Chinese Reading Practice: 279 Free Graded Stories with Pinyin
This is free, interactive Chinese reading practice built for learners. Read real graded Chinese short stories, then tap any word for its pinyin and dictionary definition — no dictionary app, no copy-pasting, no guessing. Every story mimics the reading experience inside the Literate Chinese app, right in your browser.
Every story has three switches: turn on pinyin above the characters, show the English translation under each sentence, and swap between Simplified and Traditional — and your settings carry from story to story. Learning traditional? See the dedicated traditional Chinese reading practice page. The stories are grouped into levels and themes so you can start easy and work up: from absolute-beginner dialogues to classic Chinese idioms, fables, and chapters of Journey to the West.
With 279 free stories, it's ideal comprehensible-input reading whether you're a complete beginner, studying for an HSK exam, or a heritage speaker rebuilding fluency. Pick a category below and start reading.
Start Here 27 stories
New to Chinese? Start with our two gentlest series — John and Xiaoting getting to know each other, and the Kitten and Puppy adventures.
John and Xiaoting 18 stories
Conversations between John and Xiaoting
John and Xiaoting's First Trip 2 stories
John and Xiaoting take their first trip together — a train to the sea, a hotel, a market, and one small cold. A Survival Chinese crossover.
Mifan's New Friends 2 stories
John and Xiaoting take Mifan for a walk — straight to the little restaurant where Xiao Bai, the kitten, and the puppy are waiting.
John and Xiaoting: The Visit 2 stories
John's mom and dad come to China for a week. Chopsticks, lost shoes, one English sentence, and a dog named Rice win everyone over.
John and Xiaoting in America 2 stories
Season 3: the trip to America. A new chapter unlocks every Friday.
Kitten and Puppy Adventures 9 stories
Heartwarming stories about friendship between a kitten and puppy
The Little Restaurant 2 stories
The kitten and puppy follow a delicious smell — and meet Xiao Bai, the white cat with a home and a story.
Grammar Stories 48 stories
Each series is built around one grammar pattern — 不, 都, 也, 多, 不太 — so you absorb it through the story.
A Week at the Zoo 2 stories
Zookeeper Xiao Hui feeds giraffes, finds a runaway lamb, and meets a newborn tiger — a series practicing 不 (not).
A Qiang's Route 2 stories
A kind bus driver's first days on a new route — a series practicing 都 (all).
The Bakery Story 2 stories
A shy customer keeps coming back to An'an's bakery — a gentle romance practicing 也 (also).
The Beginner Farmer 2 stories
Xiao Nong plants his first seeds and watches them grow — a series practicing 多 (how / so).
Xiao Dong's Delivery Adventures 2 stories
A nervous new courier finds his way around town — a series practicing 不太 (not very).
Moving Day 2 stories
Xiao Lin and Xiao Yu pack up their whole life, box by box — a series practicing 把.
The Cooking Contest 2 stories
Two neighbors settle who cooks better — a series practicing 比 comparisons.
Grandpa's Travels 2 stories
A map of red stars, a promise kept, and a family that starts traveling together — a series practicing 过 (experience) vs 了 (completion).
The Lost Phone 2 stories
A phone on a park bench, a runaway dog, a lost boy, and a lost-and-found box — a series practicing 是…的 emphasis.
What Can You Do? 2 stories
A curious kid finds out what everyone in the family can do — a series practicing 会 (can).
Not as Tall as My Brother 2 stories
A little sister and her big brother stop competing and start cheering each other on — a series practicing 没有 comparisons (not as … as).
From Home to School 1 story
A student's busy days measured from here to there — a series practicing 从…到 (from … to).
Everyone But Me 1 story
A picky little brother eats his way through the whole menu, one 除了…以外 (except / besides) at a time.
Not Only Smart 1 story
An impressive classmate's simple secret inspires a hard-work journey built on 不但…而且 (not only… but also).
Since It's Raining 1 story
A family's weekend plans keep changing, and every twist calls for 既然…就 (since… then).
The Missing Cake 1 story
A household food mystery told in incredulous 难道 questions — who keeps eating everything?
I'm Afraid It Won't Work 1 story
A family of champion worriers voices every fear with 恐怕 — and learns what to do after worrying.
Should She Get a Cat? 1 story
Weighing every decision with 一方面…另一方面 — from one kitten to two, the heart keeps overruling the list.
Oh Right, One More Thing 1 story
A dinner plan that keeps growing one "对了" at a time — practice using 对了 to add just one more thing.
Don't and Didn't 1 story
Tiny days at home with Mom and the cat — practice the difference between 不 (don't) and 没 (didn't).
It Will Be Fine 1 story
Rain, Grandma's visit, and promises about tomorrow — practice using 会 to talk about what will happen.
Must and Don't Need To 1 story
A boy's week of must-dos and days off — a series practicing 得 (have to) and 不用 (don't need to).
Pretty Good, Actually 1 story
Two friends eat their way around school, hedging every opinion — a series practicing 比较 (rather) and 挺…的 (pretty…).
You'd Better 1 story
A first solo trip where Mom's every warning comes true — a series practicing 最好 and 还是…吧 (you'd better).
It Depends Who You Ask 1 story
One family, seen through everyone's eyes at once — a story series practicing 对…来说 (for me / for her).
That, I Remember 1 story
A father shows his child the city he grew up in — a story series practicing topic-first sentences (这个味道，我一直没有忘).
No Wonder! 1 story
A week of small mysteries where every answer clicks into place — a story series practicing 难怪 and 怪不得 (no wonder!).
Either This or That 1 story
Two brothers who can't decide anything — every plan comes down to 要么…要么 (either…or).
No Choice 1 story
A family whose plans keep going wrong — practicing 不得不 (have no choice but to) at every setback.
After All 1 story
A family that lovingly explains away each other's quirks — reasoning with 毕竟 (after all).
Unless… 1 story
Life with a cat who has conditions for everything — a playful series practicing 除非 (unless / only if).
Once It Starts 1 story
A family that can't stop anything it starts — cookies, shopping, and finally walking — practicing 一旦…就 (once… then).
Just in Case 1 story
Two friends learn how much to pack — and how much to worry — practicing 万一 (what if / just in case).
If It Weren't for You 1 story
Near-disasters, timely rescues, and a thank-you dinner — practicing 要不是 (if it weren't for).
Let Alone 1 story
Two friends scrape through the week before payday — practicing 别说…就是…也 and 更不用说 (let alone).
The Apartment Hunt 2 stories
Xiao Lin hunts for a quieter apartment — an Advanced series packed with 与其…不如, 反正, 恨不得, formal 将 and 由, and more.
Daily Life 61 stories
Ordinary days in simple Chinese — errands and routines, workplace arcs, and a peek inside sixteen different jobs.
Everyday Activities 5 stories
Groceries, cooking, laundry, and cleaning — the routines of daily life.
Xiao Guo at Work 10 stories
Follow Xiao Guo through a rough week at the office — mistakes, small victories, and a fresh start.
Day in the Life of Lil Jon 10 stories
Follow Lil Jon through his daily routine. Because he's forever asking "什么？！" (What?!), everyone repeats themselves — so each new phrase comes back around, reinforcing your learning through natural repetition.
Day in the Life 32 stories
Shadow a different job in each series — flight attendant, firefighter, dentist, chef, and a dozen more — one workday at a time.
Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant 2 stories
Follow flight attendant Lin Ke through a busy day in the skies from Taipei to Singapore
Day in the Life of a Firefighter 2 stories
Follow firefighter Ā Róng through an exciting day of rescues and teamwork
Day in the Life of an Influencer 2 stories
Follow lifestyle influencer Lin Mi as she films videos, goes live, and learns what her audience really loves
Day in the Life of a Data Scientist 2 stories
Follow data scientist Li Ming as he digs into customer data and uncovers surprising insights
Day in the Life of a Hotel Manager 2 stories
Follow hotel manager Mei Ling through a busy day of guests, problems, and smiles
Day in the Life of a Dentist 2 stories
Follow dentist Yi Xiang as he helps nervous patients smile again
Day in the Life of a Teacher 2 stories
Follow Teacher Wang from his morning routine through classes to a quiet evening at home.
Day in the Life of an Engineer 2 stories
Follow Engineer Lin from his morning commute through coding, meetings, and a relaxing evening.
Day in the Life of a Plumber 2 stories
Follow Mr. Li from an early breakfast through leaky pipes and office repairs to a well-earned rest.
Day in the Life of a Nurse 2 stories
Follow Nurse Wang through busy hospital wards, a brave little patient, and a quiet evening at home.
Day in the Life of a Chef 2 stories
Follow Chef Zhang from the morning market through the breakfast rush to a busy dinner service.
Day in the Life of a Delivery Driver 2 stories
Follow Chen Ming as he races across town with breakfasts, bubble teas, and one last pizza.
Day in the Life of a Farmer 2 stories
Follow Uncle Liu from a pre-dawn breakfast through the rice fields to a starry village evening.
Day in the Life of a Painter 2 stories
Follow Painter Lin from morning light through a sketchbook walk to sunset colors on the canvas.
Day in the Life of a Student 2 stories
Follow Xiao Lin through morning classes, art class, and evening homework.
Day in the Life of a Marketer 2 stories
Follow Li An from morning emails through an ad campaign to a celebratory dinner.
One Day in the City 2 stories
A kitchen fire, a fast red truck, a viral video — one day, told by everyone it touched. A crossover of the Day in the Life series.
The Launch 2 stories
Xiao Guo leads a team — Engineer Lin, data scientist Li Ming, marketer Li An — to ship a new app. A Day in the Life crossover.
Survival Chinese 12 stories
Practical scenes you'll actually live: ordering food, taxis, hotels, directions, bargaining, and the pharmacy.
At the Restaurant 2 stories
Li Ming and his friend eat their way into becoming regulars — ordering, fixing a mixed-up dish, waiting for a table, and birthday noodles.
Taking a Taxi 2 stories
A rush to the train station, a phone left on the back seat, and the driver who brings it back.
At the Hotel 2 stories
Miss Wang checks in, survives a broken AC and a lost room card, and checks out like a pro.
Finding Your Way 2 stories
Xiao Mei arrives lost in a new city — and leaves giving directions herself.
At the Market 2 stories
Xiao Mei learns to bargain, buys fruit by the jin, and teaches a friend the art of the deal.
Feeling Sick 2 stories
A cold, the pharmacy, a hospital visit — and helping a friend through the same thing.
Character Stories 4 stories
Follow one character through a whole little arc — Xiao Bai the stray cat slowly finding a home, and A Liang the well-meaning mall guard finding his footing.
Xiao Bai's Story 2 stories
A stray cat, a kind girl at a small restaurant, and the slow making of a home.
A Liang's Story 2 stories
Follow A Liang, a well-meaning but careless mall security guard, through mishaps, rescues, and a hard-won compliment.
Classic Fables 15 stories
Timeless fables and short parables — lions and mice, boomerangs, patient farmers — each with a lesson that sticks.
The Little Engine That Could 2 stories
The 1930 classic, retold in simple Chinese — I think I can, I think I can.
- The Lion and the MouseHSK 4
- The Tortoise and the HareHSK 4
- The Ant and the GrasshopperHSK 3
- The Fox and the GrapesHSK 4
- The Cat in BootsHSK 5
- The Snow QueenHSK 5
- The Princess and the PeaHSK 4
- ThumbelinaHSK 4
- The Little MermaidHSK 4
- Benny and the BoomerangHSK 2
- The Dirty WindowHSK 3
- The Sailor's AdviceHSK 3
- The Story of Farmer PaavoHSK 4
Chinese Jokes 2 stories
Short jokes with simple setups and honest punchlines — laugh your way to fluency.
Chinese Culture 65 stories
Idioms, Tang poems, festival legends, and the Monkey King — the classic stories behind Chinese culture.
Idioms for Beginners 16 stories
Famous chengyu stories retold in truly simple Chinese — the classic tales, none of the hard words.
- The Tall CraneHSK 3
- The Old Man's HorseHSK 3
- No Way BackHSK 3
- Moving the MountainHSK 3
- Touching the ElephantHSK 5
- The Snake with FeetHSK 3
- The Frog in the WellHSK 2
- Mending the Sheep PenHSK 3
- The Sword in the RiverHSK 3
- Lord Ye and the DragonHSK 3
- The Old Oil SellerHSK 3
- The Iron Rod and the NeedleHSK 3
- Dongshi Copies a FrownHSK 3
- The Man Who Measured His FeetHSK 3
- The Box and the PearlHSK 3
- The Boy Who Cried WolfHSK 3
Chinese Idioms 19 stories
Classic stories behind famous Chinese idioms
- The Crane Among ChickensHSK 3
- Sai Weng Loses His HorseHSK 4
- Breaking Pots and Sinking BoatsHSK 5
- Fox Borrows Tiger's MightHSK 4
- Cao Cao and the Plum TreesHSK 4
- The Shield and the SpearHSK 4
- The Thief and the BellHSK 4
- Yu Gong Moves the MountainsHSK 4
- The Farmer and the RabbitHSK 4
- Drawing a Snake and Adding FeetHSK 4
- The Painter and the Horse-TigerHSK 4
- Give Up HalfwayHSK 4
- The Impatient FarmerHSK 4
- Rise at the Rooster’s CrowHSK 5
- The Sky-Fearing Man of QiHSK 4
- Blind Men Touching the ElephantHSK 5
- Playing the Qin to a CowHSK 3
- Three Days Fishing, Two Days Drying NetsHSK 3
- Dotting the Dragon's EyesHSK 4
Classic Poems 7 stories
Famous Chinese poems, line by line — starting with the Tang dynasty.
Festivals & Legends 3 stories
The stories behind China's great festivals — New Year, the zodiac, dragon boats, Qixi, and the Mid-Autumn moon.
Journey to the West 10 stories
The classic Chinese novel about Monkey King and his companions on a pilgrimage to India
- Chapter 1: The Birth of the Monkey KingHSK 5
- Chapter 2: Apprenticeship and Skill TrainingHSK 4
- Chapter 3: The Havoc in HeavenHSK 5
- Chapter 4: Tang Sanzang’s Pilgrimage for ScripturesHSK 6+
- Recruiting Bajie at Gao VillageHSK 5
- Chapter 6: Recruiting Sha Monk at the Flowing Sand RiverHSK 6+
- Chapter 7: Three Battles with the White Bone DemonHSK 4
- Chapter 8: The Clever Battle with the Red BoyHSK 6+
- Chapter 9: Crossing the Flaming MountainHSK 5
- Chapter 10: The Kingdom of Women and the True ScripturesHSK 5
Historical Figures 10 stories
True stories of the people who shaped Chinese history — teachers, poets, generals, and the doctor who ended an empire.
Sun Yat-sen 2 stories
The farm boy who became a doctor, the doctor who became a revolutionary, and the revolutionary who ended two thousand years of emperors.
Confucius 1 story
The poor boy from Lu who opened his school to anyone — and whose ideas outlived every dynasty.
Sima Qian 1 story
The historian who paid a terrible price to keep a promise to his father.
Xuanzang 1 story
The monk who snuck out of China, crossed the desert alone, and came home a legend.
Wu Zetian 1 story
The only woman ever to rule China as emperor in her own name.
Li Bai 1 story
The wandering poet with a sword at his side and the moon for a friend.
Su Dongpo 1 story
The poet the court kept exiling — who answered every misfortune with a poem or a recipe.
Yue Fei 1 story
The general with four characters on his back, undefeated in battle and betrayed at court.
Zheng He 1 story
The captive boy who grew up to command the greatest fleet the world had seen.
Adapted Classics 15 stories
World and Chinese classics retold at an intermediate level — Sherlock, Agatha Christie, Seneca, Sunzi, Pu Songling, O. Henry, and the Ming storytellers.
Detective Shen Mo 4 stories
The cases of 沈默, Shanghai's greatest detective — Sherlock Holmes retold in 1920s China.
The Hound of Bai Manor 2 stories
A detective, a cursed family, and a glowing hound on the marsh — Sherlock Holmes's most famous case, retold in 1920s Shanghai.
The Speckled Band 2 stories
A dawn visitor, a locked room, a whistle in the night — Detective Shen Mo's second case.
The Doctor's Diary 2 stories
A quiet town, a locked study, and a narrator you trust completely — Agatha Christie's most famous twist, retold in 1930s China.
Seneca's Letters 2 stories
Ten letters from a Roman philosopher to a young friend — on time, friendship, fear, and how to live. Two thousand years old, still true.
The Art of War 2 stories
Sunzi's thirteen chapters, retold in simple Chinese — the famous lines explained, and why a book about war hates war.
Strange Tales 2 stories
Taoists, ghosts, and one very itchy duck thief — Pu Songling's classic 聊斋志异 tales, retold in simple Chinese.
Ming Dynasty Tales 1 story
Judges, merchants, musicians, and flower fairies — the bestselling stories of the Ming dynasty (三言二拍), retold in simple Chinese.
Twist Endings 2 stories
O. Henry's short stories retold in Chinese — every last line changes the whole story.
Book Summaries 5 stories
Big ideas from great books, in simple Chinese — one short set per book.
Atomic Habits 1 story
Tiny habits, big changes — how one percent a day builds a new you.
How to Win Friends 1 story
Dale Carnegie's classic on getting along with people — don't criticize, appreciate sincerely, and be interested in others.
The Psychology of Money 1 story
Why money is more about how you behave than how much you know — time, enough, and the freedom money really buys.
Deep Work 1 story
Focus is the rarest skill of our time — how to protect your attention and do work that matters.
Mindset 1 story
Two ways of seeing yourself, and the small word 'yet' that changes everything.
Business Stories 8 stories
True origin stories from the business world — how Airbnb, Post-it Notes, Pokémon, and Flamin' Hot Cheetos came to be.
AP Chinese Themes 9 stories
The six themes of the AP Chinese Language and Culture course, each with a curated reading list. Built for immersion classrooms and long-term AP prep. Most AP-theme readings live in their home collections above; the ones listed here appear only under the AP themes.
Science and Technology 5 stories
AP theme 4: robots, space, and how technology changes daily life — real news plus stories from the tech world.
The Little Robot 2 stories
A family's new home robot learns to sweep, cook (badly), win over the cat, and become one of the family.
Global Contexts 4 stories
AP theme 6: the wider world — global events, the environment, and animals that need our help. New stories arrive with every monthly news issue.
Christian Stories 8 stories
The Sermon on the Mount, prophets of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and other stories of Christian faith.
The Sermon on the Mount 3 stories
Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount, from Matthew 5–7.
Prophets of the Bible 2 stories
Noah's ark, the parting of the Red Sea, fire from heaven, and the lions' den — six Old Testament prophet stories retold in simple Chinese.
Book of Mormon Prophets 2 stories
Nephi, King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma, Samuel the Lamanite, and Moroni — six prophet stories from the Book of Mormon in simple Chinese.
