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0Happy New Year! And our new series launched! In this sixth episode, Daisy is joined by the beloved teacher Cici for a practical demonstration of answering HSKK Advanced-level questions around the theme of “holidays.” From weekend routines and one-month holiday plans to how Chinese people spend their vacations, Cici offers natural, fluent responses as examples, and shares fresh lifestyle trends like “reverse tourism.” Whether you're preparing for the HSKK or simply want to learn how to talk about life topics in Chinese, this episode provides authentic and practical language inspiration.
Timestamps & Key Takeaways
00:01:30 – Topic 1: Describe how you usually arrange your weekends
Cici shares her current and past weekend routines—from time with friends to solo café moments—and discusses personal preferences behind choosing rest days.
📖 Keywords to learn: 自然醒 (zìrán xǐng – wake up naturally), 内向 (nèixiàng – introverted), 放松 (fàngsōng – to relax)
00:07:45 – Topic 2: If you had a one-month holiday, what would you plan to do?
Cici unfolds her “dream holiday”: visiting family, fulfilling travel wishes, and reserving time for personal learning and relaxation.
📖 Keywords to learn: 难得 (nándé – rare/hard to come by), 实现 (shíxiàn – to fulfill), 愿望 (yuànwàng – wish)
00:14:20 – Topic 3: Please introduce how people in your country spend their holidays.
From short getaways to returning home during long holidays, Cici explains common holiday habits in China and introduces the growing trend of “reverse tourism.”
📖 Keywords to learn: 反向旅游 (fǎnxiàng lǚyóu – reverse tourism), 团圆 (tuányuán – reunion), 热门 (rèmén – popular)
00:22:10 – Extended Discussion: Reverse tourism & underrated city recommendations
Cici shares lesser-known destinations suitable for “reverse tourism,” along with cultural features and nearby natural sights like Changbai Mountain.
📖 Keywords to learn: 朝鲜族 (Cháoxiǎnzú – Korean ethnic group), 长白山 (Chángbáishān – Changbai Mountain), 火山口 (huǒshānkǒu – volcanic crater)
00:28:50 – Answering tips recap
Daisy and Cici summarize useful techniques for HSKK responses: how to start and end naturally, and how to repeat the question to buy thinking time.
00:31:20 – Listener interaction & teaser
We invite you to share your own holiday routines or HSKK preparation experiences in the comments—feel free to ask Cici questions too!
We’d love to hear from you!
- How do you usually spend your weekends? Any similarities or differences with Cici’s routine?
- If you had a one-month holiday, where would you go and what would you do?
- How people in your country spend their holidays?
Leave a comment on the podcast platform or share your thoughts or speaking recordings in your Chinese learning group!
To learn Chinese, inquire about courses, or access free materials:
- Website: www.chinese-surfing.com
- Email: info@chinese-surfing.com
- WeChat: Chinesesurfing2
- Xiaohongshu / Instagram: Chinese Surfing
- For a PDF transcript of this episode, email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com
