Looking for Mandarin language shows for kids that are educational and not cartoons? This is a select list of live-action Chinese shows for kids that are our favorites. Educational content includes non-animated shows about nature, science, and kid life. You can watch these shows for free on the YoyoTV app, YouTube, and Netflix.
Netflix Shows with Mandarin Audio
Netflix boasts over 40 live-action shows and movies that you can watch in Mandarin Chinese. Many of these also have the option for Cantonese Audio. Here are my picks for “real-people shows”, as my kids call them, that they will actually watch.
You Vs Wild
This is an action-packed adventure show where you can choose the ending and learn basic skills to survive in the wild. My son has been a Bear Grylls fan since he was about 2 years old.
Emily’s Wonder Lab
My kids were bouncing off the couch with excitement while they watched this fun science show. They couldn’t wait to recreate the experiments at home.
Brainchild
Brainchild explains STEM-focused topics to children in ways that will keep them interested. There will be lots of funny and gross moments that kids love. The show features a diverse cast with a female host. You can also download their entire curriculum for free!
Waffles + Mochi
Two curious friends are traveling the world on a mission to learn about food. It’s the tastiest adventure of their lives!
Healing Powers of Dude
A talking dog helps a boy with his anxiety disorder as he navigates life at a new school.
Izzy’s Koala World
What child doesn’t dream of having a pet koala? Follow Izzy as she lives the dream and cares for her exotic friends.
Inbestigators
Tag along and these kids solve mysteries and get their friends, and themselves out of sticky situations.
Babysitter’s Club
Based on the book series by Ann M. Martin, Babysitter’s Club addresses social issues in a way that young children can understand.
Prince of Peoria
Prince of Peoria is a wholesome comedy full of pranks and jokes. This is another show dubbed in Mandarin. My kids don’t quite understand that yet so what I love about it is that they are seeing a diverse cast all speaking Mandarin.
Penguin Town
For 6 months each year, these penguins take over a town in South Africa. This show is a reality show where the stars are animals and it’s just as funny and entertaining.
Super Pupz
Four super-powered pups work as a pack to help their kid pals to save their furry alien friend from a group of mad scientists.
YoYo TV Taiwan
YoYo TV is the a children’s television network in Taiwan. It’s one of the most popular choices for parents looking for educational programs for preschoolers and young children. YoYo currently offers 13 live-action shows for kids in Mandarin with Chinese subtitles. You can also download the YoYo app for iPad or tablet and avoid the inappropriate content on YouTube.
大頭小狀元 – Big Head and Banana Brother
大頭 (big head) and his friend 香蕉哥哥 (banana brother) take kids behind the scenes of various jobs. The garbage man is my son’s favorite. Watch on YouTube or the YoyoTV App
好好玩自然 – Fun Nature
This show explores the natural ecology of Taiwan. Discover the many animals and insects across the beautiful landscape of Taiwan. Watch on YouTube or the YoyoTV App
好好玩 寵物當家 – Pet Master
Meet different household pets and learn how to take care of each animal. Watch on YouTube or the YoyoTV App
地球的孤兒 – Orphans of the Earth
A documentary series about endangered species around the world. Watch on YouTube or the YoyoTV App
超級總動員 – Children’s Talent Show
Students can register their class to compete in this talent show. Watch on YouTube or the YoyoTV App
Momo Kids TV Taiwan
Momo Kids is a children’s television network in Taiwan that offers over 20 live-action shows for kids in Mandarin with Chinese. They have a series of bilingual shows to teach children basic English words and phrases, but could also teach Chinese for beginners.
寶貝愛做菜 – Baby Loves to Cook
Bond with your kids while learning about ingredients and cooking techniques. These recipes are easy and fun to make with kids.
安全小寶貝 – Safe Kids
This is a great show that teaches children basic safety skills in daily life. A must for all young kids!
做菜ABC – Cooking ABC (Bilingual)
A great show for kids interested in cooking to learn culinary words. Although this show is intended for English learners, the hosts speak in English and Mandarin .
學學ABC – Learn ABC (Bilingual)
This show is intended to teach preschoolers basic English, the hosts speak in English and Mandarin so it’s a great way to learn Chinese vocabulary as well.
YouTube
There are so many resources on Youtube that I can only a few of my favorites. For younger children, parental supervision is suggested at all times. I always watch YouTube content with my kids to make sure the videos are appropriate. Even then, the commercials may not be and you will want to be there to skip when a horror movie commercial or a violent video game clip starts to play. This has happened to us too many times to count!
There are so many resources on Youtube that I can only a few of my favorites. For younger children, parental supervision is suggested at all times. I always watch YouTube content with my kids to make sure the videos are appropriate. Even then, the commercials may not be and you will want to be there to skip when a horror movie commercial or a violent video game clip starts to play. This has happened to us too many times to count!
National Geographic Taiwan | Insects 法布爾昆蟲記
A fascinating show for kids that love insects! Dive into the world of our six-legged friends. The show is all in Mandarin. Language can be advanced for beginners but visuals are still engaging.
National Geographic Taiwan | Grass Owls
Taiwan is the home of the only owls that nest on the ground. Learn about this endangered species in this 45-minute documentary that took over a year and a half to film.
線上蒐藏庫大自然真相 The Truth about Nature
This 21 part series if being offered as a free educational resource by the Taipei National Museum of Natural Science (國立自然科學博物館)
*Free until 6/14/2021 (but check if still available on YouTube)
台灣特有種 Endemic Species
Learn about Taiwan’s endemic species from this series produced by PTS Children’s Channel (公視兒少 )
Mama Laoshi 媽媽老師
Follow their learning journey through fun, educational, and adorable videos in Mandarin Chinese. Mama Laoshi is a Taiwanese American mom, entrepreneur, and product.
許伯&簡芝—倉鼠人
Learn about exotic and domesticated animals with this Mandarain language program from Taiwan. Can alpacas can be toilet trained? Watch and find out!
藝起說故事 Celebrity Storytime
This series is a collaboration of professional actors, singers, hosts, and Taiwanese celebrities reading popular children’s books as a free resource during the pandemic.
Looking for more Mandarin Chinese language shows? Check out my full list of YouTube shows for kids or learn how to find Netflix shows with Mandarin audio. Looking for shows to watch after the kids are in bed? Check out my list of 14 Mandarin Dramas to binge-watch.