With the school holidays upon us, you might be looking for a compromise between screen time and productivity. One way to do this is to consider playing Chinese cartoons that are both educational and entertaining for your child to watch.
Chinese cartoons are an opportunity to supplement and improve their literacy. There are two components to learning a language: active and passive knowledge. Active knowledge requires speaking and learning, whereas passive knowledge requires a fundamental understanding of listening and reading. Watching Chinese cartoons are another form of enhancing your child’s literacy skills, and can provide a steady foundation for them to further develop their language skills.
Here are 10 Chinese cartoons for kids to watch so they can improve their mandarin skills:
Each 12-minute episode revolves around an endearing little boy called Hu Tu Tu–showing interactions with his family, in school and in the neighbourhood. It explores topics that children can relate to, in a light-hearted way. Situations like Tu Tu making friends in a new school, and the family coping when Tu Tu’s mum goes back to work, all lend honesty to a series that focuses on everyday situations with an easy-going humour.
If you are weaning your child off Baby Shark, this channel might do the trick. Its motley team of animals from bears to penguins would appeal to kids under five years old. The hour-long episodes (you might want to split each into two sittings) are packed with a variety of stories, music and nursery rhymes. It contains a diversity of wholesome topics, from occupations to adopting good habits like proper teeth-brushing. Some English content slips in at times.
Watch more episodes here.
The antics of a little girl and a big brown bear in this award-winning Russian production are more entertaining than educational, but occasional episodes showcase uplifting moments of love and friendship.
Parents have expressed worries in online reviews of children imitating Masha’s bratty behaviour, but if the Tom and Jerry-esque cartoons are not on your blacklist, then you’ll probably have no objections over this series. Its beautiful visual style and high quality artwork put this show on par with animated movies by Pixar.
Watch more episodes here.
A popular original Mandarin series launched in 2012 on Chinese television stations, its look and feel is more European than Asian. With a cast of bears, foxes, monkeys, rabbits and squirrels, its heart-warming stories revolve around life in the woods. There is a meaningful message in every story, with environmental consciousness a focus in many of them.
Other than 24-minute episodes, there are a couple of full-length 90-minute feature films on the channel. This Chinese cartoon is well-produced and entertaining even for adults, and they’re a well suited accompaniment for movie nights with the kids.
Watch more episodes here.
The adventures of a sweet four year old Pocoyo and his animal friends are told through a narrator in seven minute episodes. The commentary is easy for young children to understand, and with the characters set against white background, the storytelling is direct and focused.
Watch more episodes here.
A simple storyline is the appeal of this South Korean production. The escapades of a penguin with a helmet and his Artic friends make compelling stories for preschoolers. Cutesy voices and crisp dialogue draw viewers into every adventure that always ends on a happy note.
Watch more episodes here.
Characters that don power suits and transform into superheroes at night never fails to capture kids’ imagination. The colour-coded trio of Catboy, Gekko and Owlet tackles villains and emerges victorious in every battle. The recurring theme of saving the world through teamwork conveys a positive and reassuring message that can be empowering and inspirational.
Watch more episodes here.
Precocious and likeable, Maruko Chan is the protagonist in this long-running popular anime series. Primary school children and adults will also enjoy the stories that mostly revolve around her family and school life. Maruko often shares tender moments with her grandparents who live with her. In one episode, grandpa Tomozo reminisces about his childhood as he enjoys a quiet afternoon with Maruko before dozing off. The show is full of pockets of heartwarming and tender moments like this.
Watch more episodes here.
No dramatic adventures, no superstar troops. Nonetheless, the daily life of a lovable piggy family appeals to young children. With stories about gardening and muddy puddles, themes in this British animation series are down-to-earth and wholesome. And with a mix of commentary and conversation, there is plenty of basic and conversational Mandarin for the kids to pick up.
Watch more episodes here.
Heroes come in the form of Transformer-like vehicles, only friendlier-looking and more polite. A police car, ambulance, fire engine and helicopter make up a rescue team very much like that in Paw Patrol. Their mission: Braving dangers and saving friends. The heroic feats inspire kindness and courage. As a bonus, kids can also learn about fire and traffic safety in some episodes.
Watch more episodes here.
Text: Young Parents