
100 Stories at HSK Band 2 Level
What You’ll Learn
This course helps you build practical Chinese vocabulary through 100 short stories organized into 10 everyday topics. Each story takes 5-10 minutes to read, listen to, and practice. You’ll learn words and grammar that you can actually use in real conversations.
The 10 Topics You’ll Explore
Each topic has 10 stories. Every story teaches you 5 new words and 1 grammar pattern.
1. Travel
What you’ll read about: Buying train tickets, packing luggage, asking for directions, taking the subway, airports, hotels, taxis, buses, getting lost, returning home
Words you’ll learn: 火车 (train), 行李 (luggage), 地图 (map), 酒店 (hotel), 出租车 (taxi), 公交车 (bus), 迷路 (get lost)
2. Medical
What you’ll read about: Having a fever, going to the hospital, seeing a doctor, describing symptoms, getting medicine, injections, resting, visiting patients, getting better, staying healthy
Words you’ll learn: 发烧 (fever), 医院 (hospital), 医生 (doctor), 感冒 (cold), 药 (medicine), 休息 (rest), 健康 (healthy)
3. Food
What you’ll read about: Looking at menus, ordering food, describing tastes, spicy food, sweet food, sour and bitter, breakfast, dinner, paying the bill, cooking at home
Words you’ll learn: 菜单 (menu), 点菜 (order food), 味道 (taste), 辣 (spicy), 甜 (sweet), 早饭 (breakfast), 做饭 (cook)
4. House
What you’ll read about: Looking for an apartment, moving in, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, cleaning, doing laundry, daily routine, going to sleep
Words you’ll learn: 房子 (house), 搬家 (move), 客厅 (living room), 厨房 (kitchen), 打扫 (clean), 睡觉 (sleep), 起床 (wake up)
5. Work
What you’ll read about: Getting a job, first day at work, morning meetings, using computers, sending emails, making phone calls, taking breaks, overtime work, getting paid, taking time off
Words you’ll learn: 工作 (work), 同事 (colleague), 会议 (meeting), 电脑 (computer), 邮件 (email), 加班 (overtime), 工资 (salary)
6. Shopping
What you’ll read about: Going to the mall, buying clothes, asking prices, negotiating, paying, returning items, buying groceries, online shopping, saving money, budgeting
Words you’ll learn: 商店 (store), 衣服 (clothes), 多少钱 (how much), 便宜 (cheap), 付钱 (pay), 退货 (return), 存钱 (save money)
7. School
What you’ll read about: Enrolling in a class, first lesson, learning vocabulary, doing homework, studying for exams, taking tests, getting results, library, group study, graduation
Words you’ll learn: 学校 (school), 老师 (teacher), 生词 (new words), 作业 (homework), 考试 (exam), 成绩 (grade), 毕业 (graduate)
8. Emotions
What you’ll read about: Happy days, feeling sad, feeling worried, getting angry, feeling scared, feeling surprised, liking things, disliking things, hoping and wishing, feeling thankful
Words you’ll learn: 高兴 (happy), 难过 (sad), 担心 (worried), 生气 (angry), 害怕 (scared), 喜欢 (like), 感谢 (thankful)
9. Weather
What you’ll read about: Sunny days, rainy days, snowy days, windy days, hot weather, cold weather, spring, autumn, weather forecasts, natural scenery
Words you’ll learn: 天气 (weather), 下雨 (rain), 雪 (snow), 热 (hot), 冷 (cold), 春天 (spring), 山 (mountain)
10. Hobbies
What you’ll read about: Running, swimming, playing basketball, playing soccer, singing, dancing, drawing and painting, reading, watching movies, playing games
Words you’ll learn: 运动 (sports), 游泳 (swim), 篮球 (basketball), 唱歌 (sing), 跳舞 (dance), 读书 (read), 电影 (movie)
1. Travel
Xiao Ming goes to the train station to buy a ticket to Shanghai. He chooses a train that departs in the afternoon and arrives in the evening. He is happy to visit his friend.
Xiao Ming is excitedly packing for his train trip to Shanghai. He carefully prepares his suitcase, making sure not to forget anything important. He’s ready for his adventure!
Xiao Ming gets lost in the city. He uses a map and asks a friendly person for help. They give him clear directions, and he finds his way to the park.
Xiao Ming takes the subway to meet his friend. He needs to transfer lines and worries about missing the last train, but everything goes smoothly.
Xiao Ming is traveling by plane. He gets his boarding pass, goes through security, and puts his bag on the luggage rack. His flight is delayed, but he stays calm and has a good trip.
Xiao Ming travels to Beijing and books a hotel. He checks in smoothly and enjoys his stay. He learns about check-out procedures and is happy with his comfortable room.
Xiao Ming takes a taxi to the train station. The driver uses the meter and gives him change. Xiao Ming is happy and wishes the driver a good trip.
Xiao Ming takes the bus to the park. He learns how to pay by coin or card, finds a seat, and enjoys his ride. It’s a simple and positive first bus trip.
Xiao Ming gets lost on an unfamiliar street. He asks for directions, then calls his friend for the address. A kind police officer helps him find his way home.
Xiao Ming finishes his trip and goes to the train station. He buys a ticket, finds his seat, and thinks about his journey. He is happy to be going home.
2. Medical
Xiao Ming wakes up feeling very sick with a fever, headache, cough, and sore throat. His mother takes him to the hospital where the doctor gives him medicine. After resting at home, he feels much better.
Xiao Ming has a stomachache. He goes to the hospital with his mother. They register, see a doctor at the outpatient clinic, and get a medical record. Although he doesn’t like hospitals, he feels better after seeing the doctor.
Xiao Ming feels unwell and goes to the hospital. The doctor examines him, checks his temperature and blood pressure, and gives him medicine. Xiao Ming learns about staying healthy.
Xiao Ming feels unwell at school. He describes his symptoms to the school nurse: runny nose, sneezing, nausea, and dizziness. The nurse advises him to see a doctor and rest.
Xiao Ming goes to the doctor for a cold. The doctor prescribes both Western and Chinese medicine. He goes to the pharmacy to get them and learns he needs to take both. After taking the medicine, he feels much better.
Xiao Ming goes to the hospital with a fever. A nurse disinfects his arm, gives him an injection, and then administers an IV drip. He feels better after resting.
Xiao Ming gets sick and has to stay in bed. His classmates visit him, bringing different gifts. He learns that rest is important for getting better.
Xiao Ming visits his sick classmate Li Hua in the hospital. He brings fruit and flowers, offers his best wishes for a speedy recovery, and sees that Li Hua is getting better day by day.
Xiao Ming was sick with a fever and no appetite. After taking medicine and resting, he recovered. He went back to the hospital for a check-up and is now healthy again.
Xiao Ming learns the importance of health after a checkup. He starts exercising regularly and understands that prevention is better than cure.
3. Food
Xiao Ming goes to a restaurant and looks at the menu. He sees pictures and prices, asks about the signature dish, and gets a recommendation from the waiter.
Xiao Ming goes to a restaurant with friends. Although he orders a lot, he can’t finish it all. The waiter helps him pack the leftovers to take home.
Xiao Ming learns about different tastes by trying various foods. He discovers that besides sweet, there are also salty and bland flavors. He learns to describe what tastes good and what doesn’t.
Xiao Ming tries different levels of spicy noodles at a restaurant. He learns that if you choose a spice level that’s too high, you’ll regret it.
Xiao Ming loves sweet food but learns that too much sugar is unhealthy. He decides to enjoy sweet treats in moderation while eating more vegetables.
Xiao Ming learns to appreciate sour and bitter foods by making lemonade and cooking bitter gourd with vinegar, discovering that these flavors can be delicious when prepared properly.
Xiao Ming goes to a breakfast shop and sees people eating different foods. He orders baozi, youtiao, and doujiang, then enjoys his meal with his family.
Xiao Ming enjoys a family dinner. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is warm. He feels happier and happier as they eat and talk together.
Xiao Ming and his friend eat noodles from noon to afternoon. When the bill comes, Xiao Ming pays with cash, his friend uses a card, and they leave a tip for the good service.
Xiao Ming decides to cook at home for the first time. He tries frying, boiling, and stir-frying in the kitchen. His chicken gets burnt while frying, but his boiled vegetables and stir-fried rice turn out well. He learns that cooking takes practice.
4. House
Xiao Ming needs to find a new apartment. He contacts a landlord, discusses rent and deposit, and finally rents a suitable place because he likes it and the price is reasonable.
Xiao Ming moves into a new apartment building. The elevator is broken, so he carries boxes up the stairs. His new neighbor helps him find the right key and welcomes him.
Xiao Ming’s living room is his favorite place. He watches TV on the sofa, reads books at the coffee table, and enjoys the sunlight through the curtains.
Xiao Ming’s bedroom is small but comfortable. He has a bed, a quilt, a pillow, and a wardrobe. If he cleans his room, he can find things easily. He likes his bedroom very much.
Xiao Ming learns to cook in his kitchen. He uses the fridge, microwave, sink, and stove. He makes a delicious meal and learns that cooking is fun and useful.
Xiao Ming goes to the bathroom to take a shower. He finds the water heater is broken, but his father fixes it. He enjoys his shower while singing.
Xiao Ming and his family clean their house on Saturday. They work together: some sweep, some mop, some clean windows. They take out the trash and make the house very clean and comfortable.
Xiao Ming learns to do laundry. He uses washing powder and the washing machine, hangs clothes on the drying rack, and irons them. He gets better and better at it.
Xiao Ming describes his morning routine from waking up to preparing for the day. He washes his face, brushes his teeth, combs his hair, and his sister applies makeup before they both go to work and school.
Xiao Ming prepares for bed, sets his alarm, turns off the light, and has a strange dream about being chased by his alarm clock before waking up.
5. Work
Xiao Ming needs a job. He prepares a resume and applies to companies. He gets an interview and explains why he wants the job. Finally, he gets the job and is happy.
Xiao Ming is nervous on his first day at a new company. His boss introduces him to colleagues and shows him his desk. Although he feels shy, everyone is friendly.
Xiao Ming is late for an important morning meeting. He brings his notebook and helps set up the projector. The team discusses new project ideas.
Xiao Ming learns to use the computer at work. He turns it on, opens software, saves files, and turns it off properly. He learns that if he saves his work, he won’t lose it.
Xiao Ming learns to send work emails. He not only writes the subject and recipient but also attaches a file. He successfully sends his first email to his manager.
Xiao Ming learns to handle phone calls at his new job. He answers calls, takes messages, and practices making calls while working.
Xiao Ming works hard at the office. During break time, he goes to the pantry to relax. Some colleagues drink coffee, others chat. Everyone feels refreshed after the break.
Xiao Ming works overtime to finish a project. He feels tired and orders takeout. After completing the work, he feels relieved but exhausted.
Xiao Ming receives his salary and bonus on payday. He checks his bank account and finds the money has been transferred. He plans how to use it from now until next month.
Xiao Ming wants to take time off for a family trip. He learns about different types of leave and how to arrange for a substitute at work.
6. Shopping
Xiao Ming goes to the mall with his friend. Because many stores are having sales and discounts, he buys a new shirt and some snacks. He enjoys shopping and plans to return next week.
Xiao Ming goes shopping for clothes. He finds a shirt he likes, but the size is wrong. He tries on a different size and color, and finally buys a blue shirt.
Xiao Ming goes shopping for a new backpack. He compares prices at different stores, asks about costs, and finally finds a good deal that is both affordable and includes extra items.
Xiao Ming goes shopping for a new backpack. He thinks the price is too high, so he tries to negotiate with the shopkeeper. He asks for a discount and finally gets a good deal with a free gift.
Xiao Ming goes shopping and learns about different payment methods. He uses cash for one item and scans a QR code for another. The cashier explains that the store accepts not only cash and credit cards but also mobile payments. Xiao Ming gets a receipt for his purchases.
Xiao Ming buys a shirt that’s too big. He returns to the store with the receipt, explains his reason, and exchanges it for a smaller size while getting a refund for the price difference.
Xiao Ming goes to the supermarket to buy food. He pushes a shopping cart and picks vegetables and fruits. Some are for cooking, some are for eating fresh. Finally, he pays at the checkout.
Xiao Ming loves online shopping, but he receives a broken item. He leaves a bad review, and the seller contacts him to solve the problem. Now he’s more careful when shopping online.
Xiao Ming learns to manage his money by budgeting, tracking expenses, and saving, which helps him afford a new phone.
Xiao Ming learns to manage his finances after receiving a large bill. He creates a budget to control spending, pay off his loan, and save money for the future.
7. School
Xiao Ming wants to learn Chinese painting at a community school. He goes to register, pays the tuition, and buys the textbook. He’s excited to start his new class next week.
Xiao Ming is nervous on his first day of school, but his kind teacher helps him feel welcome. He learns that school is a fun place to be.
Xiao Ming learns new vocabulary in Chinese class. He studies pinyin, meanings, makes sentences, and reads aloud. Besides writing, he also practices speaking to improve.
Xiao Ming learns the importance of checking his work. If he doesn’t check his answers, he makes mistakes. After checking carefully, he finds and corrects his errors.
Xiao Ming prepares for his Chinese exam by reviewing notes and key points. He studies hard but stays up too late, learning that good preparation needs both effort and rest.
Xiao Ming takes an important test. He works carefully, uses the answer sheet correctly, and submits his paper on time. He later receives a good score and feels proud of his effort.
Xiao Ming is nervous about his exam results. He sees some classmates did well, some just passed. His ranking improved because he studied hard. He feels happy about his progress.
Xiao Ming discovers the school library. He learns to borrow and return books, studies there, and finds it increasingly quiet and helpful for his learning.
Xiao Ming and his classmates study together from afternoon to evening. They discuss problems, help each other, cooperate on projects, and share ideas. They learn that working together makes studying more effective and fun.
Xiao Ming graduates from elementary school. He receives his certificate at the ceremony, takes a group photo with his classmates, and looks forward to the future.
8. Emotions
Xiao Ming has a very happy day because he gets good grades, plays with friends, and helps his mother. He feels excited, happy, and satisfied.
Xiao Ming feels sad and disappointed after failing his math test. He cries, but his mother comforts him and encourages him to try harder next time.
Xiao Ming feels worried about his upcoming Chinese exam. Besides studying, he also feels pressure from his parents. His teacher helps him relax, and he learns to manage his anxiety.
Xiao Ming gets angry and argues with his friend over a broken toy. He complains and feels angry, but later regrets his actions. He learns that if he controls his temper, he can avoid hurting others.
Xiao Ming is a timid boy who gets scared by a movie. He not only feels fear but also trembles. With his mother’s help, he learns to face his fears.
Xiao Ming finds a mysterious box in the park. He opens it and discovers a birthday surprise from his friends. He is very surprised and happy.
Xiao Ming observes his classmates’ different hobbies. He realizes he loves reading, enjoys stories, and appreciates learning. He understands everyone has their own interests.
Xiao Ming dislikes his neighbor’s loud music more and more. He tries to talk to the neighbor but gets angry. Finally, he finds a solution and feels better.
Xiao Ming hopes to become a painter. From childhood to now, he has always believed in his dream. He works hard and looks forward to the future.
Xiao Ming loses his wallet but a kind stranger returns it. This experience teaches him to be grateful, cherish what he has, and find happiness in simple acts of kindness.
9. Weather
Xiao Ming is happy because the weather is sunny. The sun is bright, the sunshine is warm, and he goes to the park to play. He meets his friend and they have a good time together.
Xiao Ming goes to school on a rainy day. He forgets his umbrella but his friend lends him a raincoat. After the rain stops, they see a beautiful rainbow together.
Xiao Ming enjoys a snowy day. He sees snowflakes, plays with ice, and feels cold. Besides playing, he also learns about winter.
Xiao Ming wakes up to a windy day. He decides to fly his kite in the park with his father. The strong wind makes kite-flying difficult but fun. They enjoy the cool weather and have a great time.
Xiao Ming experiences a very hot summer day. His air conditioner breaks, so he uses a fan. He goes outside and almost gets heatstroke, learning to be careful in hot weather.
Xiao Ming feels cold in winter. He turns on the heating at home, puts on gloves and a scarf, and goes out to buy hot chocolate. He enjoys drinking it while walking home.
Xiao Ming goes to the park on a warm spring day. He sees many beautiful flowers and green grass. People are doing different activities. He feels happy and enjoys the fresh air.
Xiao Ming enjoys the cool autumn weather, watches leaves fall, helps with the harvest, and admires the bright moon, noticing how autumn becomes more beautiful each day.
Xiao Ming checks the weather forecast for his weekend trip. It predicts fog in the morning, thunderstorms in the afternoon, and high humidity. He decides to change his plans and stay home.
Xiao Ming visits a national park with his family, experiences different natural landscapes, and learns about the beauty of nature through mountains, rivers, lakes, sea, and forests.
10. Hobbies
Xiao Ming starts running every day because he wants to be healthy. He runs on the playground, exercises, and sweats. Now he feels very good and enjoys this sport.
Xiao Ming loves swimming. Although he was afraid of water at first, he learned to use a swimming ring and practiced breaststroke. Now he enjoys swimming and diving in the pool.
Xiao Ming loves playing basketball. He practices shooting and passing with his teammates. They have a match every Saturday. Besides basketball, he also enjoys watching games.
Xiao Ming loves playing soccer with his friends. He practices hard to score goals and dreams of being a goalkeeper. If he plays well, he might become a famous soccer fan.
Xiao Ming loves singing. He practices with a microphone and learns new songs. He performs for his family and friends, who are his first listeners. He enjoys music and wants to sing more.
Xiao Ming learns to dance with a partner. He practices the rhythm and movements. They perform together at a school show. Now he loves dancing very much.
Xiao Ming loves drawing and painting. He uses different brushes and colors to create sketches. Some of his works are displayed in an exhibition, where visitors admire them.
Xiao Ming discovers the joy of reading novels at the library. He reads more and more interesting stories, and his hobby of reading grows stronger.
Xiao Ming loves watching movies. He goes to the cinema with a friend, buys popcorn, finds their seats, and enjoys a movie from start to finish.
Xiao Ming loves playing computer and mobile games. He often wins, but one day he was beaten by his friend. He learned that winning and losing are both part of the fun.
Grammar You’ll Practice
Each story focuses on one grammar pattern. You’ll see it used naturally in the story, then practice it yourself.
- 虽然…但是… – “Although… but…” (showing contrast)
- 因为…所以… – “Because… therefore…” (cause and effect)
- 除了…还… – “Besides… also…” (adding extra information)
- 如果…就… – “If… then…” (conditional situations)
- 一边…一边… – Doing two things at the same time
- 有的…有的… – “Some… some…” (talking about different groups)
- 从…到… – “From… to…” (time or place ranges)
- 不但…而且… – “Not only… but also…”
- 越来越… – “More and more…” (gradual change)
- 被… – Passive voice (something is done by someone)
How Each Lesson Works
- Read the story – Short paragraphs with Chinese, pinyin, and English side by side
- Listen to the audio – Native speaker at slightly slower speed (easy to follow)
- Learn the vocabulary – 5 new words per story with clear meanings
- Study the grammar – One pattern explained with examples from the story
- Test yourself – 3 questions, 3 multiple choice, 3 true/false exercises
- Retell the story – Use the keywords to summarize in your own words
Getting More Challenging as You Go
The first stories (Travel and Medical) use simpler sentences and more common words. As you move through Food, House, Work, Shopping, School, Emotions, Weather, and Hobbies, the stories get a bit longer and use more varied vocabulary. By the end, you’ll be ready for HSK Band 3 materials.
This Course Is For You If…
- You know basic Chinese (HSK Band 1) and want to reach the next level
- You understand some words but struggle to make full sentences
- You want to learn vocabulary by topic, not random lists
- You prefer short, complete lessons you can finish in one sitting
- You want to practice reading, listening, and speaking together
What’s Inside
10 Topics
100 Stories
500+ Words
10 Grammar Patterns
100 Audio Files
