Best Hangzhou Podcasts (2024)

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Hangzhou 17:47

1h ago17:47

17:47

The city on West Lake is beloved across China for its romantic atmosphere, glorious history, and tasty cuisine. In this podcast, let's take a culinary excursion to the lovely city of Hangzhou. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1060

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Dongbei 18:55

1h ago18:55

18:55

Northeastern Chinese are known for their hearty appetites and hilarious accents. In today's Mandarin podcast, let's look at a few specialties from China's northeast. Learn how to talk in Mandarin about the cooking and culture of China's Rustbelt. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1185

1
Newbie | Catch the Train 11:54

1h ago11:54

11:54

One foot on the platform, the other foot on the train. Listen to today's Chinese podcast and learn how to talk all about those fateful few moments before the locomotive rolls on out -- in Mandarin. All aboard! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1035

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Taiwan 15:27

33m ago15:27

15:27

Taiwan deserves its reputation as Foodie Heaven. In today's podcast, we'll talk in Chinese about some Taiwanese specialties. Learning Mandarin is much more fun on a full stomach. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1161

1
Does Beijing Really Want Trump? 16:25

26m ago16:25

16:25

Hey folks! I took some time off to drive the kids to college and then flew to California to celebrate my brother John’s birthday. The upshot is there’s no interview this week, so in place of that, here’s my essay from this week. Hope you enjoy it. If all goes as planned, I’m back next week with regular interview for Sinica! You can find the text of…

1
Newbie | On the Way 9:42

43m ago9:42

9:42

Life in China is go-go-go. Be it taxi, bicycle, moped or bus number 11, chances are you're going places. In this podcast, learn how to use your Chinese to say you are 'on the way'... here, there, or anywhere. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1027

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Halal 16:01

16m ago16:01

16:01

China is a country of diverse eating and drinking habits. In today's podcast, you'll learn how to talk in Mandarin about avoiding foods for religious reasons. If you don't dig on swine, this is the lesson for you. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1136

1
Newbie | No Need to Take off Your Shoes 11:25

2h ago11:25

11:25

You want to be polite. But after a day of sightseeing in vinyl shoes, you are slightly apprehensive of the Chinese tradition of taking off one's shoes. Plus the slippers look like they are about four inches too short. What will you do? Learn in your sweaty socked anxiety how to ask your host apprehensively... 'Do I need to take off my shoes?' in Ch…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Inner Mongolia 16:28

15d ago16:28

16:28

In today's podcast, our Hungry Travelers are off to Inner Mongolia. Grab a leg of lamb, and slurp down some milk tea, and learn all about this hearty food in Chinese! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1106

1
Newbie | Introducing a Friend 12:39

2h ago12:39

12:39

First impressions. Intent stares. Is he sizing up the map of your face--determining your future wealth, lack of it, sexual prowess, eyebrow hair luck factor? Or is he just trying to decipher your nin hao? In this lesson, get introduced to your friend's father, and learn the Chinese equivalent of a firm handshake, in Mandarin. Episode link: https://…

1
The Swifts of Beijing, with Terry Townshend of Birding Beijing 58:00

9d ago58:00

58:00

I was looking for a good episode to pull from the archive to run this week as I'll be traveling and I asked my good friend Deb Seligsohn for a recommendation. She went immediately to this one, and by God if it's not an oldie-but-goodie. This is from December 2015 and features Jeremy Goldkorn — I miss him dearly! — and Terry Townshend, an absolute i…

1
Bonus: A Free-Range Father in a Tiger Mom World — Reflections on Chinese and American Education 13:26

22d ago13:26

13:26

Here's a little bonus ep for you ahead of tomorrow's show, which will be a re-run of a really fun one from about 10 years ago! I'm driving the rest of this week to the Midwest to drop my kids off at their respective universities, and I've been thinking a lot about the education systems in China and the U.S. So here's my essay for this week. See Pri…

1
Newbie | Farm Animals 16:07

3h ago16:07

16:07

You can't understand the cows 'mou', the chicken's 'gege,' the sheep's 'miemie,' the horse's 'huirhuir,' nor the pig and its incessant 'hengheng.' In China, you even need a translator for the animals. The good thing is, they mostly look the same. In this podcast, learn how to ask about animals, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinese…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Beijing 21:59

24d ago21:59

21:59

Peking, Khanbaliq, Yanjing, Beijing. No matter what you call it, the city is a paradise for foodies. From snacks to banquets, you'll find it here. Get the low down on the foods of Beijing for your listening and eating pleasure, and learn how to say them in Chinese. Are you ready to eat? A capital idea! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1018…

1
Newbie | Come on up! 13:24

4d ago13:24

13:24

While you may not relish your walk up five flights of stairs six times a day, think of it as a pre-Huangshan hike training ground. Or the third stage of your triathlon-esque commute home. The way to stairmaster-free nice buttocks. After all, the elevator-less buildings of China were the breeding ground for the likes of Yao Ming and Liu Xiang. So, l…

1
China's Response to U.S. Semiconductor Export Controls, with Paul Triolo and Kevin Xu 1:35:08

26d ago1:35:08

1:35:08

This week on Sinica, Paul Triolo rejoins the show for a deep, deep dive into China's response to American export controls on advanced semiconductors and related technologies. How much hurt has the policy put on Chinese firms — and how far along is China in finding its way toward technological autonomy? Kevin Xu, author of the fantastic "Interconnec…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Sichuan 15:17

16d ago15:17

15:17

We call it Szechuan, they call it Sichuan. Does Ants on a Tree really come with ants? Was it just a novelty dish? All just a joke on the American public? Well, now is your chance to find out. Learn about the Chinese cuisine embraced the world over: the hot and spicy Sichuan. And while you're at it, add a few more dishes to your ordering repertoire.…

1
Newbie | Street Argument 14:22

8d ago14:22

14:22

You know the signs. A mass of people, ten deep, reminiscent of a football huddle. A flying chair. A lot of arguing and pointing and yelling, but nary a punch thrown. Yes, it is the China street argument. Whether you're a looky-loo, or more of the steal-a-furtive-glance type, listen to this Chinese lesson and join in on the biggest spectator sport i…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Hainan 15:01

29d ago15:01

15:01

Our hungry traveler ventures off to the "Hawaii of China" for some much needed R&R. An island resort in China you say? It's true that Hainan's resort destination, Sanya, has flown under the radar to most of the western world, but it has all the requirements of an island getaway. When you tire of the sun, sand, and coconut tree hammocks, a world of …

1
Eric Olander on China in the Global South 1:03:57

12d ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This week on Sinica, I'm joined by Eric Olander, host of the outstanding China in Africa Podcast and the indispensable China-Global South Podcast, and creator of the China-Global South Project. Eric's detailed and very current knowledge of China's relations across the developing world is on display in this whirlwind tour that takes us from the trou…

1
Newbie | Pretty Clothes 12:23

18d ago12:23

12:23

Fabric markets, little shops, department stores, Taobao... cheap and cheerful clothes abound in China. You're feeling like a knock-out in your knock-offs, and now that you're going to be looking so pretty, better learn how to accept a compliment. In this podcast, learn how to comment on clothing, and how to respond, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode lin…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Macao 12:15

27d ago12:15

12:15

When you mix a Portuguese bun with a Chinese egg roll, what do you get? Is there any hope of a compatible union for these two unlikely partners in calories? This edition of the Hungry Traveler takes us to the shores of Macao. The Las Vegas of China, where one can only hope to find all-you-can-eat buffets filled with this kind of fare... Work up an …

1
Newbie | What size? 11:41

23d ago11:41

11:41

Thought of as 'petite' in your homeland, as you browse the corner shoe store, you are alarmed to find that the only thing you can get your dainty foot into is a florescent orange counterfeit men's 'Croc' clog. Things aren't looking up anytime soon, so listen to this podcast to learn how to ask for your size in Chinese, and to accept the fact that y…

51
A Letter from Beijing 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

This week, my narration of a longish essay about my recently-concluded four-week trip to Dalian and, more importantly, Beijing — my first time back in the city I called home for so long since the COVID pandemic. If you prefer to read rather than listen, you can find the essay — free for everyone this week — on the Substack. I hope you enjoy this! S…

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Hong Kong 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

In another edition of the Hungry Traveler, we find ourselves in HK. The city full of millionaires, movie stars, fast cars, and... food! It's all about the dim sum baby. When you hear that squeaky cart roll by your table, you have to think fast. Decisions... decisions. What culinary delights will our traveler select? Episode link: https://www.chines…

1
Newbie | Morning at the Office 10:07

23d ago10:07

10:07

Here is a Chinese lesson for all those morning people out there that we love to hate. A few chipper 'good mornings' to start off the day. You can shout them out your window to those neighbors who love to rise at the screech of dawn for a powwow outside your window. In this lesson, learn all kinds of greetings a la Mandarin. You'll be hello-ing and …

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Xinjiang 14:19

26d ago14:19

14:19

One man's meat is another man's poison. In this edition of 'The Hungry Traveler' we journey to the cuisine oft adored by westerners and somewhat spurned by those of a more Shanghai palate. Did you ever think of Chinese food as chewy flatbreads, cumin-crusted kebabs, and spicy curries? Welcome to Xinjiang... the marvelous cuisine that is the best ke…

1
Anthony Tao: The Poetry and Soul of Beijing 1:02:08

1M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

This week on Sinica, I'm in Beijing, where I spoke with my dear friend Anthony Tao, an English-language poet and a builder of community in the city where I lived for over 20 years. Anthony recently published a volume of his poetry called We Met in Beijing, and it captures the relationship that so many have with the city wherever they might come fro…

1
Newbie | I Want This 11:05

1M ago11:05

11:05

A wee baby learning to talk. His first word, a loving 'mama.' The second, 'dada.' And then comes the 'gimme, gimme, gimme.' Well, you have to start somewhere. In this podcast, learn the phrase that will help you get what you want, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0966

1
Elementary | Hungry Traveler: Hunan 19:16

1M ago19:16

19:16

Some cuisines should come with a fire marshall's warning. Not to fear, a cup of hot tea will be standing by to quell the flames. In this new series, we visit the red hot pastures of Hunan province--the spicy province living in the shadow of better known big brother Sichuan. You'll love or loathe us for introducing you to the food of this region. Li…

1
Newbie | Taking a Shower 10:44

2M ago10:44

10:44

Rub-a-dub-dub four tones in the tub. Bath time just got more fun and your old repertoire of songs to shower by just expanded. In this podcast, lather up and learn how to take a shower, Chinese-style. Also included, for those with long-showering, hot water user-upper roommates: learn how to stage phantom phone calls from love interests. Sure to get …

1
Sinica Unscripted: Wang Zichen of CCG with a Third Plenum Preview and more 56:37

1M ago56:37

56:37

I'm trying something different: totally unscripted and very, very lightly edited recordings grabbed on the go where I happen to be. For the inaugural episode, I've got Wang Zichen, the author of the amazing Pekingnology newsletter on Substack, as well as the man behind the Center for China and Globalization's newsletter "The East is Read." Hear Zic…

1
Improbable Diplomats: Historian Pete Millwood on how Scientific and Cultural Exchange Remade U.S.-China Relations 1:20:19

1M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

This week on Sinica, I chat with University of Melbourne transnational historian Pete Millwood about his outstanding book Improbable Diplomats: How Ping-Pong Players, Musicians, and Scientists Remade U.S.-China Relations. The road to normalization is told too often with a focus only on the Nixon-Kissinger opening and official diplomatic efforts cul…

1
Elementary | Renting a Bike 12:26

2M ago12:26

12:26

You can't bring your trusty bike with you everywhere you go. When you arrive in a new city in China, you can check out bike rentals. Pay your deposit and rental fee, and you'll be zipping around in no time flat. Learn how to do this all in Chinese in today's lesson. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1148…

1
Newbie | Sales Call 13:25

2M ago13:25

13:25

Of course, the old slam the receiver down always works. But for some, the ring of a telemarketer signals another captive-language-learning partner opportunity. In this podcast, learn how to cut to the chase and use your newfound Chinese skills to hang up on that salesperson in a more delicate manner. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0958…

1
Elementary | GPS Fail 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

There are two kinds of people who never get lost-- those who don't know where they're going, and those who have GPS! In today's Chinese lesson, learn how to talk about this handy gadget in Mandarin. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1138

1
Adam Tooze on the U.S., China, the Energy Transition — and Saying the Unsayable 1:05:48

1M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

This week on Sinica, in a show recorded on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, historian Adam Tooze joins to chat about what the U.S. wants from China, China's vaulting green energy ambitions, and much more. Don't miss this episode: Tooze gets pretty darn spicy! 3:13 How Adam launched Chartbook in Chines…

1
Newbie | Getting a Phone Number 10:58

2M ago10:58

10:58

Unless you are a rainman-like genius, you may find attempts at reciting the fifty billion digit long phone numbers of China a challenge. Get help. Listen to this podcast to learn how to give out your number in Mandarin Chinese. You'll be counting spilled boxes of toothpicks in no time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0954…

1
Elementary | How Many Zeroes? 16:54

2M ago16:54

16:54

The Chinese number system is based on groups of four zeroes, not three. Learn how to talk about big numbers in Chinese, in today's podcast Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/1129

1
Newbie | Taxi Small Talk 10:45

2M ago10:45

10:45

Don't be put off by that cage contraption. Think about it... a man trapped in a metal cage. What better language partner could there be than one that can't escape? Listen to this podcast and learn how to chew the fat with that paunchy driver who is so bored he's even willing feign listening to your attempts at Chinese. Make friends with the eyes in…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Hangzhou Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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