Whether you want to travel in China, make new friends or take advantage of the economic opportunities connected to China’s rapid growth, Mandarin Chinese has become one of the world’s most useful languages.

Now and in the future, non-native speakers of Chinese will have access to people, places and opportunities that others won’t.

Picking the right place to learn Chinese is important – a good language environment and a good school can make a big difference in the time it takes to become proficient in this difficult language.

That’s why coming to Dali and studying at Dali College of Eastern Language and Culture is an increasingly popular choice for foreigners who are serious about learning Chinese.


Why study Chinese in Dali?
There are many reasons why Dali is one of the best cities in China to learn Chinese.

Language environment:
Unlike more international cities like Shanghai or Beijing, Dali doesn’t have a very large expat population or an overwhelming number of English-speaking locals – this translates to more daily opportunities to speak and practice Chinese. Furthermore, the local dialect in Dali is much closer to standard Mandarin than Cantonese or Shanghainese.

Low cost of living:
Located far from the expensive cities on the Chinese coast, Dali is one of the cheapest big cities in China. Food, rent and entertainment costs are usually one-half to one-third of China’s coastal regions.

Great weather:
Dali is home to some of the mildest and most pleasant weather of any city in China. A mountain city just north of the tropics, high temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) and lows are typically around 10°C (50°F). Dali also has some of the cleanest air and bluest skies of any Chinese city. Not surprisingly, it is one of China’s most laid-back cities.

Why Dali College of Eastern Language and Culture?

Focus on the student:
Dali College of Eastern Language and Culture is a privately owned education provider focused on providing its students with the best possible teachers, curriculum and environment for learning Chinese. Unlike state-funded universities that rely on their name to attract students, DCEL has built up its business based on its reputation for quality.

Student visas:
DCEL is the only privately run school in Dali able to procure student visas (‘X’ visas) for its students. By obtaining a visa through DCEL, students can avoid the bureaucracy of universities and focus on learning Chinese rather than wasting time sorting out visa issues.

Flexibility:
DCEL has more than one hundred students, each with their own Chinese levels and schedules. Beginning, intermediate and advanced students of Chinese can take classes with other students or opt for a more personalized, one-on-one study program. Rather than forcing a schedule on its students, DCEL works with students to provide a class schedule that works for the student.

Location:
Conveniently located on Dali Old Town and a short walk from Chinese restaurants, cafés and bars.