
What we’re about
Established in 2006, the Vancouver Chinese Language Club (formerly known as Vancouver Mandarin Chinese Club) is Metro Vancouver’s longest-running Chinese language and cultural exchange club with the largest member base. We are including Mandarin, Cantonese, and other dialects to support members' interests. Our purpose is to offer a friendly and pressure-free environment for learners to improve their language skills, practice with native speakers, and share learning experiences. It also provides native Chinese speakers an opportunity to meet people interested in the Chinese language and culture and serves as a great opportunity to meet new friends.
Our events are hosted by several volunteers based on member demand. Currently, 3 types of events are held regularly:
[Casual] Mandarin Conversations: Focused on learning and practicing Chinese in an open-floor casual environment
• Saturday, twice a month online (see calendar)
• Wednesday, weekly online except for 1st Weds of month in person (see calendar)
[Toastmasters] Public Speaking in Mandarin: Provides a unique opportunity to practice Chinese speaking in a group setting through the "Toastmasters International" format
• 2nd & 4th Thursday of month online
[Social] Gatherings/Events: "Just for fun" and making new friends
• Occasionally on demand, in person
The Mandarin proficiency levels of members range from absolute beginners to native speakers. It is typical for some beginner learners to feel intimidated by advanced speakers in the club. Our suggestion is to not be afraid. It is OK if you don't understand everything discussed in the meeting. Your "job" is to improve your level a little bit by the end of the meeting by learning some new words or sentences. As you continue to attend the meetings, one day in the near future, you will find yourself amongst the intermediate to advanced-level members. Practice makes perfect!
The format of this club is NOT like a credited course offered at a university or college, which means you will not see systematic teaching material for the club. However, you are encouraged to take a formal course at a college and attend this meetup for additional practice and opportunities to speak the language. Native speakers are more than welcome to attend the meetings to help out Mandarin & Cantonese learners. People who have a particular experience related to the Chinese language and culture are encouraged to come to share their resources.
We welcome people of all cultural backgrounds to join, socialize, and network!
We're hosting our biggest annual event again! Join us for fun games, activities, and refreshments!
- Meet and chat with new friends
- Speakers of all languages welcomed
- Board games (e.g. Mahjong, Xiangqi, card games)
- Water colour workshop/experience
- Intro to Mandarin language
- Open Karaoke
- Joint event with Crazy Van Asians Meetup group (please do not register on both groups)
Consider to bring:
- Lawn chairs or seating mats (seating is limited)
Cost: $10 cash or e-transfer (includes food and drinks)
Pay cash on site or e-transfer to organizer John (DM for email)
Co-sponsors:
Vancouver Mandarin Toastmasters Club
Vancouver Mandarin School
Kiki Lau | Kae Kae Studio
OLPLC Metrotower Law Chambers
Maureen Yeung | RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Organizers are preparing activities, food (sandwiches, salads, fruits, snacks, desserts), and drinks in advance! Please show up if you register. Avoid doing last minute sign-ups or cancellations. Last day cancellation or no-shows will be blacklisted for future events. No guest RSVP allowed, so each person must sign up individually. RSVP closes on Friday, June 27th by 10pm.
Contact person: John @ 778-322-3533
Location & How to find us:
Inside Central Park at the South Picnic Area, beside the Lower Pond near Imperial Street.
See: Google map pin (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UPHgPDsgCcxfN1zy6)
The South Picnic Area is inside Burnaby Central Park, beside the Lower Pond, west of the Pitch & Putt Golf course entrance building, north of Imperial Street, and beside the Imperial Street parking lot. We may be located in between trees so make sure you walk around the entire pond area and look for our Meetup sign. Arrive early to find the picnic spot. Call John if you are clearly lost.
If driving, there's limited parking near the Imperial Street parking lot or in the residential area south of Imperial Street. If taking transit, it is a 15 minute walk from Patterson Skytrain Station.
Recommendation for visitors/new-immigrants/tourists:
Feel free to explore Central Park! There are beautiful walking trails, ponds, and events at Swangard Stadium. For sports there is a full 18-hole pitch & putt golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and baseball field. Take an adventure through the park in the afternoon!
https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/central-park
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- [Social] Summer Picnic in Central ParkCentral Park (South Picnic Area), Burnaby, BCCA$10.00
We're hosting our biggest annual event again! Join us for fun games, activities, and refreshments!
- Meet and chat with new friends
- Speakers of all languages welcomed
- Board games (e.g. Mahjong, Xiangqi, card games)
- Water colour workshop/experience
- Intro to Mandarin language
- Open Karaoke
- Joint event with Crazy Van Asians Meetup group (please do not register on both groups)
Consider to bring:
- Lawn chairs or seating mats (seating is limited)
Cost: $10 cash or e-transfer (includes food and drinks)
Pay cash on site or e-transfer to organizer John (DM for email)Co-sponsors:
Vancouver Mandarin Toastmasters Club
Vancouver Mandarin School
Kiki Lau | Kae Kae Studio
OLPLC Metrotower Law Chambers
Maureen Yeung | RE/MAX Real Estate ServicesOrganizers are preparing activities, food (sandwiches, salads, fruits, snacks, desserts), and drinks in advance! Please show up if you register. Avoid doing last minute sign-ups or cancellations. Last day cancellation or no-shows will be blacklisted for future events. No guest RSVP allowed, so each person must sign up individually. RSVP closes on Friday, June 27th by 10pm.
Contact person: John @ 778-322-3533
Location & How to find us:
Inside Central Park at the South Picnic Area, beside the Lower Pond near Imperial Street.
See: Google map pin (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UPHgPDsgCcxfN1zy6)The South Picnic Area is inside Burnaby Central Park, beside the Lower Pond, west of the Pitch & Putt Golf course entrance building, north of Imperial Street, and beside the Imperial Street parking lot. We may be located in between trees so make sure you walk around the entire pond area and look for our Meetup sign. Arrive early to find the picnic spot. Call John if you are clearly lost.
If driving, there's limited parking near the Imperial Street parking lot or in the residential area south of Imperial Street. If taking transit, it is a 15 minute walk from Patterson Skytrain Station.
Recommendation for visitors/new-immigrants/tourists:
Feel free to explore Central Park! There are beautiful walking trails, ponds, and events at Swangard Stadium. For sports there is a full 18-hole pitch & putt golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and baseball field. Take an adventure through the park in the afternoon!
https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/central-park