Roots Zhao · Chinese teacher from Chengdu

Learn Real Chinese with Roots

Speak naturally, understand the culture behind the words, and use Chinese with confidence.

Practical lessons built around everyday situations, clear pronunciation, and stories that make the language feel alive.

Roots Zhao, professional Chinese teacher
More than a language lesson

A teacher shaped by language, performance, and culture

Hi, I’m Roots Zhao, a Chinese teacher from Chengdu. My background in professional Mandarin pronunciation, voice work, and museum cultural interpretation shapes the way I teach.

I help learners hear how Chinese really sounds, understand why people say things the way they do, and use the language with more ease in everyday life.

  • Clear pronunciationBuild a natural, confident voice in Chinese.
  • Real communicationLearn through situations and conversations that matter.
  • Cultural contextSee the habits and stories behind the language.
Learn More About Roots
Roots Zhao wearing Hanfu in Chengdu
Roots Zhao sharing Chinese culture as a museum volunteer guide
How I teach

Language makes sense when it has a life around it

I connect each lesson to a situation, a person, or a cultural idea—so Chinese becomes something you can understand and use.

Roots teaching Chinese through a real online classroom activity

Learn Chinese in context

In my lessons, words begin inside conversations and useful situations—not as isolated lists to memorise.

A traditional Chengdu teahouse where everyday conversation and culture meet

Use Chinese in real life

We practise what you actually want to say—while travelling, working, sharing a meal, or getting to know people.

Roots Zhao sharing cultural stories as a volunteer museum guide

Understand the culture behind it

Drawing on my museum work, we explore the habits and stories that give everyday Chinese its meaning.

Ways to learn

Choose the experience that fits your life

Learn with personal guidance, follow a clear beginner course, practise with a group, or take Chinese into the streets of Chengdu and Chongqing.

A real 1-on-1 online Chinese lesson showing Roots, a learner, and the lesson material
Personal guidance · Built around you

1-on-1 Chinese Lessons

A lesson plan shaped around your level, pace, pronunciation, and the conversations you want to have in real life.

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HSK Standard Course 1 textbook used in the Roots Chinese HSK1 online course
Start from zero · Self-pacedNow Open

HSK1 Online Course

A structured beginner course with guided video lessons, pronunciation practice, textbook audio, and homework.

Early Bird US$14.90 · 12 months access

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Learners from different countries having a Mandarin speaking roundtable
Speak together · Small group

Mandarin Speaking Lab

A guided space for HSK3+ learners to discuss real topics and express ideas more naturally in Chinese.

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Sharing Chongqing hotpot as part of a local Chinese immersion experience
Culture in real life

Chengdu & Chongqing Chinese Immersion Experience

Explore food, neighbourhoods, and city life while using practical Mandarin with a local teacher.

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Learning is personal

Different learners, different journeys

You do not need the same Chinese as everyone else. Start with the goal that feels most useful to you.

  1. Beginner learner

    Start speaking Chinese from zero

    Build a calm foundation in useful sounds and sentences.

  2. HSK learner

    Build a strong foundation

    Connect exam knowledge to Chinese you can use.

  3. Conversation learner

    Express your ideas naturally

    Share opinions and stories in your own Chinese voice.

Roots Zhao sharing a relaxed moment in Chengdu
Meet your teacher

Chinese has always been more than words to me

I’m from Chengdu, a city where conversation, food, humour, and everyday life all carry their own rhythm. My professional Mandarin training taught me precision; sharing culture in museums taught me how to make a story meaningful.

Today I bring those two sides together for learners around the world: clear guidance, real communication, and a warmer way into Chinese culture.

About Roots
Start with a conversation

Where would you like your Chinese to take you?

Tell me what you want to understand, say, or experience. I’ll help you find a useful place to begin.