Year of the Horse Special: Learn Chinese with “马” Expressions & New Year Wishes ——Learn Practical Chinese for Chinese New Year with Chinese Surfing. Welcome back to 畅说中文 (Chàng Shuō Zhōngwén) by Chinese Surfing. In this Chinese New Year special episode, we celebrate the Year of the Horse (马年) by learning HSK Chinese vocabulary, common expressions, and New Year wishes related to “马” (horse). Whether you are studying HSK 2, HSK 4, HSK 5–6, or already living in China, this episode helps you: * Understand real Chinese words you hear every day * Learn Chinese idioms used in greetings and wishes * Use practical New Year expressions immediately ⏱ Episode Timeline & Learning Points 00:00–02:00 | Why the Year of the Horse Matters in Chinese Culture In Chinese culture, the horse (马) symbolizes: * Strength * Speed * Good luck * Moving forward This episode uses the Year of the Horse as a theme to help learners connect language with culture, which is one of the best ways to remember Chinese vocabulary. 02:00–05:30 | Basic Word: 马 (mǎ) &生肖 Years * 马 (mǎ) – horse (3rd tone) * The horse is the 7th animal in the Chinese zodiac Horse years include: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954 Common questions: * 你属马吗？(Are you born in the Year of the Horse?) 03:10–03:50 | Verb Phrase: 骑马 (qí mǎ) * 骑马 – to ride a horse Related verbs: * 骑自行车 (ride a bicycle) * 骑电动车 (ride an e-bike) * 骑摩托车 (ride a motorcycle) Example sentences: * 你会骑马吗？ * 我小时候学过骑马。 03:50–04:50 | Common Expression: 马上 (mǎshàng) ⚠️ A word many Chinese learners misunderstand! * 马上 does not mean “on a horse” * It means very soon Examples: * 我马上来。 * 老师马上就来了。 💡 Tip: Sometimes “马上” is flexible — you can ask politely how long it really means. 05:00–06:25 | Intermediate Vocabulary 马虎 (mǎhu) – careless / not careful * 马虎虎 / 马马虎虎 – so-so Examples: * 他做事有点马虎。 * 学中文不能马虎。 马路 (mǎlù) – road / street Originally named because people used horses for transportation. Examples: * 过马路要小心。 * 下班的时候马路上车很多。 06:30–07:40 | Advanced Level: Chinese Idioms with 马 Perfect for HSK 5–6 learners or anyone interested in idioms. 马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng) * Immediate success * Common祝福 (wish) Examples: * 祝你考试马到成功！ * 祝你新的一年马到成功！ 老马识途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú) * An experienced person knows the way * Trust experience and expertise Learning Chinese with experienced teachers is like 老马识途 — it leads to 马到成功. 07:50–08:30 | Year of the Horse New Year Wishes Common New Year wishes: * 新年快乐 * 恭喜发财 * 万事如意 Year of the Horse wishes: * 一马当先 * 事业一马平川 * 马到成功 Example full blessing: 祝你在马年身体健康，学习进步，马到成功！ 08:50–End | Chinese Surfing Teachers’ New Year Wishes Teachers from Chinese Surfing share their New Year wishes and hopes in simple, natural Chinese — perfect listening practice for learners. 📖 Key Vocabulary Summary * 马 (mǎ) – horse * 骑马(qímǎ) – ride a horse * 马上(mǎshàng) – very soon * 马虎(mǎhu） – careless * 马路(mǎlù) – road * 马到成功(mǎdàochénggōng) – immediate success * 老马识途(lǎomǎshítú) – experience leads the way 💬 Join the Conversation Would you like us to: * Share more Chinese culture episodes? * Teach real-life Chinese used in daily life? * Answer your Chinese learning questions? Leave a comment or send your questions — we may answer them in a future episode! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing For Chinese classes or program consultation: 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com 💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode? Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com 🎉 Thank you for learning Chinese with us. Happy Chinese New Year — 马到成功, and see you in the next episode!

In this Q&A episode of 畅说中文 (Chàng Shuō Zhōngwén), host Daisy welcomes back beloved teacher Cici from Chinese Surfing Chinese School to answer real questions from Chinese learners. We talk about: * What Chinese people actually say instead of “你好吗” * Affordable and meaningful Chinese-style gift ideas * Why listening to real-life Chinese feels hard, even after passing HSK 3 This episode is ideal for beginner to intermediate Mandarin learners who want to sound more natural, understand daily conversations, and feel less frustrated when listening to native speakers. 🎧 Episode Overview & Timestamps 00:01:00 – How Do Chinese People Really Greet Each Other? Many learners start with “你好吗”, but in daily life, Chinese greetings are much more context-based. Common real-life greetings include: * With colleagues “早啊！” (Zǎo a!) “你吃了吗？” (Nǐ chī le ma?) * With friends “来啦！” (Lái la!) “到啦！” (Dào la!) * With neighbors or acquaintances “出去啊？” (Chūqù a?) “回来啦？” (Huílái la?) 💡 Tip: Chinese greetings often comment on what you see, rather than asking “How are you?” 00:05:00 – What Are Meaningful but Affordable Chinese-Style Gifts? Looking for Chinese gift ideas that are thoughtful and budget-friendly? Cici recommends: * Chinese-style cosmetics (lipsticks with traditional paintings or poetry designs) * Museum cultural products (bags, fans, fridge magnets, or archaeology-themed mystery boxes) * For teachers: gifts related to their hobbies (for example, cat-themed items!) + a handwritten card 🎁 Shopping tip: Many Chinese museums now have online shops offering unique cultural souvenirs. 00:09:00 – Why Is Chinese Listening Still Hard After Passing HSK 3? If you’ve passed HSK 3 but still struggle to understand daily conversations, you’re not alone. Common reasons include: * HSK exams focus on standard language, while daily speech is flexible and colloquial * Dialects and accents vary widely—even Chinese teachers struggle sometimes * Speed, tone changes, and local expressions add difficulty 👂 Encouragement: Don’t stress. Keep listening, ask people to speak Mandarin more slowly, and allow yourself time to adapt. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (For Chinese Learners) Is “你好吗” commonly used in China? Not really. Native speakers prefer short, situation-based greetings. What gifts are appropriate in Chinese culture? Practical, thoughtful items with cultural meaning are usually appreciated more than expensive gifts. Why does real-life Chinese sound so different from textbook Chinese? Because daily speech includes slang, reductions, accents, and local habits that textbooks can’t fully cover. 💬 Join the Conversation * How do you usually greet your Chinese friends or colleagues? * What’s the best Chinese-style gift you’ve given or received? * Do you also find listening to real-life Chinese challenging? Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your experience in your Chinese learning community. We may answer your question in the next Q&A episode! 📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing For Chinese classes or program consultation by texting'CS podcast': 📧 Email: info@chinese-surfing.com 💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Follow us on social media: Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing 🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com 📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode? Email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com

Welcome back to Chinese Surfing Chinese Podcast! Ever wondered what’s on a Chinese teacher’s playlist? Join host Daisy and the Harry Potter-loving Teacher Ouyang as they embark on a heartfelt, melodic journey through the songs that shaped her youth, mirror her moods, and even help you learn Chinese. From nostalgic anthems to soul-soothing repeats, discover the music behind the teacher—and maybe find your next favorite Chinese song. Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:02:15 – Starting Point of Musical Memory: 周杰伦Jay Chou & “七里香Qi Li Xiang” Ouyang laoshi recalls Jay Chou’s popularity during her elementary school years and shares how “Qi Li Xiang” became the starting point of her love for Chinese songs. The song depicts a first-love story with a beautiful, soothing melody, perfect for relaxation or rainy days—also a KTV classic. 🎵 Keywords to learn: 周杰伦 (Zhōu Jiélún), 初恋 (chūliàn), 谈恋爱（tán liàn'ài), 旋律 (xuánlǜ),经典(jīngdiǎn) 00:08:40 – Confident KTV Pick: Zeng Yike’s “狮子座Leo” Besides “Qi Li Xiang,” Teacher Ouyang often chooses “Leo” at KTV. She loves its simple rhythm and straightforward lyrics, which make it easy to sing along without requiring much vocal skill. She even sings a snippet live in the episode! 🎤 Keywords to learn: 歌手(gēshǒu), 简单 (jiǎndān), 节奏 (jiézòu), 星座(xīngzuò), 狮子座 (shīzi zuò), 技巧(jìqiǎo), 擅长(shàncháng) 00:14:20 – On-Repeat Favorites: David Tao’s “天天Every Day” & “蝴蝶Butterfly” These days, Ouyang listens more often to David Tao. “Butterfly” was written during a low period, with lyrics about companionship and comfort; “Every Day” is a love song full of imagery, perfect for quiet looping in a café. 🔄 Keywords to learn: 循环 (xúnhuán), 缓慢(huǎnmàn), 安慰 (ānwèi), 抑郁(yìyù), 画面感 (huàmiàn gǎn) 00:22:50 – Mood Representative: The English Song “Winter In My Heart” Recently, an English song reflects Ouyang’s mood, echoing the chill and subdued feelings of winter. The discussion extends to Chinese songs with a similar vibe, like Karen Mok’s “Cloudy Day.” ❄️ Keywords to learn: 冬天 (dōngtiān), 阴天(yīntiān), 情绪 (qíngxù), 氛围 (fēnwéi) 00:28:10 – Treasure Recommendation for Chinese Learners: David Tao’s “爱很简单Love Is Simple” Wearing his teacher hat, Ouyang laoshi specially recommends David Tao’s “Love Is Simple.” The lyrics are simple and easy to understand, with a pleasant melody, making it highly suitable for foreign students to listen and learn from. Daisy also suggests learners check out the song’s comments on NetEase Cloud Music to read and learn some real stories and Chinese expressions. 🧠 Learning Tip: Suitable for intermediate and above learners. Combine listening with reading comments to improve language sense and comprehension. 00:34:00 – Wrap-Up & Listener Interaction Daisy and Ouyang summarize this “warm musical journey” and invite listeners to share their own Chinese song playlists. We’d Love to Hear From You! * What’s your favorite Chinese song or singer in your playlist? Why? * Have you ever sung a Chinese song at KTV? Which one? * Do you use Chinese songs to learn Chinese? Any good methods or recommendations? Leave a comment on the podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning community! Learn More or Experience a Chinese Class Course inquiry email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning resources: www.chinese-surfing.com For the full PDF transcript of this episode, please email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com Next Episode Teaser Will Ouyang return with another topic he’s passionate about? Or which teacher would you like to hear from next? Let us know!

Happy 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

Welcome to our brand new series “聊聊方言” (Let’s Talk Dialects)! In this first episode of the series, join Daisy and Cici as they dive into the lively and popular Dongbei dialect. Whether you've heard it in Chinese comedy, wondered how to speak it, or just want to understand why it’s so well-loved across China, this conversation is for you. Cici shares fun expressions, local insights, and teaches you how to sound like a true Northeasterner—perfect for a trip to Harbin or just for impressing your friends! Stay tuned for more dialect deep-dives in the coming episodes. Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:01:20 – Topic 1: Where exactly is “Dongbei” (Northeast China)? Teacher Cici clearly explains the three provinces of Northeast China (黑龙江Heilongjiang, 吉林Jilin, 辽宁Liaoning). 00:05:45 – Topic 2: How do you say “like” in the Dongbei dialect? Besides “喜欢 (xǐhuan),” Northeasterners often use “稀罕 (xīhan).” Cici shares two common situations: praising a child as “招人稀罕 (very likable),” or saying “我咋那么稀罕你呢” in a slightly complaining tone (meaning “Why am I doing so much for you?”). 💬 Example sentences: 这孩子真招人稀罕。 / 我咋那么稀罕你呢？ 00:11:30 – Topic 3: Two super useful words in Dongbei dialect Cici introduces two highly frequent words: * “贼 (zéi)”: Not “thief,” but meaning “really, extremely,” as in “贼好吃 (zéi hǎochī-really tasty)” or “贼稀罕 (zéi xīhan-really like).” * “整 (zhěng)”: A versatile verb meaning “do, make, take, etc” as in “整点酒 (zhěng diǎn jiǔ-have some drinks)” or “整完了 (zhěng wán le-finished).” ⚠️ Note: “整” is mostly used among friends in casual settings, not in formal or polite situations like toasting. 00:18:50 – Topic 4: What are the characteristics of the Dongbei dialect? Cici summarizes: * Frequent use of retroflex “-r” sounds (e.g., “天儿 tiānr”). * Direct, quick, and somewhat “hard” tone (e.g., “干哈 gà há” = “干嘛gàn má,” “咋了 zǎ le” = “怎么了”). * Short, concise words (e.g., 啥 shá = 什么, 咋 zǎ = 怎么). 00:25:10 – Topic 5: Practical Dongbei phrases for travelers Cici teaches three handy expressions you can use right away: * Complaining about the cold: “这天儿死冷的！(It’s freezing today!)” * Asking the price: “多少钱？(How much?)” (Pronounce “多” as “duó” with a rising tone.) * Tone change with numbers: “三个, 七个, 八个” (When followed by a measure word with forth tone, “三, 七, 八” change to the second tone.) 00:32:00 – Wrap-up and invitation Cici encourages everyone to ask her more questions about the Dongbei dialect and welcomes you to visit Dongbei to experience the language in real life! We’d Love to Hear From You! * After listening, what Dongbei expression did you learn or find most memorable? * Do you know any interesting words from other Chinese dialects? Share something from your hometown or a dialect you like! * Which Chinese dialects are you interested in? What would you like to hear about in this series? Feel free to leave a comment on the podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning community! Contact & Learning Resources * For Chinese course inquiries or a study plan consultation: Email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 * Free learning materials: www.chinese-surfing.com * Request a full PDF transcript of this episode: daisy@chinese-surfing.com * Follow us on Instagram & Xiaohongshu: @Chinese Surfing

In this episode of Chàng Shuō Zhōngwén, host Daisy chats with the warm and lively Teacher Xiao about “superpowers.” Teacher Xiao shares the superpower she most wants—endless energy—and how it would help her balance work, family, and personal time. Featured Guest: Teacher Xiao (Xiǎo Lǎoshī): A mother of a two-year-old daughter and a beloved Chinese teacher at Chinese Surfing. In daily life, she is learning how to manage her energy wisely, finding balance between parenting, teaching, and self-care. Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00:45 – Topic 1: What Superpower Would You Want Most? Teacher Xiao’s most desired superpower is “unlimited energy.” She wishes for more time to rest, exercise, and especially play with her two-year-old daughter. 📖 Keywords to learn: 超能力 (chāo nénglì) – superpower, 精力 (jīnglì) – energy, 陪伴 (péibàn) – to accompany/spend time with 00:06:20 – Topic 2: Why Doesn’t Daisy Want a Superpower? Daisy believes happiness is more important—even without superpowers, we can do our best with what we have. Her “superpower” would be giving superpowers to others, like passing out “magic coffee”! 📖 Keywords to learn: 开心 (kāixīn) – happy, 努力 (nǔlì) – to strive/effort, 魔法(mófǎ) - magic 00:11:50 – Topic 3: If You Really Had This Superpower, Would You Use It Daily? Teacher Xiao thinks people need different levels of energy at different life stages. Right now, in her “middle years,” she feels she needs it most. But she imagines that by her 50s or 60s, she may not need as much—learning instead to relax and accept. 📖 Keywords to learn: 阶段 (jiēduàn) – stage, 放松 (fàngsōng) – to relax, 享受 (xiǎngshòu) – to enjoy 00:18:30 – Topic 4: Would Superpowers Make Life Better or More Complicated? In the short term, superpowers could solve immediate problems. But if everyone had them, or if used long-term, they might lead to dissatisfaction or losing sight of one’s original intentions. 📖 Keywords to learn: 满足 (mǎnzú) – satisfied, 节奏 (jiézòu) – pace/rhythm, 压力 (yālì) – pressure 00:25:10 – Topic 5: How Can We Gain More Energy Without Superpowers? Teacher Xiao shares two practical tips: 1. Handle tasks like closing phone apps: Focus on one thing at a time, “close” it when done, and avoid multitasking to preserve mental energy. 2. Take words at face value: Don’t overthink “hidden meanings.” If someone says A, assume they mean A—reduce over-interpretation and guesswork. 📖 Keywords to learn: 任务 (rènwù) – task, 理解 (lǐjiě) – to understand, 简单 (jiǎndān) – simple 00:31:40 – Topic 6: Life’s “Energy Boosters”—Herbal Coffee? Teacher Xiao mentions her recent interest in “herbal coffee,” a blend of traditional Chinese herbs and coffee—a possible fun way to recharge. 📖 Keywords to learn: 中药 (zhōngyào) – Chinese medicine, 咖啡 (kāfēi) – coffee, 文化 (wénhuà) – culture, 产品 (chǎnpǐn) – product 00:35:20 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Teaser We’d Love to Hear From You! * If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? * What are your personal tips for managing energy and staying focused? * What else would you like Teacher Xiao or another Chinese teacher to talk about? Feel free to leave a comment on the podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning community! Interested in Chinese Classes or Course Consultation? Email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning resources: www.chinese-surfing.com For a full PDF transcript of this episode, email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com

Explore Harry Potter with Chinese Teacher Ouyang! She shares why the clever, hard-working Hermione has been her role model for 20 years, but why the quirky, fun Luna would be her ideal roommate. By discussing movie characters, we uncover secrets about different personalities—are you an organized Hermione or a free-spirited Luna? This episode helps you learn Chinese expressions about characters better! Featured Guest: * Hermine Ouyang (欧阳老师): A Chinese teacher at Chinese Surfing and a longtime Harry Potter fan who finds inspiration in the characters. Timestamps & Key Takeaways: * 00:01:00 - Topic 1: A 20-Year Role Model: Hermione Granger Ouyang shares her long-time admiration for Hermione – smart, hard-working, and loves books. This is why she chose "Hermione" as her English name! 📖 Keywords: 人物(rénwù - character), 榜样 (bǎngyàng - role model), 聪明 (cōngmíng - smart), 努力 (nǔlì - hard-working) * 00:04:20 - Topic 2: Who Would You Live With For A Week? A surprising choice: She'd pick Luna Lovegood over Hermione to avoid pressure! Luna is imaginative, different, and fun – life with her would be full of surprises. 🆚 Personality Compare: Hermione = organized planner (J人); Luna = spontaneous free-spirit (P人). 📖 Keywords: 优秀(yōuxiù - outstanding), 性格(xìnggé - personality), 吸引(xīyǐn - attract), 想象力(xiǎngxiànglì - imagination) * 00:09:10 - Topic 3: Movie Characters vs. Real Life Movie characters are often more idealized, while real people are more complex. Ron Weasley feels more real and relatable. Aurora sees herself in Gryffindor, valuing courage and liking to try new things. 📖 Keywords: 现实(xiànshí - reality), 理想化(lǐxiǎnghuà - idealization), 活力(huólì - vitality), 跳脱(tiàotuō - unconventional), 规矩(guīju - rules), 按部就班(ànbùjiùbān - follow the prescribed order) * 00:14:30 - Topic 4: Comedy for Relaxation: Mr. Bean Aurora enjoys rewatching Mr. Bean for stress relief. Good comedy is timeless and great for relaxation. 📖 Keywords: 放松 (fàngsōng - to relax), 压力 (yālì - pressure), 喜剧 (xǐjù - comedy), 幽默（yōumò - humorous), 过时(guòshí - out of fashion) We’d Love to Hear From You! 1. Which movie character left the deepest impression on you? 2. Has a movie character ever influenced your life or Chinese learning? 3. Which movie character would you choose to live with for one week? Leave a comment on our podcast platform or discuss it in your Chinese learning group! Find Us: WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Website: www.chinese-surfing.com

What do Chinese teachers do after class? In this episode of 畅说中文 (Chàng Shuō Zhōngwén), host Daisy sits down with the popular and cool Teacher Cici from Chinese Surfing to explore the unseen side of a teacher's daily routine. Whether you're a student curious about your teacher's life or a Chinese learning enthusiast, this conversation offers a warm and honest look behind the scenes. Featured Guest: Cici (刘老师, Liǔ Lǎoshī): A professional and popular Chinese teacher at Chinese Surfing, known for her cool style and dedicated teaching. Off-duty, she’s a cat-loving, plan-making, slightly “robotic” but very cute friend. Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00:45 – Topic 1: What’s the First Thing You Do After Class? Cici shares her post-class routine: sending students off, then spending 10–15 minutes alone in the classroom to organize notes and design homework. 📖 Keywords to learn: 笔记 (bǐjì), 作业 (zuòyè), 放松 (fàngsōng) 00:04:38 – Topic 2: How Do You Spend a 30-Minute Break Between Classes? When time is short, Cici prepares notes but doesn’t send them immediately. She also previews the next lesson’s content—sometimes looking like a “stone” in front of her computer. 🆚 Compare with Daisy: Daisy prefers walking or drinking tea to reset her mood between different class types. 00:09:29 – Topic 3: Funny or Awkward After-Class Moments Cici recalls a memorable encounter: running into her Iranian student at a Turkish restaurant. The student introduced her as his Chinese teacher to the waiter, leading to a funny misunderstanding. 📖 Keywords to learn: 遇到 (yùdào), 尴尬 (gāngà), 学生 (xuéshēng) 00:15:41 – Topic 4: How Do You Feel After Your Last Class of the Day? Cici shares two common feelings: pride (“I’m amazing, I finished another day!”) and exhaustion (“I don’t want to talk anymore!”). 00:20:56 – Topic 5: What Are You Like Outside the Classroom? Colleagues see Cici as “cool” and professional, but her friends say she’s cute, a little “robotic” (slow to react), and very organized. 📖 Keywords to learn: 酷 (kù), 可爱 (kě’ài), 计划 (jìhuà) 00:31:00 – Wrap-Up & Listener Interaction Daisy and Cici reflect on why teachers rarely share personal lives in class—it’s all about keeping the focus on students. 🎙️ Teaser: More teachers may join future episodes if listeners are interested! We’d Love to Hear From You! * Have you ever met your teacher outside of class? What was that like? * What do you do right after your Chinese class? Review notes, take a break, or do something else? * Which Chinese Surfing teacher would you like to hear from next? Let us know! Leave a comment on the podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group! Have a Chinese class with Chinese Surfing, or any Chinese program consultation: Email: info@chinese-surfing.com WeChat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning materials, please visit: www.chinese-surfing.com PDF full script for this episode, please email: daisy@chinese-surfing.com

Join host Daisy and special guest Teacher Aurora as they talk about summer through the lens of a camera! They share personal stories and memories, journeying from the beautiful scenery of Hangzhou to the rustic landscapes of Henan. Featured Guest: * Aurora: A popular Chinese teacher who also loves photography. For her, the camera is a way to sincerely record life and express inner feelings, sometimes more powerfully than words. Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00:45 - Topic 1: Your Guide to Photographing Summer Skies * Aurora shares her favorite summer subject: the sky! She explains the beautiful color changes in summer skies. * 📖 Keywords to learn: 天空 (tiānkōng), 晴天 (qíngtiān), 颜色(yánsè) * 📷 Best Time to Shoot: Around 4:00 AM or after 6:00 PM on clear days. * 🌟 Recommended Spot: Hangzhou's West Lake area, where you can capture stunning views of the sky with famous landmarks. 00:03:52 - Topic 2: Hometown Summers & Childhood Memories * Aurora's hometown is Zhumadian City in Henan Province. * Summer scenes she wants to capture there: Golden wheat fields, hardworking farmers, and the harvest season. * A Childhood Memory: Before refrigerators were common, people used a "Well Pump" (压井, yā jǐng) to draw cool water from deep wells to chill watermelons and other fruits. This is a summer memory she'd love to photograph. * 📖 Keywords to learn: 井(jǐng), 小麦 (xiǎomài), 玉米 (yùmǐ) 00:08:35 - Topic 3: A Meaningful Photography Project * Aurora wants to create a short film inspired by the classic Chinese poem "Sympathy for the Peasants" (悯农，mǐn nóng). * The film would focus on farmers in Henan working through extreme summer drought and intense heat (around 37-38°C / 99-100°F), even risking heatstroke. Their hardship is deeply moving. * The Film's Goal: To remind everyone: "Don't waste food" and "Cherish what we have now." * Envisioned Scene: A farmer walking through the fields with a water hose, watering crops while constantly wiping sweat. 00:12:48 - Topic 4: What Photography Means to Aurora * Photography is a form of inner expression for her, a different way of communicating. * Her photos became a special connection with a former student, Bao La, who has returned to her home country but still sees China through Aurora's lens. * Her photos also inspire students like Li Yazhong, who feels he can experience the beauty of a West Lake sunrise through her photos, even if he can't wake up that early, making the scenery feel closer. 00:15:41 - Wrap-up and teaser for the next episode. We'd Love to Hear From You! 1. What’s your favorite thing to photograph in summer? Beautiful skies, delicious food, or happy moments with family and friends? 2. What is summer like in your hometown? Do you have any special scenery or stories you'd like to share? Leave a comment below on the podcast platform or discuss it with your teachers and classmates in your Chinese learning group Have a Chinese class with Chinese Surfing, or any Chinese program consultation: Email: info@chinese-surfing.com Wechat: Chinesesurfing2 Instagram&Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing Free learning materials, please visit: www.chinese-surfing.com PDF full script for episode 1, please email daisy@chinese-surfing.com