Best Chinese Language Instruction Books of 2025

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Chinese language instruction books are a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn the language. These books are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Chinese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, making it easier for learners to master the language. They are available in a variety of formats, from traditional textbooks to interactive multimedia resources, and cater to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. With the help of these books, learners can improve their Chinese language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and society.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Chinese Language Instruction Books
Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Textbook (Simplified Chinese) (English and Chinese Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Textbook (Simplified Chinese) (English and Chinese Edition) is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that provides print and digital resources. This course has become the leading Chinese language textbook series in the United States and beyond, thanks to its cohesive system. The Workbook has been fully revised to align with the needs of today’s learners and includes lesson opener checklists, idiomatic language, streaming audio, visuals, authentic realia, pinyin and tone exercises, and more. The book is perfect for first-year Chinese students, and the approach, contents, and layout are almost perfect. Overall, the book is superior, innovative, and extremely versatile.
Integrated Chinese 2 Textbook Simplified (Chinese and English Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 2 Textbook Simplified (Chinese and English Edition) is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that offers print and digital resources for teaching and learning. The textbook series has been fully revised to meet the needs of learners, including exercises to consolidate language forms, real-life context, character analysis, and vocabulary expansion. The updated Cultural Literacy resources and Interactive content provide a blended teaching and learning experience. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in learning Chinese language and culture.
AP Chinese Language and Culture + Online Audio (Barron's AP)
Barron's AP Chinese Language and Culture + Online Audio is an excellent resource for anyone taking the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam. The book provides comprehensive review tailored to the most recent exam, two full-length practice tests, and in-depth coverage of all units on the exam. Additionally, the online audio feature allows for practice listening to spoken Chinese with authentic audio for all listening and speaking sections. The book is written and reviewed by AP experts, ensuring that readers receive accurate and trustworthy content. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to excel on the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam.
Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Workbook (Simplified Chinese) (English and Chinese Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Workbook is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that emphasizes the core language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This time-tested series has become the leading Chinese language textbook series in the United States and beyond. The Workbook has been fully revised to align with the needs of today's learners, featuring idiomatic language, authentic realia, and open-ended exercises that help students personalize and internalize the language. The digital format also allows for auto-grading capability and downloadable handwriting practice. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Integrated Chinese Volume 3 Textbook, 4th edition (Chinese and English Edition)
Integrated Chinese Volume 3 Textbook, 4th edition (Chinese and English Edition) is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that offers a cohesive system of print and digital resources. The series, first published in 1997, has become the leading Chinese language textbook in the United States and beyond. The textbook is designed to teach students not only the Chinese language but also the culture and customs of China. The 4th edition includes updated content and new features to enhance the learning experience.
Integrated Chinese 3 Workbook, 4th edition (English and Chinese Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 3 Workbook, 4th edition (English and Chinese Edition) is a highly acclaimed Mandarin Chinese language course that offers a comprehensive system of print and digital resources for effective teaching and learning. This book, now in its 4th edition, has become the top-rated Chinese language textbook series in the United States and beyond. It offers an excellent opportunity for learners to master the Chinese language through its well-structured curriculum. The book's user-friendly approach, engaging content, and comprehensive exercises make it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced learners. Overall, the Integrated Chinese 3 Workbook is a must-have for anyone looking to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Integrated Chinese 2 Workbook Simplified (Chinese and English Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 2 Workbook Simplified (Chinese and English Edition) is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that caters to the needs of today's learners. It emphasizes the core language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing while building communicative competence and cultural literacy. The workbook includes authentic realia, visuals, and streaming audio to provide a comprehensive language learning experience. Pinyin and Tone exercises, extra writing exercises, and cumulative review units ensure that learners progressively improve their pronunciation and recognition of Chinese characters. Overall, this series is a leading Chinese language textbook in the United States and beyond, and this workbook is an essential tool for learners looking to improve their Mandarin skills.
Integrated Chinese: Simplified Characters Textbook, Level 1, Part 1 (English and Chinese Edition)
The Integrated Chinese: Simplified Characters Textbook, Level 1, Part 1 (English and Chinese Edition) is a comprehensive and updated Chinese language textbook that offers a diverse range of interactive exercises, up-to-date vocabulary, and enhanced cultural coverage. The book features a realistic storyline linking all the dialogues and readings, making it easier for students to learn and progress. The new edition also includes a full-color design, user-friendly layout, and more task-based communicative language applications. The book has received positive reviews from Chinese language professors, who have praised its innovative approach, interesting cultural notes, and authentic materials. Overall, this textbook is a valuable asset for high school and college-level Chinese language programs.
Integrated Chinese 2 Character Workbook (Chinese and English Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 2 Character Workbook is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that combines print and digital resources. It includes both traditional and simplified characters on the same page, clear stroke order, and practice squares with grid lines to help students balance characters correctly. The workbook also introduces common radicals to build familiarity and recognition and highlights the radical of each character. The indexes are arranged alphabetically and by lesson. Overall, this workbook is an excellent resource for learners of Mandarin Chinese and is highly recommended for those seeking to improve their language skills.
Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Textbook (Traditional Chinese) (English and Chinese Edition)
The Integrated Chinese 4th Edition, Volume 1 Textbook (Traditional Chinese) (English and Chinese Edition) is a highly effective Mandarin Chinese language course that delivers a cohesive system of print and digital resources for teaching and learning. The series has been fully revised to align with the needs of today's learners, including exercises to consolidate language forms, real-life context, social media models, and more. It also includes online digital products for a blended learning experience. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in learning Mandarin Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What book should I buy to learn Chinese?
Fortunately, “Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide” from Modern Grammars is the perfect book for studying Chinese grammar. As the name suggests, this textbook focuses on practical methods of learning which means you will be learning information and then applying it to memorize it better.
2. What is the best resource for learning Chinese?
The 10 best free resources for learning Mandarin ChineseThe Routledge Handbook of Chinese Language TeachingUnderstanding the Chinese Language: A Comprehensive Linguistic Introduction [Book]Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar: A Student's Guide to Correct Structures and Common ErrorsMandarin Chinese-English Bilingual Visual DictionaryChineasy Everyday: Learning Chinese Through Its CultureChinese Short Stories For Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Chinese & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way! [Book]Oxford Beginner's Chinese Dictionary [Book]Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute BeginnersLearn Mandarin Chinese for Beginners: First Words for Everyone (Learn Chinese Mandarin for Kids, Learn Chinese Mandarin for Adults, Learn to Speak ChiEncounters: Chinese Language and Culture, Student Book 1Learning Chinese, Turning Chinese: Challenges to Becoming Sinophone in a Globalised World [Book]Fundamentals of Chinese Characters by John Jing-Hua YinFrontiers of L2 Chinese Language Education: A Global PerspectiveA Primer for Advanced Beginners of ChineseLearn Mandarin Chinese Workbook for Beginners: 2 Books In 1: A Step-By-Step Textbook to Practice the Chinese Characters Quickly and Easily While HavinModern Chinese: Learn Chinese in a Simple and Successful Way - Series Book 1, 2, 3, 4 [Book]2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context: Get Fluent & Increase Your Chinese Vocabulary with 2000 Chinese Phrases [Book]Learn Mandarin Chinese for Beginners: A Step Step-By -Step Guide to Master the Chinese Language Quickly and Easily While Having FunAP Chinese Language and Culture + Online Audio [Book]. Anki.YouTube, YouKu, TuDou.Jukuu.Tatoeba.Free Chinese podcasts.MDBG.Chinese Forums.Chinese Language Stack Exchange.
During our chinese language instruction book research, we found 1,000+ chinese language instruction book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,562 customer reviews through our big data system to write the chinese language instruction books list. We found that most customers choose chinese language instruction books with an average price of $69.56.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.