ChineseSurfing畅说中文

Mid-Autumn Festival may be over, but the moon and the feeling of missing someone never go out of style. 🌕

In this solo episode, Daisy takes you on a musical journey through four classic Chinese songs about the moon. Each song teaches you one practical Chinese expression, and each comes with an HSKK-style speaking prompt so you can practice along.

Whether you’re a Chinese language learner, an HSK candidate, or simply someone who loves Chinese music and culture, this episode will help you sound more natural and expressive in Chinese.

If you’re interested in any online courses, an intensive class in Hangzhou, a Chinese Cultural Experience in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening: Mid-Autumn, Moon, and Missing Home
Daisy reflects on the Mid-Autumn Festival and introduces the theme: Chinese songs about the moon. She explains why the moon is so important in Chinese culture — it symbolizes missing family, reunion, and love.

01:30 – Song 1: 《月亮代表我的心》— “A代表B”

• The song: Teresa Teng’s classic “The Moon Represents My Heart.”

• Language point: A代表B (A represents B).

• Example: 月亮代表我的心 Yuèliang dàibiǎo wǒ de xīn (The moon represents my heart).

• Practice: 鸽子代表和平；红色代表热情；熊猫代表中国。

• HSKK prompt: In your culture, what represents love? Why?

• Cultural note: Why the moon and not the sun? The moon is gentle, not dazzling, and it waxes and wanes — just like love.

05:00 – Song 2: 《城里的月光》— The “把” Construction

• The song: Xu meijing’s “Moonlight in the City.”

• Language point: “把”字句: A把B + verb + result.

• Example: 城里的月光把梦照亮 Chénglǐ de yuèguāng bǎ mèng zhào liàng (The city moonlight lights up my dream).

• Practice: 我把作业写完了；他把房间打扫干净了。

• HSKK prompt: Many people leave home to work in big cities. How do they spend Mid-Autumn Festival? Share your thoughts.

• Cultural note: Urban loneliness, video calls, and “cloud reunion.”

08:40 – Song 3: 《月亮惹的祸》— “都是……惹的祸”

• The song: Phil Chang’s “The Moon’s Fault.”

• Language point: 都是……惹的祸 (It’s all because of…). Used humorously to blame something for a small problem.

  • Example: 都是月亮惹的祸 Dōu shì yuèliang rě de huò (It’s all the moon’s fault).

• Practice: 都是天气惹的祸，害我迟到了；都是手机惹的祸，害我昨天没睡好。

• HSKK prompt: Use “都是……惹的祸” to describe a small trouble in your life.

• Cultural note: Chinese people sometimes avoid saying “I love you” directly — they attribute love to the moon, the night, or the atmosphere.

12:30 – Song 4: 《但愿人长久》— beautiful Chinese idoms

• The song: Faye Wong’s “Wishing Us a Long Life” (lyrics from Su Shi’s poem).

• Chengyu 1: 悲欢离合 bēi huān lí hé — sorrow, joy, parting, reunion. Life is full of these.

• Chengyu 2: 阴晴圆缺 yīn qíng yuán quē — cloudy, clear, full, crescent. Originally describes the moon, but also life’s imperfections.

• Key line: 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 (May we all be blessed with longevity, and share the same bright moon even though miles apart).

• HSKK prompt: What’s your understanding of “人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺”? Does your culture have a similar saying?

18:00 – Review & Listener Interaction
Daisy reviews the four language points and invites listeners to write a short paragraph in Chinese: Which moon song do you like most, and why? Share in the comments or with your Chinese teacher.

📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level)

HSK 3

• 月亮 (yuèliang) – moon

• 爱情 (àiqíng) – love

• 家人 (jiārén) – family members

• 中秋 (zhōngqiū) – Mid-Autumn

HSK 4

• 代表 (dàibiǎo) – to represent

• 温柔 (wēnróu) – gentle

• 浪漫 (làngmàn) – romantic

• 幽默 (yōumò) – humorous

• 承认 (chéngrèn) – to admit

HSK 5

• 缺 (quē) – to be missing / wane

• 结构 (jiégòu) – structure

• 摇滚 (yáogǔn) – rock and roll

• 调侃 (tiáokǎn) – to tease / joke

• 气氛 (qìfēn) – atmosphere

• 分享 (fēnxiǎng) – to share

HSK 6

• 思念 (sīniàn) – to miss / longing

• 团圆 (tuányuán) – reunion

• 耀眼 (yàoyǎn) – dazzling

• 惹祸 (rěhuò) – to cause trouble

• 归结 (guījié) – to attribute to

HSK 7-9

• 悲欢离合 (bēihuān líhé) – sorrow, joy, parting, reunion

• 阴晴圆缺 (yīn qíng yuán quē) – cloudy, clear, full, crescent

• 相隔千里 (xiānggé qiānlǐ) – separated by a thousand miles

• 但愿 (dànyuàn) – if only / may it be that

• 婵娟 (chánjuān) – beautiful woman; here refers to the moon

• 云团圆 (yún tuányuán) – cloud reunion (reunion via video call)

💬 Join the Conversation

• Which of the four moon songs do you like most? Why?

• In your culture, what represents love?

• What’s your understanding of “人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺”? Does your culture have a similar expression?

• How do people in your country celebrate a harvest or moon festival?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in any online courses, an intensive class in Hangzhou, a Chinese Cultural Experience in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Welcome back to Part 2 of our special episode on learning Chinese with AI! Daisy continues her conversation with Max (the German student who went from HSK 1 to recording a podcast in 9 months) and Xiao Laoshi (his teacher and founder of Chinese Surfing).

In this episode, we dive into the big question: Can AI replace Chinese teachers? Max shares a thought-provoking point — AI doesn’t make you “take responsibility.” Xiao Laoshi explains what AI can and cannot replace, and why real human interaction is irreplaceable when learning a language.

Max also asks Xiao Laoshi two interesting questions:

1. If DeepSeek wanted to add a new feature for Chinese learners, what should it be?

2. Are standard textbooks (like HSK official materials) boring and outdated?

Plus, Daisy shares some good news: our previous episode got more listens than ever — thank you, to our dear friends and listeners!

If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways (approximate)

00:00 – Opening & Good News
Daisy shares that Part 1 received more listens than expected. Thank you to everyone who listened, liked, and shared! Also a big thank you to Max and Xiao Laoshi.

00:30 – Recap of Part 1 & Introduction to Part 2
Quick recap: Max’s three AI methods, AI’s “hallucinations,” and the importance of prompts. Now we move to the big question: Can AI replace teachers?

01:40 – Max Summarizes: AI Is a Tool, Not the Only Tool
Max says AI is useful, but it’s not the only tool. Learning with real teachers (like Xiao Laoshi and other Chinese Surfing teachers) is more important than using AI. He also mentions that AI doesn’t know his learning history, but his teacher does.

📖 Keywords:

工具 (gōngjù) – tool

唯一 (wéiyī) – only

历史 (lìshǐ) – history

04:00 – Xiao Laoshi: Can AI Replace Chinese Teachers?
Xiao Laoshi breaks it down:

• What AI can replace: Delivering knowledge, explaining background, history, and stories.

• What AI cannot replace: Real communication with Chinese people. Language is a tool, but behind language are people. Every Chinese person is different. You need to know when to say what to build a better relationship.

• AI only answers when you ask. It doesn’t continue the conversation or give you reactions like a real teacher does.

📖 Keywords:

取代 (qǔdài) – replace

知识 (zhīshi) – knowledge

交流 (jiāoliú) – communicate

关系 (guānxì) – relationship

反应 (fǎnyìng) – reaction

08:20 – Max: AI Doesn’t Make You Take Responsibility
Max shares a key insight: If he has a meeting with ChatGPT, he doesn’t feel he must attend. But if he has a meeting with Xiao Laoshi, he is 800% sure to attend. AI doesn’t give you that sense of responsibility. Real teachers do.

📖 Keywords:

承担责任 (chéngdān zérèn) – take responsibility

责任感 (zérèngǎn) – sense of responsibility

11:00 – Max’s Question 1: What New Feature Should DeepSeek Add?
Max asks: If DeepSeek wanted to add a new feature to help Chinese learners, what should it be? Xiao Laoshi suggests a “foreign language learning mode” — where the AI knows you’re a learner, adjusts its language to your level, and gives answers based on your input (speed, pronunciation, errors). She also mentions that DeepSeek currently has three modes: quick answer, expert mode, and image mode. She wishes for a mode that combines image + text, so learners can choose what suits them best.

📖 Keywords:

模式 (móshì) – mode

功能 (gōngnéng) – feature

水平 (shuǐpíng) – level

适合 (shìhé) – suit

13:50 – Max’s Question 2: Are Standard Textbooks Boring?
Max points out that many schools use the same standard textbooks (like HSK official materials). He asks: Don’t you find it boring to teach the same stories again and again? Xiao Laoshi agrees — both students and teachers can find the materials boring. Textbooks are written long in advance, and language changes quickly. Sometimes the materials aren’t even that useful for teaching specific vocabulary or grammar. But now with AI, teachers can create better, more suitable materials for each student’s level and needs.

📖 Keywords:

教材 (jiàocái) – textbook

无聊 (wúliáo) – boring

标准 (biāozhǔn) – standard

复杂 (fùzá) – complex

麻烦 (máfan) – troublesome

20:00 – Conclusion: AI Is a Tool, But People Are at the Heart of Language
Daisy wraps up: AI is a useful tool, but not the only tool. Learning with teachers and real people is more important. Through Chinese, through language, we can meet more people, learn more, and become better versions of ourselves. Max and Xiao Laoshi agree. Xiao Laoshi also shares a touching thought: she feels lucky to be on this journey with Max, exploring what AI can do for Chinese learning together.

📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level)

HSK 3

• 无聊 (wúliáo) – boring

• 麻烦 (máfan) – troublesome

HSK 4

• 工具 (gōngjù) – tool

• 模式 (móshì) – mode

• 教材 (jiàocái) – textbook

• 知识 (zhīshi) – knowledge

• 交流 (jiāoliú) – communicate

• 关系 (guānxì) – relationship

• 适合 (shìhé) – suit

• 复杂 (fùzá) – complex

HSK 5

• 取代 (qǔdài) – replace

• 标准 (biāozhǔn) – standard

• 功能 (gōngnéng) – feature

• 反应 (fǎnyìng) – reaction

• 官方 (guānfāng) – official

HSK 6+

• 承担责任 (chéngdān zérèn) – take responsibility

• 责任感 (zérèngǎn) – sense of responsibility

• 唯一 (wéiyī) – only

💬 Join the Conversation

• Have you ever used AI to learn Chinese? What’s the most effective way you’ve found?

• Have you ever felt that AI lacks a “sense of responsibility” compared to a real teacher?

• Do you think standard textbooks are boring? How can AI help?

• Share your stories in the comments!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this two-part series, please share it with a friend who’s learning Chinese. See you next time!

Can AI really help you learn Chinese? And how should you use it to get the best results?

In this episode, host Daisy invites two special guests — Max, a German student who went from almost zero Chinese to recording a podcast in just 9 months, and Xiao, his Chinese teacher and the founder of Chinese Surfing. Together, they share Max‘s real-life experience using AI to learn Chinese.

In Part 1, we cover:

• Max’s 9‑month Chinese learning journey — from almost zero to fluent conversation

• Max‘s three core methods for using AI: checking grammar, writing assistance, and building custom learning tools

• Xiao’s first impression of Max — the “卷王juǎnwáng” (the most hard‑working student)

• Does AI ever “hallucinate” or give wrong answers? Max and Xiao Laoshi share their honest thoughts

• How to write good prompts for AI — and why it matters

If you’re a student using AI to learn Chinese, or just curious about “AI + language learning,” this episode will give you plenty of practical ideas.

If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening & Max‘s Self-Introduction
Max is from Germany. He started learning Chinese a year ago because his girlfriend’s family speaks Chinese. He began taking classes with Xiao in December last year. In just 9 months, he went from HSK 1 to recording a podcast in Chinese.

03:00 – Xiao‘s First Impression of Max
Xiao shares a funny first impression — Max would look away from the screen while speaking, making the teacher wonder if “there was a Chinese person next to him helping.” Max is also called the “Juan Wang” (the most hard‑working student) at Chinese Surfing.

📖 Keywords:

• 卷王 (juǎnwáng) – the most hard‑working person

• 人如其名(rénrúqímíng) – a person lives up to their name

07:25 – Max’s Three Core Methods for Using AI
Daisy summarizes Max‘s three methods:

1. Grammar checking — When writing Chinese sentences or messages, use AI to check errors and understand why they’re wrong

2. Writing assistance — Ask AI to create a story outline in your native language, then translate it into Chinese for practice

3. Building custom tools — Develop or customize your own AI tools to match your personal learning needs

📖 Keywords:

• 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) – artificial intelligence

• 研究报告(yánjiū bàogào) – research report

• 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt

• 语法 (yǔfǎ) – grammar

• 翻译(fānyì) – translate

• 开发(kāifā）– to develop

• 软件(ruǎnjiàn) – software

15:00 – Xiao Shares Max’s Unique AI Method
Xiao adds another interesting way Max uses AI — recording his lessons and using AI to organize notes. The AI automatically summarizes key points and mistakes, creating personalized review materials.

📖 Keywords:

• 整理 (zhěnglǐ) – to organize / sort out

• 文件 (wénjiàn) – document / file

• 复习 (fùxí) – review

• 笔记 (bǐjì) – notes

19:30 – Does AI Ever “Hallucinate”?
Max shares his honest take: AI can sometimes give answers that are too formal or not quite right. But as long as it makes learning Chinese feel like a fun activity, it’s not a big problem. His bigger concern is that AI doesn’t know his learning history — while Xiao does.

📖 Keywords:

• 准确 (zhǔnquè) – accurate

• 正式 (zhèngshì) – formal

27:00 – How to Use AI while learning Chinese
Xiao gives a key piece of advice: The most important thing when using AI is the prompt. Students can ask their Chinese teacher, “What prompt should I give to AI?” instead of guessing on their own.

📖 Keywords:

• 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt / instruction

📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level)

HSK 3

• 水平 (shuǐpíng) – level / proficiency

• 语法 (yǔfǎ) – grammar

• 复习 (fùxí) – to review

HSK 4

• 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) – artificial intelligence (AI)

• 开发 (kāifā) – to develop

• 整理 (zhěnglǐ) – to organize / sort out

• 文件 (wénjiàn) – document / file

• 准确 (zhǔnquè) – accurate

• 正式 (zhèngshì) – formal

• 笔记 (bǐjì) – notes

HSK 5

• 卷王 (juǎnwáng) – the most hard‑working person (slang)

• 指令 (zhǐlìng) – prompt / instruction

• 效率 (xiàolǜ) – efficiency

• 人如其名 (rén rú qí míng) – a person lives up to their name

HSK 6+

• 提示词 (tíshìcí) – prompt (AI term)

• 个性化 (gèxìnghuà) – personalized

💬 Join the Conversation

• Have you ever used AI to learn Chinese? What do you usually use it for?

• Has AI ever given you a wrong or weird answer?

• Max says, “AI is a tool, not the only tool.” Do you agree?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Coming Up in Part 2: Can AI really replace Chinese teachers? What question did Max have for DeepSeek? And what was Xiao Laoshi’s answer? Stay tuned for Part 2!

In this episode, Daisy unpacks the most common Chinese catchphrases — those everyday expressions where the literal meaning and the real meaning can be completely different.

This episode is ideal for HSK 4-6 learners who want to understand what Chinese people are really thinking. Once you decode these catchphrases, you‘ll truly start to understand “Chinese-style conversation.”

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – What is a “口头禅” (kǒutóuchán, catchphrase)?

Daisy explains the concept of 口头禅 — the words or short phrases people unconsciously repeat. Every culture has them, but Chinese catchphrases often reveal unique ways of thinking, social habits, and life philosophies.

02:50 – 随便 (suíbiàn) – “Whatever”

Literal meaning: “Anything is fine, you decide.”

Real meaning: “I don’t want to seem too opinionated,” “I don’t want to take responsibility for the decision,” or “I want to avoid conflict.”

Cultural context: Reflects the Chinese philosophy of 中庸 (zhōngyōng – the Doctrine of the Mean) — avoiding extremes and not appearing too assertive.

Practical tip: When someone says 随便, don’t actually decide randomly — give them two options to choose from.

05:30 – 挺好的 (tǐng hǎo de) – “Pretty good”

Literal meaning: “Very good, excellent.”

Real meaning: Depends entirely on tone! A smile + relaxed tone = genuinely good. Fast pace + flat tone = “It‘s okay, but I don’t want to say it’s bad.”

Practical tip: Listen to the tone, watch the expression, and observe what they do next.

07:15 – 真的假的？(zhēn de jiǎ de?) – “Really?”

Literal meaning: “Really? I don‘t believe you.”

Real meaning: Expressing surprise and interest — not actual doubt.

Practical tip: Just reply “真的呀!” and keep the conversation going.

08:20 – 多喝热水 (duō hē rè shuǐ) – “Drink more hot water”

Literal meaning: “Drink some hot water.”

Real meaning: “I care about you and hope you feel better soon.”

Cultural context: In traditional Chinese thinking, hot water is good for health; in TCM, warm water helps balance the body.

Practical tip: When you’re sick, it‘s genuine care; when friends joke about it, it’s teasing.

10:10 – 来都来了 (lái dōu lái le) – “Now that we‘re here…”

Literal meaning: “Since we’ve already come…”

Real meaning: “Since we‘re already in this situation, let’s just go with it.”

Cultural context: The philosophy of self-consolation — instead of complaining about what‘s already happened, accept it and make the best of it.

Interactive question: Does your language have a similar expression?

12:10 – 都不容易 (dōu bù róngyì) – “Life isn’t easy for anyone”

Literal meaning: “Everyone has it hard.”

Real meaning: “I understand you — I get what you‘re going through.”

Cultural context: Empathetic comfort — it doesn’t solve the problem, but it makes the other person feel understood.

13:20 – 为了你好 (wèi le nǐ hǎo) – “For your own good”

Literal meaning: “I‘m doing this for your own good.”

Real meaning: “I care about you and want what’s best for you.”

Cultural context: Very common in Chinese families — expresses care, but can also feel pressuring.

Practical tip: Thank them for their concern, then gently express your own thoughts: “谢谢您为我考虑，不过我自己也有别的想法。”

15:00 – Mini Quiz & Summary

Daisy gives two quiz questions to test if you‘re really starting to understand “Chinese-style conversation.” The takeaway: these phrases are simple on the surface, but their real meaning is hidden in tone, context, and culture. At the intermediate-advanced level, you’re not just learning vocabulary — you‘re learning what people don’t say out loud.

📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level)

HSK 3

• 随便 (suíbiàn) – whatever / as you like

• 口头禅 (kǒutóuchán) – catchphrase / pet phrase

• 语气 (yǔqì) – tone of voice

• 场合（chǎnghé）- occasion; situation

• 字面（zìmiàn）- literal meaning

HSK 4

• 表达 (biǎodá) – to express / expression

• 怀疑（huáiyí）- to doubt

• 关心 (guānxīn) – to care about

• 压力 (yālì) – pressure / stress

HSK 5

• 思维（sīwéi）- thinking

• 逻辑（luójí）- logic

• 共情 (gòngqíng) – empathy

• 安慰 (ānwèi) – to comfort

HSK 6+

• 哲学（zhéxué）- philosophy

• 场景（chǎngjǐng）- sight; scene

• 社交（shèjiāo）- social contact

• 强势（qiángshì）- strong and powerful

• 惊讶（jīngyà）- surprised

• 自我安慰 (zìwǒ ānwèi) – self-consolation

💬 Join the Conversation

Have you ever heard a Chinese catchphrase that totally confused you? What was your reaction the first time someone told you to “drink more hot water”? Share your stories in the comments!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou!

📧 Email: [email protected]

💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:

🎬Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 🌍 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?

📧 Email: [email protected]

Welcome back! This episode kicks off our Hangzhou Culture & Travel series – where we‘ll explore more fun topics about Hangzhou and Chinese cities. Perfect for HSK 3‑5 learners who want to learn about Chinese culture while improving their listening skills.

If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou — welcome to learn Chinese while exploring these world heritage sites!

In this episode, host Daisy takes you on a quick tour of Hangzhou‘s three “world-class business cards”:

• Liangzhu Ancient City – a 5,000‑year‑old civilization that proves China’s 5,000‑year history

• West Lake – the “textbook” of Chinese landscape aesthetics and the philosophy of “Harmony Between Heaven and Humanity”

• The Grand Canal – a 2,500‑year‑old “water highway” that connected northern and southern China

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening Question
Daisy asks: Have you ever been to a city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Do you know which Chinese city has three of them?

02:30 – Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins

• Located in Yuhang District, north of Hangzhou

• Dating back 5,300 to 4,300 years

• Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019

• Features a massive ancient city, a complex water conservancy system, rice farming, and exquisite jade artifacts

• Key evidence for “5,000 years of Chinese civilization”

📖 Keywords: 良渚古城遗址 (Liángzhǔ Gǔchéng Yízhǐ), 水利系统 (shuǐlì xìtǒng), 玉器 (yùqì）

03:35 – West Lake Cultural Landscape

• Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011

• Described as an outstanding example of a cultural landscape

• Embodies the Chinese philosophy of “Harmony Between Heaven and Humanity” (天人合一)

• Known for its poetic scenery, temples, pagodas, and gardens

📖 Keywords: 西湖 (Xīhú), 天人合一 (tiān rén hé yī), 哲学(zhéxué), 文人墨客 (wénrén mòkè)

05:00 – The Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section)

• Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014

• Total length: approximately 1,800 kilometers — the longest and oldest man‑made canal in the world

• First excavated 2,500 years ago; fully connected during the Sui Dynasty

• Functioned like an ancient “highway” — transporting grain, silk, and tea from the south to the north

• Gongchen Bridge (拱宸桥) — the southernmost landmark of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou

📖 Keywords: 大运河 (Dà Yùnhé), 拱宸桥 (Gǒngchén Qiáo), 隋朝 (Suí cháo)

07:30 – Recap & Listener Interaction

• Three UNESCO sites in one city: Liangzhu, West Lake, and the Grand Canal

• Daisy asks: If you were to introduce your city to a foreign friend, which place would you choose as its “world-class business card”?

• This episode kicks off the new Hangzhou Culture & Travel series — future topics will cover food, hidden spots, dialects, and more!

📖 Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level)

HSK 3

- 世界 (shìjiè) – world

- 历史 (lìshǐ) – history

- 城市 (chéngshì) – city

HSK 4

- 遗产 (yíchǎn) – heritage

- 文化 (wénhuà) – culture

- 遗址 (yízhǐ) – ruins / site

HSK 5

- 文明 (wénmíng) – civilization

- 水利 (shuǐlì) – water conservancy

- 哲学 (zhéxué) – philosophy

HSK 6

- 天人合一 (tiān rén hé yī) – harmony between heaven and humanity

- 文人墨客 (wénrén mòkè) – literati and artists

HSK 6+

- 良渚古城遗址 (Liángzhǔ Gǔchéng Yízhǐ) – Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins

- 拱宸桥 (Gǒngchén Qiáo) – Gongchen Bridge

💬 Join the Conversation

• Have you ever been to a city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

• If you were to introduce your city to a foreign friend, which place would you choose as its “world-class business card”?

• What topics about Hangzhou or Chinese cities would you like to hear next? Food? Dialects? History? Fun stories about foreigner life in China?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Chinese Surfing is right here in Hangzhou — learn Chinese while exploring these world heritage sites!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Why is 西瓜 (xīguā) called “west melon”? Why is 南瓜 (nánguā) called “south melon”? And why is 冬瓜 (dōngguā) — the “winter melon” — harvested and eaten in the middle of summer? Why is 黄瓜 (huángguā) — the “yellow melon” — green?

In this episode, host Daisy takes you on a fun journey through the names of four common Chinese melons. You’ll learn:

• How 西瓜 (xīguā) got its name from the Western Regions

• Why 南瓜 (nánguā) has so many different names in China — including 倭瓜 (wōguā), 东瓜 (dōngguā), and even 唐茄子 (tángqiézi) in Japan

• Why 冬瓜(dōngguā) is called “winter melon” even though it ripens in summer

• Why 黄瓜(huángguā) is called “yellow melon” even though it’s green

• And what 吃瓜 (chīguā) means in modern Chinese internet slang

This episode is perfect for HSK 4-6 learners who want to learn fun cultural facts while picking up practical vocabulary. Listen until the end to find out what 吃瓜 really means today!

If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing’s summer program is now open for registration!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening: Four melon name mysteries
Daisy asks four questions that every Chinese learner has wondered about: Why is 西瓜 called “west melon”? Why is 南瓜 “south melon”? Why is 冬瓜 “winter melon” when it’s a summer vegetable? And why is 黄瓜 “yellow melon” when it’s green?

01:00 – Part 1: 西瓜 — The “West Melon”

• 西瓜 originated in Africa and was introduced to China via the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty

• It came from the Western Regions (西域, Xīyù) — present-day Xinjiang and Central Asia

• Fun fact: Some scholars believe it may have arrived via the southeastern coast, which would make it “east melon” instead!

• 📖 Keywords: 西瓜 (xīguā), 西域 (Xīyù), 丝绸之路 (Sīchóuzhīlù)

03:00 – Part 2: 南瓜 — The “South Melon” with many names

• 南瓜 seeds came from 南番 (Nánfān) — southern foreign lands, mainly Southeast Asia

• It has many names across China: 倭瓜 (wōguā) — because people thought it came from Japan (倭 was the ancient Chinese name for Japan); 东瓜 (dōngguā) — because Japan is east of China; 高丽瓜 (gāolíguā) — because some thought it came from Korea

• In Japan, they call it 唐茄子 (tángqiézi) — because they thought it came from China (唐 = Tang Dynasty, representing China; 茄子 = general term for fruits/vegetables in Japanese)
  📖 Keywords: 南瓜 (nánguā), 倭瓜 (wōguā), 唐茄子 (tángqiézi), 南番 (Nánfān)

05:30 – Part 3: 冬瓜 — The “Winter Melon” that grows in summer

• Two theories on the name:

  • Theory 1: The white powder on the skin looks like winter frost, and the flesh is white like snow

  • Theory 2: The thick skin allows it to be stored through the winter

• Either way, the name comes from its appearance or storage ability — not its growing season
  📖 Keywords: 冬瓜 (dōngguā), 白霜 (báishuāng)

07:00 – Part 4: 黄瓜 — The “Yellow Melon” that’s green

• Originally called 胡瓜 (húguā) — brought back from the Western Regions by Zhang Qian (张骞) during the Han Dynasty

• 胡 (hú) referred to the ethnic groups in the western regions

• Renamed to 黄瓜 during the Sui Dynasty — Emperor Yang of Sui (隋炀帝) hated the character 胡 and ordered the name change

• Why “yellow”? Because cucumbers turn yellow when fully ripe! We eat them green and immature
  📖 Keywords: 黄瓜 (huángguā), 胡瓜 (húguā), 张骞 (Zhāng Qiān), 隋炀帝 (Suí Yángdì)

09:20 – Part 5: 吃瓜 — Internet slang

• 吃瓜 (chīguā) means “to follow gossip” or “to watch the drama”

• Origin: Early internet forums — people watching drama would say “前排吃瓜子” (eating sunflower seeds in the front row), like watching a show

• Eventually shortened to 吃瓜, and 瓜 became slang for “gossip” or “hot news”

• Common phrases: 今天有什么瓜？(What’s the tea today?), 我只是一个吃瓜群众 (I’m just here for the drama)
  📖 Keywords: 吃瓜 (chīguā), 吃瓜群众 (chīguā qúnzhòng), 八卦 (bāguà)

11:00 – Recap

• 西瓜 → from the Western Regions (西域)

• 南瓜 → from the south (南番), with many regional names

• 冬瓜 → white frost looks like winter snow; can be stored through winter

• 黄瓜 → originally 胡瓜, renamed by Emperor Yang of Sui; turns yellow when ripe

• 吃瓜 → internet slang for following gossip

💬 Join the Conversation

• What do you call watermelon, pumpkin, and cucumber in your language? Do the names have interesting meanings?

• Do you have any fun food name stories in your language?

• Have you heard or used 吃瓜 before? What’s the juiciest “瓜” you’ve come across recently?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Our summer program is now open for registration!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Summer is here — and in China, the hottest time of the year has a special name: 三伏天 (sān fú tiān) . In this episode, host Daisy takes you through everything you need to know about China’s “dog days” — from what 三伏天 actually means, to how the dates are calculated each year, to traditional foods, the famous 三伏贴 (sān fú tiē) therapy, and even some fun 顺口溜 (rhymes) to practice your pronunciation.

You’ll learn:

• What 三伏天 means and why it’s called the “dog days” in English 🐶

• How the dates are calculated — and why 2026 has a 40‑day “extended” 三伏天

• Traditional northern Chinese eating habits: dumplings, noodles, and Chinese style pancakes

• The TCM practice of 冬病夏治 (winter illnesses, summer treatment) and 三伏贴

• Three catchy 顺口溜 to practice and impress your Chinese friends

This episode is perfect for Mandarin learners who want to learn practical vocabulary, understand seasonal Chinese culture, and practice listening with clear, natural Chinese.

If you’re interested in an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing’s summer program is now open for registration!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening: What is 三伏天?
Daisy introduces the topic — the hottest, most humid days of the year in China. In English, it’s called “dog days.”
📖 Keywords: 三伏天 (sān fú tiān), dog days

01:40 – When is 三伏天 in 2026?

• 入伏 (rù fú) – the first day of 三伏天: July 15, 2026

• 初伏 (chū fú): July 15 – July 24 (10 days)

• 中伏 (zhōng fú): July 25 – August 13 (20 days)

• 末伏 (mò fú): August 14 – August 23 (10 days)
  Total: 40 days — an “extended version” of 三伏天. 中伏 overlaps with 大暑 (Great Heat), the hottest solar term of the year.
  📖 Keywords: 入伏 (rù fú), 初伏 (chū fú), 中伏 (zhōng fú), 末伏 (mò fú), 大暑 (dà shǔ)

Why do the dates change every year?
三伏天 is calculated using the traditional 干支纪日法 (Gānzhī calendar) and the 24 solar terms. 初伏 starts on the 3rd 庚日 (Gēng day) after 夏至 (Summer Solstice), and 末伏 starts on the 1st 庚日 after 立秋 (Start of Autumn). 初伏 and 末伏 are always 10 days, but 中伏 can be 10 or 20 days — making the whole 三伏天 either 30 or 40 days long.

05:50 – 头伏饺子二伏面，三伏烙饼摊鸡蛋
This northern Chinese saying tells you what to eat during each phase:

• 头伏饺子 (dumplings) – appetizing and satisfying, shaped like ancient gold ingots (元宝) for good luck

• 二伏面 (noodles) – hot noodles make you sweat, which helps release dampness from the body

• 三伏烙饼摊鸡蛋 (pancakes with eggs) – nutritious and energy‑rich
  📖 Keywords: 饺子 (jiǎozi), 面条 (miàntiáo), 烙饼 (làobǐng), 开胃 (kāiwèi), 解馋 (jiěchán)

07:10 – 三伏贴: TCM’s “Winter Illness, Summer Treatment”

• 三伏贴 (sān fú tiē) is a TCM therapy: small herbal patches placed on specific 穴位 (acupuncture points) during the hottest days.

• The theory behind it: 冬病夏治 (dōng bìng xià zhì) — treat winter illnesses in summer when the body’s 阳气 (yáng qì) is at its peak.

• Common conditions treated: chronic cough, allergic rhinitis, asthma, joint pain.

• Usually applied once per 伏, 6–8 hours each time. Many people do this for 3 consecutive years for best results.
  📖 Keywords: 三伏贴 (sān fú tiē), 冬病夏治 (dōng bìng xià zhì), 穴位 (xuéwèi), 阳气 (yáng qì), 抵抗力 (dǐkàng lì)

09:00 – Three 顺口溜 to practice
顺口溜 (shùn kǒu liū) are catchy, rhyming phrases that are fun and easy to remember. Daisy shares three:

① How hot is it?

一伏热，二伏燥，三伏烤，夏日炎炎真难熬！
(First 伏 is hot, second is dry, third is roasting — summer heat is really hard to bear!)

② What to eat

一伏吃冰棒，二伏喝绿豆汤，三伏啃西瓜，消暑降温好方法！
(First 伏 eat popsicles, second drink mung bean soup, third eat watermelon — great ways to cool down!)

③ Sweating like crazy

一伏汗如雨，二伏汗如瀑，三伏汗如海，泳池边成了最热闹的场所！
(First 伏 sweat like rain, second like a waterfall, third like the sea — the pool becomes the busiest place!)
📖 Keywords: 顺口溜 (shùn kǒu liū), 押韵 (yā yùn), 比喻 (bǐ yù), 夸张 (kuā zhāng)

E-mail Daisy to get Useful Vocabulary from this episode (by HSK Level) 📖

[email protected]

💬 Join the Conversation

• What do you call the hottest days of summer in your language/country?

• Have you ever tried 三伏贴 or any other TCM therapy?

• Which 顺口溜 was your favorite? Can you repeat it?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group!

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Our summer program is now open for registration!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Why do foreign students come to China to learn Chinese? And what keeps them motivated even at the advanced HSK 6 level?

In this episode, host Daisy sits down with two dedicated Chinese Surfing students – Jenny (from Luxembourg) and Raina (from Indonesia) – who are both studying HSK 6. They share their personal journeys learning Chinese, their honest thoughts on living in Hangzhou, and their most awkward (and proudest) Chinese language moments.

You’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to live and study Chinese in Hangzhou 🌿

• The biggest challenges when coming back to Chinese after a long break👀

• A hilarious story about misusing a word😂

• A proud moment using the idiom with family😄

• Practical study tips: how to remember new vocabulary fast💡

If you’re considering an intensive class in Hangzhou, a summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Hangzhou is the perfect place to learn Chinese!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening & Guest Introductions
Daisy welcomes Jenny (from Luxembourg) and Raina (from Indonesia). Both have been studying at Chinese Surfing for over two years and are currently taking HSK6 group classes.

02:40 – What Do You Think of Hangzhou?
Jenny shares her first impression: West Lake is beautiful, but the city feels similar to other big Chinese cities. After living here longer, she appreciates Hangzhou’s greenery – you can quickly get to nature for a walk or a small hike. The only downside? Summer is extremely hot and lasts a long time.
Raina agrees: she really enjoys Hangzhou’s绿化 (greenery) and environment.

📖 Keywords:

绿化 (lǜhuà) – greenery / landscaping

环境 (huánjìng) – environment

05:00 – Your Chinese Learning Background
Raina started learning Chinese in kindergarten and continued through high school – then took a 10-year break. When she came back, her Chinese had dropped to HSK 3 level. She restarted at Beijing Language and Culture University in 2023, then transferred to Zhejiang University in 2024. Now she’s at HSK 6.

📖 Keywords:

退步 (tuìbù) – to regress

重新开始 (chóngxīn kāishǐ) – to start over

Jenny grew up speaking Chinese with her family in Luxembourg but was born and raised there. She attended a Chinese primary school in Hangzhou for one year, then returned to Luxembourg. Her Chinese stayed at around HSK 4 level for years. She attended weekend Chinese schools but says they only maintained her level – they didn’t help her improve.

📖 Keywords:

保持 (bǎochí) – to maintain

提高 (tígāo) – to improve

华侨 (huáqiáo) – overseas Chinese

What drives Jenny to learn Chinese now?
Two regrets:

1) She couldn’t communicate deeply with her family because of language barriers.

2) She felt a distance from Chinese culture and people when visiting China. Improving her Chinese gives her more confidence and a sense of 归属感 (guīshǔgǎn – belonging) .

📖 Keywords:

距离 (jùlí) – distance

自信 (zìxìn) – confidence

归属感 (guīshǔgǎn) – sense of belonging

10:00 – What Keeps You Motivated to Study?
Daisy asks: besides your main goals, what motivates you to keep taking Chinese classes?
Raina says her motivation comes from the fun and interesting class content and the joy of studying with Jenny and her teacher.
Jenny jokes that she’s motivated by Raina’s compliments! (But really, studying with a friend makes it more enjoyable.)
📖 Keywords:

动力 (dònglì) – motivation

内容 (nèiróng) – content

有趣 (yǒuqù) – interesting

12:00 – Proud & Embarrassing Moments
Raina shares an embarrassing story: she heard her boyfriend use the word 懵逼 (měngbī – stunned/confused) and thought it meant “distracted” – so she told her boyfriend “开车不要懵逼” while he was driving, which sounded harsh and rude. 😂
Jenny shares a proud moment: she used the idiom 门可罗雀 (ménkěluóquè – very quiet/deserted) in front of her dad, and he was surprised and impressed!

15:00 – Best Study Tips
Jenny’s tip: Use new words immediately – in daily life, in conversations with family, or even in text messages. If nobody is around, practice by imagining sentences in your head. She says this helps her remember vocabulary faster.
Raina’s tip: When she sees a Chinese character, she mentally breaks down its structure and thinks about what words go with it – this helps her recognize characters and their combinations more easily.
📖 Keywords:

马上 (mǎshàng) – immediately

想象 (xiǎngxiàng) – to imagine

结构 (jiégòu) – structure

搭配 (dāpèi) – collocation

19:30 – One Piece of Advice for Other Learners
Raina: “Keep your passion for learning. Don’t lose confidence because of grades or tough exams. These are just normal challenges in learning.”
Jenny: “It’s never too late to start learning Chinese – or to rediscover it. ” No matter your age or past experience, you can always find a new way to learn that fits your current life.

23:05 – Closing: DeepSeek & Learning Chinese in Hangzhou
Daisy shares a timely connection: DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company that has been making global headlines, is headquartered in Hangzhou . And they’re actively hiring – no nationality restrictions, but they require employees to be able to work in Chinese . A perfect example of why Chinese skills matter more than ever.

Daisy invites listeners to join Chinese Surfing’s summer course in Hangzhou: morning classes with professional teachers, afternoon cultural activities – walking by West Lake, visiting Longjing Village for tea culture, exploring local markets, and practicing Chinese in real-life settings. Contact info in the shownotes.

💬 Join the Conversation

• Have you ever visited Hangzhou? What did you think?

• What keeps you motivated to learn Chinese?

• What’s your most embarrassing (or proudest) Chinese language moment?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group.

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Check out our summer program!

📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

Follow us:
Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Want the full PDF script of this episode?
📧 Email: [email protected]

Do you know the story behind the Dragon Boat Festival? In this episode, teacher Daisy takes you on a delicious and cultural journey through one of China’s most important traditional holidays.

You’ll learn:

- What zongzi (rice dumplings) are and Northerners and Southerners' preference

- How dragon boat racing is connected to the ancient poet Qu Yuan

- Why people hang ai cao (wormwood) on their doors during the festival

- The right way to greet someone during Dragon Boat Festival

This episode is perfect for learners at HSK 3–4 level and above who want to improve listening, learn real-life vocabulary, and discover Chinese culture in simple, clear Chinese.

If you’re looking for intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing has you covered – plus a special summer course introduction at the end of the episode!

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening

Daisy introduces the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节). It falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (late May to early June).

01:20 – 粽子Zòngzi: Sweet or Savory?

- Zongzi are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.

- Northern style: sweet with red dates, red bean paste, dipped in sugar.

- Southern style: savory with pork, salted egg yolk, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts.

- Daisy’s favorite: pork zongzi.

📖 Keywords: 粽子 (zòngzi), 糯米 (nuòmǐ), 甜 (tián), 咸 (xián)

03:40 – Dragon Boat Racing & Qu Yuan

- Qu Yuan was a patriotic poet who drowned himself in the Miluo River.

- People rowed boats to save him, later turning into dragon boat races.

- They threw zongzi into the river so fish wouldn’t eat his body.

- Today, dragon boat racing is an international sport.

📖 Keywords: 赛龙舟 (sài lóngzhōu), 屈原 (Qū Yuán), 汨罗江 (Mìluó Jiāng)

05:00 – Hanging Wormwood (Ai Cao)

- Ai Cao has a strong smell that repels insects.

- People hang it on doors during the festival for health and protection.

- You can buy fresh wormwood in markets or even as decorations.

📖 Keywords: 挂(guà), 艾草 (ài cǎo), 驱虫 (qū chóng), 平安 (píng ān)

06:00 – How to Greet Someone on Duanwu

- Traditional: “端午安康” (Duanwu Ankang – wish you peace and health).

- Modern: “端午快乐” (Duanwu Kuaile – happy Duanwu) is also widely accepted.

- Daisy teaches you the phrase: “端午节到了，祝您端午安康。”

📖 Keywords: 安康 (ānkāng), 祝福 (zhùfú)

08:00 – Summer Course in Hangzhou

- 4‑week intensive summer program in Hangzhou.

- Morning: 1-on-1 or small group lessons with professional teachers (all HSK levels).

- Afternoon: cultural activities – West Lake walks, tea culture at Longjing Village, calligraphy, silk, local markets, restaurants.

- You’ll get a certificate and a learning report.

09:40 – Recap & Farewell

Daisy reviews the key points and encourages listeners to practice speaking and join Chinese Surfing courses.

📖 Useful Vocabulary (by HSK Level)

| HSK | Chinese | Pinyin | English |

| 2 | 节日 | jiérì | festival |

| 2 | 粽子 | zòngzi | rice dumpling |

| 3 | 糯米 | nuòmǐ | glutinous rice |

| 3 | 传统 | chuántǒng | traditional |

| 3 | 比赛 | bǐsài | competition / race |

| 4 | 诗人 | shīrén | poet |

| 4 | 爱国 | àiguó | patriotic |

| 4 | 纪念 | jìniàn | to commemorate |

| 4 | 口味 | kǒuwèi | taste / flavor |

| 5 | 馅料 | xiànliào | filling |

| 5 | 安康 | ānkāng | peace and health |

| 6 | 驱虫 | qū chóng | to repel insects |

| 6+ | 汨罗江 | Mìluó Jiāng | Miluo River |

| 6+ | 艾草 | ài cǎo | wormwood |

💬 Join the Conversation

- Have you ever tried zongzi? Do you prefer sweet or savory?

- Do you have a similar festival in your country?

- How would you reply if a Chinese friend said “端午安康” to you?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your thoughts in your Chinese learning group.

📩 Learn Chinese with Chinese Surfing

Interested in intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou? Check out our 4‑week summer program in Hangzhou!

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌍 WeChat: Chinesesurfing2

💬 Whatsapp: +86 198 5741 8482

🔍Website: www.chinese-surfing.com

Follow us:

Instagram & Xiaohongshu: Chinese Surfing

🎁 Free learning materials: 👉 www.chinese-surfing.com

📜 Full PDF script of this episode? 📧 [email protected]

Next Episode Preview: More Chinese culture and language tips – stay tuned!

Welcome back to The Chinese Surfing Podcast! Today is the first episode of our brand‑new series – “Foreign Student Interviews & Chinese Showcase” . Our first guest is Bruno, a Brazilian student who has been learning Chinese for nearly seven years. He loves reading, music, photography, and even plays the guqin.

In this episode, Bruno shares his fascinating journey of Chinese names. His first Chinese name was 王爵 (Wáng Jué) – a cool name that means “duke”. But he noticed that Chinese friends rarely called him by that name. Why? Later, with the help of AI and friends, he found a new name: 王魏澜 (Wáng Wèilán) , a poetic name that also matches his Bazi (Chinese astrological elements) which said he needed water and wood elements. The name sounds beautiful and feels natural to use in daily life.

👂Bruno talks about:

• Why Bruno’s first Chinese name “Wang Jue” made his Chinese friends awkward

• How AI and Bazi helped Bruno pick his new name “Wang Weilan”

• A funny story at the Chinese customs when his old name caused confusion

• Practical tips for foreign learners to choose a suitable Chinese name

This heartwarming and humorous conversation is great for intermediate to advanced learners. You’ll learn how to talk about names, personal preferences, and cultural perceptions in Chinese. And if you’re thinking about your own Chinese name, this episode will give you great ideas.

If you’re looking for intensive class in Hangzhou, summer camp in Hangzhou, or HSK preparation in Hangzhou, Chinese Surfing is here to help.

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Opening

Daisy introduces the new series and welcomes Bruno, a Brazilian student who loves Chinese culture and plays the guqin.

01:10 – Bruno’s formal self‑introduction

“大家好，我叫王魏澜。我来自巴西，学习中文已经快要到七年了。”

📖Keywords:

• 介绍 (jièshào) – to introduce

• 名字 (míngzi) – name

• 巴西 (Bāxī) – Brazil

• 学习中文 (xuéxí zhōngwén) – to learn Chinese

04:00 – How Bruno got his first Chinese name: 王爵 (Wáng Jué)

He chose the surname 王(wáng) because he was born in the Year of the Tiger (the tiger’s forehead has a “王” marking).

爵(jué) came from his Portuguese surname meaning “duke”.

A teacher at Nanjing Normal University suggested 王爵.

Although Bruno loved the name, Chinese friends felt awkward calling him “Wáng Jué”.

📖Keywords:

• 属虎 (shǔ hǔ) – born in the Year of the Tiger

• 姓 (xìng) – surname

• 公爵 (gōngjué) – duke

• 称号 (chēnghào) – title / appellation

07:30 – Why he decided to change his name

Chinese friends rarely used his Chinese name; they preferred his English name. Bruno realized that a royal title might sound too strange in everyday conversation.

📖 Keywords:

• 朋友 (péngyou) – friend

• 换名字 (huàn míngzi) – to change one’s name

• 尴尬 (gāngà) – awkward

09:10 – How Bruno found his new name: 王魏澜 (Wáng Wèilán)

He still wanted to keep 王 as his surname.

Using AI to check his Bazi (Chinese zodiac elements), he learned he “lacks water and wood”.

He loves the color blue. His friend suggested finding a name that sounds like “lánsè” (blue) with water and wood radicals.

They found 魏澜:

• 魏wèi contains the “wood” radical (from 禾/grass), also has the “ghost” radical (鬼) – perfect for his love of ghost stories. 魏wèi is also the name of an ancient Chinese kingdom (Wei State), which appeals to his interest in Chinese history.

• 澜lán contains the “water” radical (氵), balancing his lack of water.

• The pronunciation Wèilán is a homophone of 蔚蓝 (deep sky blue), his favorite color.

• The name is poetic, personal, and perfectly suited to him.

📖 Keywords:

• 八字 (bāzì) – Bazi (Chinese astrological birth chart)

• 五行 (wǔxíng) – five elements

• 偏旁 (piānpáng) – radical (of a character)

• 谐音 (xiéyīn) – homophone

• 蔚蓝 (wèilán) – deep sky blue

15:00 – A funny story

When returning to China, a customs officer saw his old name 王爵 on the passport and asked about it. Bruno explained he had changed his name, and the officer said, “That’s a good change.”

📖 Keywords:

• 海关 (hǎiguān) – customs

• 护照 (hùzhào) – passport

• 改名字 (gǎi míngzi) – to change one’s name

16:00 – How people use his new name

Now his Chinese friends and even his squash coach call him 王魏澜 (or simply 魏澜). He says happily: “我的名字现在有用了!”(My Chinese name is useful now!)

17:30 – Bruno’s tips for choosing a Chinese name

• Search online (Baidu or AI) to make sure the name has no bad meanings.

• Be creative – find characters that suit your personality, not just a phonetic match.

• Ask Chinese friends or colleagues for their opinions.

• Try using Bazi (Chinese astrological elements) – it’s very “Chinese” and fun.

20:00 – Closing reflections

Bruno thanks Daisy for believing in his Chinese. He encourages everyone: even if your Chinese is not perfect, be brave and do what you want to do.

22:00 – Daisy’s invitation

Daisy invites listeners to join the podcast to share their own Chinese stories. She also promotes Chinese Surfing’s summer courses and HSK preparation classes – available both online and in Hangzhou.

💬 Join the Conversation

• Do you have a Chinese name? How did you choose it?

• Have you ever felt that your Chinese name was awkward or too “special”?

• Would you consider using Bazi or AI to help pick a new name?

Leave a comment on your podcast platform or share your story in your Chinese learning group.

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📜 Full PDF script of this episode? 📧 [email protected]

Stay tuned for another inspiring story!