Shenyang - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need some basics. The more the better, although people get by without the language. You can use Wechat to translate most things, and there is an uber-like app called Didi that you can use in english to get taxis. But your life will be easier if you work to pick up some basic phrases. - Jun 2024
The more, the better. Even with Google Translate and Baidu Translate, not speaking and reading Chinese is a daily stresser. Learn all the Chinese possible, and expect to use it robustly to get through the average day in Shenyang. There are local language schools, but you'll have to prioritize actually learning Chinese. - Mar 2019
The more the better. Some people actually get by with speaking no Chinese, but they only get by. It's important to have at least some functional Chinese in order to interact with drivers and shopkeepers. It's possible for everyone to acquire some functional communicative ability. Also, the Chinese people are famous for being delighted that foreigners are making the effort to learn their language, and will actively try to understand even the most tortured accents. - Jul 2016
It helps a lot to feel comfortable in Mandarin. The more you know, the more you'll enjoy life here. - Aug 2014
I know very little. I wish I had studied more. The locals have such a strong accent, even the Embassy staff can hardly understand them. A basic knowledge would be great, but I manage to get around. The Chinese don't really expect you to know their language for the most part. - Nov 2013
