Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) Mandarin Chinese Kids Show Review
Have you heard of Shimajirō or 巧虎, a popular Chinese cartoon for kids? If you’re raising a bilingual child and looking for educational screen time, the Shimajirō (巧虎) show can help. Many families agree that it’s similar to Daniel the Tiger, with the extra benefit of encouraging children to speak Chinese.
This article was first published in November 2017 and has since been updated with new information. The monthly Ciaohu DVD, magazine, and toy subscription program was unfortunately discontinued in 2024. I have no affiliation with Shimajirō or 巧虎(Qiaohu).
What is Shimajirō or 巧虎 Qiaohu?
Shimajirō is originally a popular Japanese educational cartoon that has been dubbed in Mandarin. In China and Taiwan, his name is 巧虎 Clever Tiger.
Similar to the popular American show Sesame Street, Shimajirō (巧虎) combines animation with music and dance. However, Shimajirō (巧虎) is much better and less annoying! (No offense to Elmo, but I can’t stand his voice.)
Where to watch Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) in Chinese?
You can watch Qiaohu 巧虎 for free on YouTube with traditional Chinese subtitles.
Your family can also watch Shimajirō on Netflix. Under “Audio & Subtitles,” choose your desired language:
- Mandarin (Putonghua): This refers to the Mandarin spoken in Mainland China.
- Mandarin (Guoyu): This refers to the Mandarin spoken in Taiwan.
Although the title is listed as “Shimajirō” on Netflix, he’s still called “巧虎” in both of the Mandarin audio options.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Mandarin Chinese Netflix Shows for Kids
Why is Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) so popular in Chinese?
When my children were younger, we subscribed to the 巧虎 show and magazine program through Taiwan. Although the magazine subscription is no longer available, you can easily watch the cartoon on Netflix.
Although we try to avoid excessive screen time and prefer screen-free resources like the Luka Reading Robot, we found Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) helpful for extra exposure to Chinese language and culture. Previously, my kids watched the show a few times each month and used the workbooks more often.
Here’s what we loved about Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎):
Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) in Chinese is easy to understand
Children learning Chinese need exposure to native Mandarin speakers. Compared to other popular shows dubbed in Mandarin, the speech is clear and relatively slow. As a result, young children and non-fluent adults like myself can hear each word.
Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) teaches manners and more
The educational content is relevant for a wide age range. Important skills such as daily routines, hand-washing, stranger danger, safety, manners, shapes, and counting are reviewed for toddlers.
For kindergarteners and elementary-school-aged kids, content includes math, science (e.g., solar system), and Zhuyin (bopomofo).
Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) sings and dances
Each show has Chinese nursery rhymes, poems, and dancing. In the video below, my daughter is singing a toothbrushing song inspired by the cartoon. Now, this song is part of our daily routine.
Explore this: Best Chinese Children’s Songs and Nursery Rhymes
What does your family think of Shimajirō (Qiaohu 巧虎) in Mandarin Chinese?
Please share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to know what you think!
I am thinking about ordering qiaohu, but I can only read simplified characters and an afraid I won’t be help with the magazines much.
Also the schools my daughter will probably go to when she gets older only do simplified.
Do you think it was good or bad for your kids to learn the traditional characters and simplified at the same time. Did it confuse them or give them better insight?
Sorry for so many questions. Thanks for writing this blog, it is very helpful!
This was very helpful and informative, thank you. My daughter is 20months and I really liked how you weighed and pros and cons for parents to make a decision based on their goals and budget.
Hi Sonia! Thanks for taking the time to write! Grateful to hear that the review was helpful!
Hey Betty,
Do you know how I can get the simplified chinese version? I can’t seem to find it even when I search qiaohu or ‘巧虎‘.
Thanks!
Hi Eliza! Check the “downsides” section of the article. I put a link to the SC version which I think is only available in China. If you have family/friends in China, you could have it delivered to them, and then they could ship it to you…
Hello! This has been the most helpful thing I’ve seen on the internet on how to get ciaohu DVDs! Thank you!
Would you happen to know at which subscription age they introduce zhuyin? My son is currently learning zhuyin and I’d love to use these to help reinforce what he’s learning in class. Love from a fellow physician mom 🙂
Hi Dr. Nancy! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by! I’m so sorry for just seeing your comment now! I have updated the post with this information:
– 成長版 Grow edition (Zhuyin is introduced)
– 學習版 Learn edition (Pinyin is introduced)
Ciaohu generally responds quickly to questions via email and phone though! I hope that you were able to get in touch with them!
Hi,
This looks perfect for my kids to learn Chinese. I love that’s in traditional characters too.
Thanks for the info/tips!
I’ll start with the YouTube QiaoHu for now and see if it’s captures their attention.
Good luck with learning Chinese at home. 🙂
Jennifer
Hope your kids enjoy learning from Qiaohu!