The Confucius Institute Maastricht and the Chinese Language Center Rotterdam have launched a new short-form video series on YouTube titled Learn Chinese with Tète 特特 the Panda. The series highlights how Chinese can be used in real-life situations beyond the classroom, with a focus on daily communication, travel, and cultural experiences.
Learning Chinese is about more than sitting in a classroom and learning vocabulary. It is also about using the language in authentic contexts and understanding how it connects to everyday life and culture. This idea lies at the heart of the new video series, which presents Chinese language learning through short, engaging, and accessible videos.
Travel, Language, and Real-Life Experiences
In the first seven episodes, viewers follow Tète 特特 the Panda on a journey from Rotterdam to Italy during the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The panda is accompanied by one of the institute’s Chinese teachers, who was officially selected as a volunteer for the event.
Each episode is a 40–60 second travel vlog that introduces Chinese phrases and vocabulary through real experiences, such as:
- travelling by train and plane
- exploring cities including Venice and Cortina
- going behind the scenes at the Paralympic closing ceremony in Cortina
Through these situations, the series demonstrates how Chinese is used naturally in everyday and international settings.
Meet Tète 特特 the Panda
Tète 特特 the Panda is the mascot of the Confucius Institute Maastricht. Curious and enthusiastic, Tète 特特 enjoys exploring the world, meeting new people, learning languages, and discovering different cultures.
Like many language learners, Tète 特特 can be a little shy at first, but strongly believes that every new word learned opens a new door to the world. In the video series, Tète 特特 shows learners of all ages that learning Chinese can be approachable, motivating, and enjoyable.
Who Is the Series For?
Learn Chinese with Tète 特特 the Panda is aimed at Chinese language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students. The series is designed as a complement to classroom-based instruction, to support independent learning, and to inspire learners to use Chinese in real-life situations.
Across the seven episodes, viewers are introduced to:
- practical Chinese vocabulary for daily life, travel, and cultural activities
- useful phrases for everyday conversations and social interactions
- listening skills through short, authentic video content
- cultural insights that place language use in a real-world context
Watch the Series Online
What’s Next?
Although Tète 特特 has returned home from Italy, the adventure is only beginning. In the future, Tète 特特 will appear at events, workshops, cultural activities, and everyday moments at the Confucius Institute, as well as on new travels.
Learn Chinese in Maastricht and Rotterdam
Interested in learning Chinese yourself? The Confucius Institute Maastricht and the Chinese Language Center Rotterdam offer Chinese language courses at their locations in Maastricht and Rotterdam.
View all our courses here.