese listening skills with this Mandarin listening practice episode about the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival), ancient "life hacks" for summer, and the curious traditions that surprise expats in Taiwan.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and those preparing for TOCFL 3-4, this episode explores why people stand eggs at noon, how sticky rice becomes "jell
EP 17 | A Foreigner’s Guide to Earthquakes in Taiwan | 一年1000次地震？！外國人的台灣地震生存指南 | Mandarin Listening (B1-B2)
Improve your Chinese listening skills with this Mandarin listening practice episode about Taiwan's earthquake culture, the science of seismology, and Taipei 101's hidden engineering secrets.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and those preparing for TOCFL 3-4, this episode breaks down real-life cultural shocks, the difference between earthquake magnitude and intensity, and how the m
EP 16 | Taiwan’s Trash Truck Struggle! Does a $3 Billion Recycle System Work? | 丟垃圾太難了！台灣的回收方式不能聰明一點嗎？ | Mandarin Listening (B1-B2)
Improve your Chinese listening skills with this Mandarin listening practice episode about Taiwan's unique trash truck culture and futuristic global recycling systems.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and those preparing for TOCFL 3-4 / HSK 5, this episode breaks down cultural shocks, high-tech engineering (South Korea's Songdo), and creative green solutions (India's garbage ca
EP 15 | The "Covid Post-Traumatic Syndrome" | 一聽到「病毒」就害怕？我們的 Covid 後遺症 | Mandarin Listening (B1-B2)
Improve your Chinese with this Mandarin listening practice episode about the psychological impact of the pandemic and recent virus news.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and TOCFL 3-4 / HSK 4-5 preparation, this episode explores the "Covid Post-Traumatic Syndrome." Listen to a native Taiwanese perspective on recent headlines like the Hanta virus and Ebola, memories of pandemic l
EP 14 | Why China Wants Taiwan? A Taiwanese Perspective | 中國為什麼想要台灣？台灣人的真實心聲 | Mandarin Listening (B1-B2)
Improve your Chinese with this Mandarin listening practice episode about Taiwan-China relations.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and TOCFL 3-4 / HSK 4-5 preparation, this episode breaks down complex geopolitics into an easy conversation. Listen to a native Taiwanese perspective on TSMC chips, the Taiwan Strait, and how locals view freedom and daily life.在這集 Podcast 中，我們帶你探討國際焦點——台灣與中國的複雜
EP13 | How the US-Iran Conflict Impacts Your Wallet | 美伊爭執讓你的錢包縮水了嗎？| Learning Mandarin
Improve your Chinese with this Mandarin listening practice episode about the US-Iran conflict and its global impact.Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and those preparing for TOCFL 3-4 / HSK 5, this episode breaks down complex international relations into an easy-to-understand conversation.在這集 Podcast 中，美玲和俊傑帶你了解神祕的「霍爾木茲海峽」。你會學到關於國際局勢、能源命脈、以及為什麼遠方的戰爭會影響到你的錢包。這不只是中文聽力練習，更是一堂結合地理與經濟的時事課。0:31
EP12｜Mother's Day: Taiwan vs. UK | 母親節大不同：英國送黃水仙？台灣送康乃馨？ | Mandarin Listening (B1-B2)
Improve your Chinese with this Mandarin listening practice episode about Mother's Day.In this episode, William and Teacher Shuting discuss the fascinating cultural differences between Taiwan and the UK—from the specific dates to the traditional gifts. It's a perfect blend of cultural knowledge and emotional storytelling for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners.📖Study ResourcesWant the full Transc
EP11｜Mazu Pilgrimage: Taiwan's Spiritual Journey | 媽祖遶境：台灣人的「國民媽媽」| Mandarin Listening (B1-B2/TOCFL 3)
Improve your Chinese with this Mandarin listening practice episode about the Mazu Pilgrimage, Taiwan's most iconic religious event. Designed for Intermediate (B1-B2) learners and those preparing for TOCFL 3 / HSK 5, this episode explores the culture of the "National Mother" of Taiwan.在這集 Podcast 中，導遊志明帶你體驗台灣版「朝聖之路/cháo shèng zhī lù/」。你會學到關於媽祖遶境/mā zǔ rǎo jìng/、鑽轎腳/zuàn jiào jiǎo/、還願/
EP10｜AI: Your Rival or Your Superpower? | AI 是你的對手還是你的助手？ | Learning Mandarin
Imagine standing at the edge of graduation, only to hear that AI can now code, draw, and write faster than any human. Is your future career over before it even begins?In this episode, we eavesdrop on a kitchen-table conversation between Junhao, a seasoned software industry veteran, and his daughter Shihan, a soon-to-be graduate spiraling into "AI anxiety." Through their heartfelt dialogu
EP09 | Sofia’s Japanese Adventure | Sofia 的日本冒險 | Learning Mandarin
Have you ever had a dream so big it felt like a world away? For Sofia, a 19-year-old from a small town in Italy, that dream was sparked by a single scene in a Studio Ghibli movie. But moving from the magic of the screen to the bustling streets of Tokyo wasn't exactly what she expected.In this episode, we follow Sofia as she embarks on her "Gap Year" journey to Japan. From the exhaust
EP08｜Messy Rooms or Bloody Wars? The Secret History of "Luan Qi Ba Zao" | 房間亂還是天下亂？「亂七八糟」背後的血淚史 | Learning Mandarin
Have you ever wondered why your Chinese colleagues call everything "Luan Qi Ba Zao" /亂七八糟)? From a messy desk to a complicated relationship, this phrase seems to cover every kind of chaos. But why specifically the numbers seven and eight? Why not "five and six" or "nine and ten"?In this episode, Lucas and Shuting dive into the fascinating — and surprisingly violent — history behind one of the most
EP07｜The Perfect Language Partner: A Love Story or a Trap? | 完美的語伴：是真愛還是陷阱？ | Learning Mandarin
Imagine opening your phone after a long day of work to find a message from someone thousands of miles away, caring about your feelings and sharing your dreams. For Ting-ting, a 35-year-old accountant in Taipei, these messages from "Jack" were the sunlight that filled the lonely holes in her life. But when the romantic dream shifted from "Good morning" to "I need $3,000," the line between reality a
EP06｜Wait, Do You Really Eat Ants? Cultural Shocks at the Table | 等等，你們真的吃螞蟻嗎？那些尷尬又好笑的吃飯故事 | Learning Mandarin
Have you ever looked at a menu and thought, "Wait... are they actually serving ants?" Or wondered why a British dish is named after a toad in a hole? Food is a universal language, but sometimes the "translation" can lead to some pretty hilarious (and awkward) situations.In this episode, we follow Leo, an American expat in Taiwan, and his colleague Yi-zhen as they sit down for dinner at a noisy Re
EP05｜Elite Scandals vs. Ordinary Struggles: Who Has it Harder? | 權貴的「美人計」vs. 我們的「加班計」：普通人的煩惱也很精彩！ | Learning Mandarin
Ever wondered if billionaires and Harvard elites have the same "Monday Blues" as we do? While they’re dodging international scandals, we’re just trying to dodge our boss’s extra weekend tasks.In this episode, we join Zhi-wei and Bai-rui, two friends catching up over a Friday night beer. What starts as a juicy gossip session about the Epstein files and Harvard's "Perilous" beauty quickly turns into
EP04｜Fantasy vs. Reality: Could You Survive in Ancient China? | 穿越夢碎：我們在古代真的活得下去嗎？ | Learning Mandarin
If you could time-travel to ancient China, would you thrive like the heroine in time-travel dramas—teaching farmers to build greenhouses, casually boosting crop yields, and stunning a royal court with perfectly memorized Tang poetry?Or… would you last about three days?In this episode, we follow an office coffee-break debate between jiā háo, an engineer reluctantly dragged into the world of time-tr
EP03｜The Cat vs. The Frog: Who is the Real Money Maker? | 招財貓與金蟾：誰才是真正的招財王？ | Learning Mandarin
Have you ever wondered why a Japanese cat is sitting on your Lunar New Year Red Envelope? Or why some Chinese businesses display a grumpy-looking, three-legged toad with a coin in its mouth?In this episode, we join Uncle and Xiaoyu for a fun and festive chat about the world's most famous fortune-bringing creatures. From the rainy gates of Tokyo's Gotokuji Temple to the legendary "Money-Spewing" Go
EP02｜A Mom's Take on the Social Media Ban 澳洲禁令下的媽媽心聲 | Learning Mandarin
Imagine finding yourself knowing more about a classmate’s dog in America than the colleague sitting right next to you. In an era of constant connectivity, have we actually lost touch with what’s real?In this episode, we join Yawen, a 38-year-old mom and accountant, as she reflects on the controversial Australian social media ban. Through the lens of a mother raising a high-energy four-year-old, sh
EP01｜The Underground Army: The Terracotta Warriors 兵馬俑的故事 | Learning Mandarin
Imagine digging a well in your backyard and accidentally discovering a 2,000-year-old army. It sounds like a movie plot, but it’s the true story of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.In this first episode of Welcome to Walking Mandarin, we dive into the mysterious underground world of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. We will explore:How a group of farmers stumbled upon this world wonder in 1974
