A bit later today we'll be publishing a special podcast for Absolute Beginners looking to improve their pronunciation. In the meantime, we're happy to release a new HSK test at the intermediate level. This one focuses on telling the difference between words with similar meanings. Your dictionary will not help you - this test is all about context!

Also worth mentioning, our friend Elyse at Cheeky Monkey Theatre is putting on a play this weekend at the Peng Hao theatre on Nanluoguxiang. It is called "Green Eyes on China" and it will be playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. A Popup crew of at least Echo and David will be heading down for the Saturday show. If you're in Beijing this weekend and feeling restless, you might want to check it out as well. Ping us if you're interested in coming and we can all meet up after the show for a drink.