About me
Who is NanNan?
Where Business Meets Mandarin: My Journey Turning a city into a Classroom
Hey,This is NanNan.
When I first started teaching Mandarin 12 years ago, I quickly realized that most adult learners didn’t struggle because the language was hard — they struggled because the learning felt disconnected from their real lives.
That’s when I decided to change the way I teach.
Instead of keeping lessons inside four walls, I began bringing my students outside — into cafés, offices, markets, and streets. A coffee order became a confidence boost. A business lunch turned into a speaking opportunity. A walk through the French Concession became a lesson in both Mandarin and culture. Shanghai itself became the classroom.
Over the years, I’ve coached executives preparing for boardroom presentations, entrepreneurs building partnerships in China, and expats simply wanting to connect with the world around them. My lessons are always practical, personalized, and rooted in real-world interaction — because that’s where the language lives.
Now, through my program Mandarin Plus, I offer tailor-made business Mandarin coaching and immersive learning experiences for professionals who want more than just survival phrases. I help you speak with clarity, connect with confidence, and navigate China with ease — one conversation at a time.
From Mandarin to Mountains: A Journey Through Shanghai and Beyond
It all started with my Mandarin classes. Every day, I moved from one student to another — walking, biking, sometimes just wandering — between cafés, homes, and offices all across Shanghai. During those in-between moments, I began to really see the city. I’ve walked almost every corner of Shanghai, and since 2019, I’ve been quietly documenting it — through my lens and my footsteps. I call this personal journey “Lost in Shanghai.”
I know the smell of morning soy milk steaming from a hidden alley, the quiet charm of a teahouse tucked behind a shikumen wall, the best xiaolongbao shops only locals know. These aren’t just places — they’re stories. And now, I share them with my students and travelers, turning lessons into experiences and city walks into cultural deep dives.
But my journey doesn’t stop at the city limits.
Over the past decade, I’ve traveled across nearly every province of China. I’ve led expat hikes through deserts and oases, wandered ancient villages, climbed snow mountains, and stood beneath the stars near Mt. Everest. From the silence of Tibetan lakes to the colorful prayer flags along the Annapurna Circuit, I’ve seen the breathtaking range of China and its neighbors.
Traveling has taught me the same thing language has — that connection is everything.
So whether we’re practicing Mandarin over street food in a lane house, or planning your next adventure into China’s wild beauty, I’m here to guide you — not just to places, but to experiences that stay with you.
How you can join me
“Every city has a language. Every language tells a story. Join me, and let’s uncover the rhythm of Mandarin and the soul of China together.”
Get in touch
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk!
Book a free 20-minute call to discuss your Mandarin goals, travel interests, or how I can tailor an experience just for you.
Let’s make your time in China meaningful.