I’ve always believed in the transformative power of languages. The ability to connect with people from different corners of the world by speaking even just a bit of their native tongue brings a deep sense of fulfillment that’s hard to find anywhere else. After starting my Chinese language studies in Beijing, I continued my journey at Omeida Chinese Academy in Yangshuo. Nestled in this serene, naturally idyllic town of Southern China, Omeida gave me a unique and unforgettable language learning experience. Here’s how:
The Perfect Learning Environment
Omeida has mastered the balance between structure and immersion. The teachers at Omeida are exceptional—passionate, engaging, and deeply invested in their students’ success. The teaching itself is supplemented up by an abundance of cultural activities, weekend trips, class dinners and events that reinforced my learning and allowed me to make foreign and local Chinese friends.
Yangshuo vs. Beijing: A Different Language Experience
Studying Chinese in a place like Beijing may have its advantages, but Yangshuo offered something unique. Aside from the calmness here compared to the hustle and bustle of Beijing life, it’s the immersive environment at Omeida that allowed me to gain more from the experience. In Beijing, it was easy to get stuck into an international student ‘bubble’, and I would often fall back on English in day-to-day interactions with other foreign friends.
However, in Yangshuo, the vibrant interaction between English and Chinese departments, the friendly and open atmosphere and the variety of activities on offer made it easy for me to form genuine connections with Chinese friends. I had already spent 10 months in Beijing, but making local friends there felt like an uphill battle. Here however, it was remarkably easy—almost effortless.
The environment at Omeida fosters a sense of community where relationships form naturally. You don’t have to go out of your way to build friendships. The setup itself encourages interaction, whether it’s during a group activity or a casual conversation between classes. I often found myself chatting with my teachers and classmates after lessons, and before I knew it, we’d be grabbing a meal together, hiking up a mountain together or even going on a hot-air balloon together!
Activities:
Some of my favorite memories from my time in Yangshuo include 漂流 (rafting), which was an exhilarating and adventurous experience. I also had the chance to take a short boat to explore Fuli Village, where we wandered through a vibrant local market, sampling completely unfamiliar delicacies while soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery.
Omeida also offers a weekly Culture Class, the perfect opportunity to mingle with Chinese friends, practice your Mandarin, and dive deeper into Chinese culture. The class covers everything from the art of mooncakes and Chinese coffee to lacquered fans and traditional tie-dye. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an enjoyable way to reinforce language learning while exploring the rich cultural heritage of China.
That’s not to say you can’t do your own thing!
Yangshuo as a town offers endless opportunities to explore on your own. You can easily hop on a scooter and explore the lush karst landscapes, winding paths, caves and hidden gems of this gorgeous town. One of my favourite spots became 发呆, a café with a swimming pool to enjoy the breathtaking view. And don’t forget to check out the exciting and interestingly named ‘Romance Park’!
The Nightlife:
Yangshuo may be a small town, but it has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re into laid-back bars or live music, there’s something for everyone. West Street, Yangshuo’s famous pedestrian street, is filled with street performers, food stalls, restaurants, Karaoke, bars and more.
Food: The Heart of Every Experience
Yangshuo has some incredible local food spots and you can find practically anything here. I quickly became addicted to skewers of all kinds of grilled meats and veggies. When craving a taste of home, I would hit up Demo, which offers great Western options in a cozy setting, especially their Pizza. But my absolute favourite has to be Liaoge廖哥, a local chain known for its delicious home-style cooking.
The people:
One of the standout aspects of my time in Yangshuo was the incredible warmth and helpfulness of the people. Whether it was for something simple like helping me purchase tickets to the Romance Park or navigating more chaotic situations, like getting locked out of my room, being stranded in another city, or even tracking down a lost package in another city, I could always count on someone to lend a hand. The locals and staff at Omeida created that sense of community, which became one of the most valuable parts of my experience.
More Than Just a Language School
If you’re considering studying Chinese and want to immerse yourself in both the language and the beauty of China, Omeida is the place to be.
