La mia permanenza alla Scuola di lingua cinese Keats a Kunming è stata estremamente positiva, sia dal punto di vista dell’offerta formativa sia sotto il profilo culturale ed esperienziale. Durante il percorso di apprendimento della lingua cinese sono stato affiancato da Ma laoshi, il cui supporto è stato fondamentale per affrontare con successo l’esame HSK 5 al termine di cinque settimane di preparazione intensa e strutturata.

Parallelamente allo studio, ho potuto arricchire l’esperienza partecipando alle numerose escursioni organizzate dalla scuola nei fine settimana, che mi hanno permesso di esplorare lo Yunnan, apprezzandone la straordinaria diversità culturale e paesaggistica. Nel complesso, si è trattato di un’esperienza pienamente soddisfacente, che consiglio vivamente a chi desidera combinare un apprendimento linguistico rigoroso con un immersione autentica nel contesto locale.

English:
My time at Keats Chinese Language School in Kunming was extremely positive, both in terms of the educational offerings and the cultural and experiential aspects. Throughout my Chinese language learning journey, I was supported by Ma laoshi, whose support was crucial to successfully passing the HSK 5 exam after five weeks of intense and structured preparation.

Alongside my studies, I was able to enrich my experience by participating in the numerous weekend excursions organized by the school, which allowed me to explore Yunnan and appreciate its extraordinary cultural and landscape diversity. Overall, it was a thoroughly satisfying experience, which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to combine rigorous language learning with authentic local immersion.

I went to Keats to jumpstart my Mandarin skills, and it worked. My speaking, reading, and listening/comprehension skills are far better now, and I will return to Keats improve further.

At school, I appreciated that Han Laoshi (my teacher!) modified lesson plans to match my personal interests and skill level. It was not a "cookie cutter" approach, and that was great.

My best advice for students is to get out and explore the city. One photo below is Daguan Park, where I did most of my studying. Local restaurants are great and inexpensive, transport is easy to navigate, and people are friendly and helpful. Kunming weather is said to be the best in China. It lives up to its nickname, "The city of eternal Spring."

Also, consider how much you want to balance language study and exploration/tourism. For me, I wanted a moderately intense schedule, but not all-consuming. So 4 hours per day class instruction was good. If you really want to be super-intense, go for the 6-hour option, but that's a lot! Or choose less class time, if that's what you want.

School services were responsive when small problems arose (my showerhead broke...fixed same day) and the group outings were enjoyable. Definitely visit the Juxian caves (another photo below)!

My experience at Keats Chinese School across Beijing, Kunming, and Chengde was outstanding in every respect. Keats offers a truly immersive and highly professional learning environment, with excellent teachers who are not only pedagogically strong but also genuinely invested in the student’s progress. The one-on-one teaching method is extremely effective, fully tailored to individual goals, pace, and interests, which allowed me to make rapid and tangible progress in my Chinese. Everything is organized with great care and flexibility, making it easy to focus entirely on learning.

Across all three locations, Keats accommodates everything perfectly. From housing and meals to study schedules and daily logistics, every detail is thoughtfully arranged and adapted to the student’s needs. The transitions between cities were smooth and well-supported, and the consistency in teaching quality and care made each location feel immediately familiar. Keats combines academic excellence with comfort, flexibility, and cultural immersion, making it an exceptional choice for anyone serious about learning Chinese in China.

I did a one-week intensive Chinese course at Keats and honestly had a great time there. It’s a very focused and intensive program, but it never felt overwhelming. You’re surrounded by Chinese all day, and you can really feel yourself improving as the week goes on.

I had classes with Su laoshi and Wang laoshi, and they were both excellent. They explain things clearly, are very patient, and adapt quickly to what you need. They also make you feel comfortable speaking Chinese, even when you make mistakes. Having two teachers with different teaching styles was actually a big plus.

What I also really liked about Keats is that it’s more than just classes. The food was good, the organized activities were fun and a nice way to practice Chinese in real-life situations, and the Friday dinners were a highlight — relaxed, social, and a great way to connect with teachers and other students. The advisor teachers were also very helpful and supportive, and you really feel that the school cares about your overall experience, not just your classroom hours.

After just one week, my speaking confidence improved a lot, and I learned more than I expected in such a short time. Everything is well organized, and the one-on-one teaching makes a huge difference.

If you’re looking for an intensive but enjoyable way to seriously improve your Chinese, I would definitely recommend Keats.

I spent 12 weeks in Keats program in Kunming, Lijiang and Jingmai Mountain and had the pleasure to be taught for the entire period of time by the same teacher. She was enthusiastic, catered for my needs, fun to be around on the two trips that we shared, a wonderful sparring partner. We had great conversations around topics that truly interested me and thus my Chinese skills advanced significantly. She challenged and pushed me while being empathetic.

The housing in Kunming was practical, clean and sufficient. My teacher provided me with plenty of tips where to find great spots, tea, etc. The school offers weekend trips for the pupils, one of them free of charge offering a wide range of activities.

Studying with Keats School was one of the best decisions I've made for my language journey! My teacher was 李老师，and she not only taught me Mandarin, but about Chinese society, history and culture. I made amazing friends during my time here with people of all ages. In addition, I became super close with my teacher and Yurina (the school manager). I chose to study the HSK course due to my goal of completing the test, but 李老师 was always open to suggestions and prepared my lessons with changes that I requested. I also had the pleasure of traveling with my teacher to Lijiang and Xishuangbanna, which I'd highly recommend for other students to partake in if they have the opportunity. Learning Mandarin while being able to travel around with you teacher is extremely immersive and helps you in learning a ton. I was basically speaking in Mandarin for my entire trip with 李老师. The staff at Keats are extremely lovely and help you with a variety of different tasks, from setting up a bank account to making phone calls in Chinese. Keats offers the type of experience that I hope I'll be able to give to my kids one day in the far far future.

I recently wrapped up the 2-week Intensive One-on-One Chinese Program in Lijiang, and wow, what an incredible experience it turned out to be! As someone who's always been fascinated by Chinese culture but struggled with the language, this program felt tailor-made for me. From the moment I arrived in Lijiang on December 27th, I was swept up in a perfect blend of immersive learning, stunning adventures, and mouthwatering local eats. Everything about it was positive – the structure, the people, the sights – it left me feeling energized, more confident in my Mandarin, and totally in love with this corner of Yunnan Province. If you're thinking about diving into Chinese while exploring a magical place, this is the way to do it.

Let me start with the arrival day. Touching down in Lijiang on a crisp Saturday, I was greeted with warmth and efficiency. The program kicked off right away with recommendations for local cuisine like Naxi Rice Cake, Spoonful of Rice Noodles, and Chickpea Cold Noodles. These weren't just suggestions; they were gateways to understanding the Naxi culture through food. I remember biting into that soft, chewy rice cake for the first time – it was like comfort food with a twist, infused with local flavors that made me feel instantly at home. The program's thoughtful inclusion of these popular Lijiang dishes set a delicious tone for the weeks ahead.

Come Monday, December 29th, the real fun began with morning Chinese lessons from 8:30 to 12:30. These one-on-one sessions were a game-changer. My teacher was patient, engaging, and incredibly skilled at breaking down complex grammar and vocabulary into bite-sized pieces. We focused on practical conversational skills, which meant I was ordering food and chatting with locals by day two. No rote memorization here – it was interactive, with role-playing and real-life scenarios that made learning feel effortless and fun. Afternoons were free for exploration, and that day we visited Shuhe Ancient Town. Oh man, wandering those cobblestone streets, lined with traditional wooden houses and bubbling streams, was pure magic. The town's preserved heritage gave me a glimpse into ancient Naxi life, and pairing it with more of those noodle recommendations made the day even sweeter.

Tuesday, December 30th, followed a similar rhythm: solid morning lessons that built on the previous day, leaving me buzzing with new phrases. Then, an afternoon stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town. This UNESCO site is a labyrinth of canals, bridges, and bustling markets – it's like stepping into a living postcard. I loved how the program integrated these visits seamlessly, allowing time to practice my Chinese with vendors selling handmade crafts. And the food? Chili Peppers with Fruit was a spicy-sweet revelation, Milk Fan Popsicle cooled me down perfectly, and Yak Meat was hearty and flavorful. Every meal felt like an adventure, highlighting Lijiang's diverse culinary scene.

New Year's Eve on Wednesday, December 31st, brought us to Black Dragon Pool. After another productive morning class, where I nailed some tricky tones, we headed to this serene park with crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It was breathtaking – the kind of place that makes you pause and appreciate nature's beauty. Sipping Butter Tea and munching on Lijiang Baba (a fluffy, fried bread) while gazing at the scenery was a highlight. The program nailed the balance between education and relaxation, ensuring I never felt overwhelmed.

January 1st, New Year's Day, kept the momentum with lessons and a visit to Mu's House, the former residence of Lijiang's chieftains. The architecture was stunning, with intricate carvings and gardens that whispered stories of history. It was inspiring to learn about the region's past while practicing my language skills on-site. Food-wise, back to those comforting Naxi staples – they never got old!

The weekend brought a full-day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge on January 3rd. This was epic! Hiking along the dramatic canyon, with the Yangtze River roaring below, was exhilarating. The views were jaw-dropping, and the program's organization made it hassle-free – transportation, guides, everything spot-on. We even had picnic recommendations like Yak Milk, which paired perfectly with the adventure.

Monday, January 5th, resumed with classes and a trip to Baisha Ancient Town. This quieter spot felt authentic, with frescoes and markets that offered a peaceful contrast to busier areas. I chatted with artisans in broken Mandarin, and thanks to the lessons, they understood me! More Chickpea Cold Noodles fueled the day – fresh and zesty.

Skipping ahead, Thursday, January 8th, included a visit to Shilian Temple after morning studies. The temple's tranquility and spiritual vibe were rejuvenating, with incense wafting and monks chanting. It was a profound cultural immersion that deepened my appreciation for Lijiang's heritage.

Friday, January 9th, combined Lijiang Ancient Town revisit with Zhongyi Farmer's Market. Bargaining for fresh produce in Chinese? Check! The market was vibrant, full of colors and aromas, and trying Milk Fan Popsicle again was a treat.

The program capped off with a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on January 10th. Cable car rides up to snowy peaks, crisp air, and panoramic views – it was the perfect finale. Throughout, the recurring food recs like Spoonful of Rice Noodles kept things grounded and delicious.

What made this program shine was its personalization. Being one-on-one meant tailored pacing, and the mix of language immersion with cultural excursions created lasting memories. Lijiang itself is a gem – mild weather, friendly locals, and that UNESCO charm. I left with improved Chinese skills, new friends, and a full belly. If you're eager to learn Mandarin in a stunning setting, this program is a winner. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Really recommend doing it!

Studying at keats school has been a truly valuable experience for me. The learning environment was supportive interactive and wellstructured which helped me feel comfortable using Chinese in real life situations rather than only focusing on textbooks.

One of the highlights of my experience was my teacher Li She is an exceptional teacher who is not only knowledgeable but also patient and encouraging she always explained things clearly adapted to my learning pace and motivated me
I'm very grateful for this learning journey both meaningful and memorable.