To help readers studying Chinese as a second language, Beijing-based Sinolingua has published a number of useful books. More information can be obtained at http://www.sinolingua.com.cn/.

HSK Mock Tests

Compiled by experienced Chinese teachers from the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and according to the outline of HSK test, the set of tests includes three volumes: Basic, Elementary and Intermediate, and Advanced.

By completing the intensive exercises, students will be able to better understand and master main language points and basic vocabulary, and in doing so fully prepare themselves for HSK exams.

HSK Mock Test (Basic): 29 yuan (US$3.60)

3 cassette tapes: 33 yuan (US$4)

HSK Mock Test (Elementary & Intermediate): 29 yuan (US$3.60)

3 cassette tapes: 33 yuan (US$4)

HSK Mock Test (Advanced): 32 yuan (US$4)

3 cassette tapes: 33 yuan (US$4)

Chinese Characters in Pictures (in two volumes)

In the two volumes of "Chinese Characters in Pictures," about 200 commonly used Chinese characters are introduced and explained in terms of the structure and the way it symbolizes their meaning.

It also includes the stroke order used to write characters, the way in which characters are arranged in Chinese dictionaries, and everyday words and phrases written in characters.

Price: 39 yuan (US$4.80) for each of the two volumes

250 Chinese Words to Get You Around Beijing

You might find it difficult to believe that you can live in Beijing or even travel around China with less than 250 Chinese words.

But that dream is within your reach if you use this book. It has seven chapters: eating and drinking, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, shopping, visiting the doctor and asking for help.

The relevant phrases all composed of three to five Chinese characters will also be provided as they appear in each chapter.

All the phrases, most of which are illustrated, have similar expressions, antonyms, humorous points, tips plus pinyin and English annotations attached.

Price: 30 yuan (US$3.70)

Learning Chinese While Travelling in China

This book offers a way to learn and practise Chinese language skills in various tourism settings, such as "introducing yourself," "air travel," "getting through customs," "looking for missing luggage," "taking a taxi," "booking a ticket," "dining" and "changing money." All the texts are given in both English and Chinese, with an easy search index.

In addition, the third and fourth sections of the book offer rich travel information, including commonly used telephone numbers, descriptions of renowned Chinese sight-seeing spots, transportation, accommodation and shopping. It is a must for tourists traveling around China.

Price: 36 yuan (US$4.40)

An Easy Approach to Chinese (in two volumes)

It is designed for foreigners enrolled on short-term Chinese language courses, including English speaking business people working in China.

It is based on actual situations frequently encountered by foreigners living in China.

Price: 80 yuan (US$9.90)

Intensive Spoken Chinese

This book is specially designed with a brand-new approach for foreign students beginning to learn Chinese. It includes 40 topics covering virtually all aspects of daily communication, introducing more than 1,000 commonly used words, and 80 essential aspects of Chinese grammar.

Price: 29.80 yuan (US$3.70)

Popular Chinese Expressions

This textbook focuses on teaching spoken Chinese to language learners. It provides useful expressions, commonly required by foreign learners. The dialogues focus on specific situations in order to help learners know when to use each expression.

Price: 20.80 yuan (US$2.60)

(China Daily January 19, 2006)