🧪 Struggling with HSK Prep? These 9 Resources Will Change the Game.
Whether you’re preparing for HSK Level 1 or aiming to crush HSK 6, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed by the flood of study materials out there. Flashcards, apps, past papers… where do you even begin?
This comprehensive guide narrows it down to the 9 best resources for HSK preparation—so you can stop searching and start studying smarter.
Let’s go!
📚 1. Official HSK Website – chinesetest.cn
✔️ Past exams & answer sheets
✔️ Official vocabulary lists (PDF & Word)
✔️ Free downloads for all levels
📱 2. HelloChinese App
✔️ Interactive grammar practice
✔️ Listening & speaking built-in
✔️ Tracks your HSK level automatically
🎯 Best for: Daily interactive review + speech recognition
🔍 3. HSK Standard Course Books
✔️ Officially used by Confucius Institutes
✔️ Each book includes workbook + audio
✔️ Levels 1–6 available
📦 Tip: Buy the version with CD/downloadable MP3s for full practice
🧠 4. Anki Flashcards (HSK Decks)
✔️ Spaced repetition = better retention
✔️ Free shared decks by level
✔️ Customizable + sync across devices
💡 Use daily: 20 new cards + review = rapid progress
🎧 5. ChineseClass101
✔️ Thousands of audio lessons sorted by HSK level
✔️ Interactive transcript + grammar breakdown
✔️ Great for passive learning
🎧 Tip: Listen while commuting or exercising
🖊 6. HSKOnline App
✔️ Simulates actual HSK exam format
✔️ Timed practice tests
✔️ Instant scoring & performance breakdown
🎯 Great for: Mock exam simulations
📺 7. YouTube – Mandarin Corner & GoEast Mandarin
✔️ HSK-focused videos: grammar, vocabulary, mock exams
✔️ Free full-length lessons
✔️ Native speaker pronunciation
🔗 Channels: Mandarin Corner | GoEast Mandarin
📝 8. HSK Grammar Wiki by AllSet Learning
✔️ Level-by-level grammar explanations
✔️ Real-world examples
✔️ Easy to navigate for review
💻 9. Skritter – Writing Practice Tool
✔️ Learn stroke order properly
✔️ HSK-based word lists
✔️ Great for character retention
🎯 Ideal for: Writing-heavy levels (HSK 4+)
📌 Summary Table
| Resource | Best For | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| HelloChinese | Speaking, grammar | Mobile app |
| HSKOnline | Exam simulation | Mobile |
| Anki | Vocabulary memorization | Cross-platform |
| Skritter | Writing characters | Web + Mobile |
| ChineseClass101 | Listening | Web + Mobile |
| HSK Grammar Wiki | Grammar explanations | Web |
🙌 Final Encouragement
HSK prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming or boring. With these 9 tried-and-tested tools, you now have a focused roadmap to success. Whether your goal is to pass a university requirement, apply for a scholarship, or just prove your Chinese skills—you’ve got this.
So… pick one or two from this list, and start your HSK journey today.
