How many times have you said, “I really think I’d like to learn Chinese“? Well, Mandarin is fast becoming the cool kid of language learning. And China’s biggest holiday is the ideal time for a deeper dive.
Thursday 1st – Wednesday 7th October 2026 is known as Golden Week, when China celebrates National Day. This public holiday marks the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949.
You can expect fireworks, red flags, and cities dressed to impress. But more to the point, it’s a golden moment to learn Chinese and get in on the action.
Why is it a Golden Opportunity to Learn Chinese in the 2020s?
Spanish and French still wear the crown in terms of the most learned languages in the UK. But Mandarin is soaring for many and varied reasons. And here’s why:
- The UK population is sitting up and taking notice – Around 18% of UK adults say it’s one of the most important languages for young people to learn, just behind those two.
- Language future fitness – British Council research ranks the Chinese language as a top non-European language for Britain’s future.
- Gen Z is smitten – 18 -24-year-olds are noticeably keener on all things Chinese than older generations, due to rebellion against traditional norms, infrastructure envy and affordable consumerism.
Yet learning Chinese isn’t a decision to be take on a whim. It’s an uphill slog as far as learning a language goes. So, you’ll need to be a dedicated student to succeed.
The Challenges You Need to Know About Learning Chinese – and How to Overcome Them
It’s unfamiliar tones and characters make learning Chinese a steep ascent. For this reason, many adult learners we teach feel wobbly once the initial excitement fades.
Career dreams and a love of Chinese culture get them started. But it’s another matter entirely to stay the course after the initial flush of personal development.
The good news is you can absolutely learn Chinese with expert teachers, a supportive class, and a stubborn streak.
At la Academia, we’ll bring the first two if you bring the last. And Golden Week is prime time to start.
Get in touch about the best learning and tuition options to make “one day” “day one.”