Hanyu review
An all-in-one iOS course for Chinese learners, from beginner lessons to HSK practice.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Hanyu is a Chinese-learning app for iPhone and iPad, designed for beginners through intermediate learners who want one place for structured study and practical Mandarin practice. Its course is organized into levels and units, while the wider toolkit covers character definitions, examples, forms, radicals, stroke order, vocabulary review, graded reading, games, and conversation. Learners can also practice speaking and listening with the AI Mandarin conversation tutor, use Chinese text scanning and translation, and access live radio from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The plan structure supports a gradual start. The Free plan is free to download and includes introductory learning content. Hanyu Premium and Hanyu Premium Yearly add premium learning content, the AI tutor, and HSK mock exams. Lifetime Access provides lifetime access to the app. A 30-day free trial is available, and the app offers optional monthly, annual, and lifetime in-app purchases. This makes Hanyu suitable for learners who want to explore the course before committing, while the paid tiers are aimed at users who need the full content and exam features.
Hanyu’s strongest fit is for learners who want a focused Chinese curriculum with multiple study modes rather than a narrowly defined flashcard app. Spaced repetition and personalized review support ongoing vocabulary and character practice, while handwriting feedback, HSK exams, graded stories, manga dialogues, and radio broaden the learning path. The main trade-off is platform scope: Hanyu is available on iOS, so it is less suitable for learners who need a broader device ecosystem. Choose it for an all-in-one Chinese course on iPhone or iPad; consider an alternative if multi-language study or non-iOS access is essential.
Hanyu pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines lessons, dictionary, handwriting feedback, review, and conversation
- Includes HSK 1–3 mock exams with reports and certificates
- Adds scanning, graded content, games, and live Chinese radio
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS devices
- Focuses on Chinese rather than multiple languages
- Premium plan pricing varies by region
Hanyu fact sheet, pricing and score →
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