中国的夏校：四周到两个月，成本最低的试水方式

Most major Chinese universities run summer programmes of four weeks to two months, typically combining Chinese language classes with lectures on Chinese culture, business or current affairs. Fudan's International Summer Session, Peking University's summer school, Tsinghua's and Zhejiang's programmes and Beijing Language and Culture University's intensive courses are among the best established.

Short programmes under 180 days are covered by an X2 visa, which requires only the university admission notice and the DQ form. Costs typically range from CNY 8,000 to 20,000 for a two-to-four-week programme including accommodation, though Confucius Institute summer programmes and some university scholarships cover the cost entirely.

The value for applicants is diagnostic: a summer programme is the cheapest way to find out whether you can live and study in China before committing to a degree. Several students report that a summer programme converted a vague intention into a full application.