Choosing the right HSK 4 prep materials can make or break your study timeline. The exam tests 1,200 vocabulary words and 108 grammar points across listening, reading, and writing sections. Below are five to eight books we recommend, what each does well, where they fall short, and how to sequence them for maximum efficiency.
1. HSK Standard Course 4 (Textbook + Workbook)
Best for: Systematic syllabus coverage and classroom-style learning.
This is the official textbook from Hanban. It covers all 600 new words and grammar points for HSK 4 in 20 lessons. Each lesson includes dialogues, reading passages, and exercises.
Weak spots:
- Minimal exam strategy or time-management tips.
- Listening tracks are slower than the actual exam.
- Writing section practice is limited.
Sequence: Start here if you have 3–4 months. Complete one lesson per week.
2. HSK 4 Vocabulary Handbook (by Liu Yuhua)
Best for: Vocabulary memorization and usage examples.
This book lists all 1,200 HSK 4 words with example sentences, parts of speech, and common collocations. It groups words by theme (e.g., education, travel, work).
Weak spots:
- No listening or reading practice.
- Example sentences sometimes use words beyond HSK 4.
Sequence: Use alongside the Standard Course from week 2 onwards. Review 20–30 words daily.
3. HSK 4 Grammar Points (by Ren Jialun)
Best for: Mastering sentence structures and tricky particles.
A focused grammar guide with clear explanations in English and Chinese. Covers all 108 grammar points with 3–4 example sentences each. Includes comparison tables for similar structures (e.g., 虽然 vs 尽管).
Weak spots:
- No exercises or answer keys.
- Assumes you already know the vocabulary.
Sequence: After completing 10 lessons of the Standard Course, work through this book in parallel.
4. HSK 4 Reading Comprehension (by Wang Jing)
Best for: Building reading speed and handling long passages.
Contains 40 reading passages modeled after the exam. Each passage has 5–7 questions. The difficulty gradually increases from passage 1 to 40.
Weak spots:
- Only reading — no listening or writing.
- Some passages use rare vocabulary not on the official list.
Sequence: Start in month 2, after you have covered 600+ words. Do 2 passages per day.
5. HSK 4 Listening Training (by Li Xiaomei)
Best for: Accustoming your ear to exam-style audio.
30 listening exercises with transcripts and answer keys. Audio is recorded at actual exam speed, with multiple speakers and accents.
Weak spots:
- Audio quality can be inconsistent (some tracks have background noise).
- No full-length mock tests.
Sequence: Start in month 2 as well. Listen to one exercise daily, then read the transcript.
6. HSK 4 Writing Guide (by Zhang Hong)
Best for: Scoring high on the writing section (Part 2).
Teaches you how to write 80–120 character essays using prompts. Provides 20 model essays, sentence templates, and transition phrases.
Weak spots:
- Very dry — no pictures or interactive elements.
- Only 20 prompts; you may need more practice.
Sequence: Start in month 3, after you have a solid vocabulary base. Write one essay every 2 days.
7. HSK 4 Mock Tests (by Beijing Language and Culture University Press)
Best for: Full-length timed practice and exam simulation.
Contains 5 complete mock tests (listening, reading, writing) with answer keys and scoring rubrics. The format matches the real exam closely.
Weak spots:
- No explanations for wrong answers.
- Some listening tracks are slightly easier than the real exam.
Sequence: Use in the final 3–4 weeks before your exam. Take one test per week under timed conditions.
8. HSK 4 Vocabulary Flashcards (by Pleco / Anki Decks)
Best for: Spaced repetition and mobile review.
Digital decks (free or paid) that show the word, pinyin, definition, and example sentence. Many include audio. You can review on your phone during commutes.
Weak spots:
- No context — you still need to see words in sentences.
- Quality varies widely; stick to official or high-rated decks.
Sequence: Start from day 1 and continue until exam day. Review 50 cards daily.
Recommended Sequencing (4-Month Plan)
- Month 1: HSK Standard Course 4 (Lessons 1–10) + Vocabulary Flashcards (50/day).
- Month 2: HSK Standard Course 4 (Lessons 11–20) + Grammar Points + Reading Comprehension (2 passages/day) + Listening Training (1 track/day).
- Month 3: Writing Guide (1 essay/2 days) + continue Reading and Listening + start Mock Tests (1 per week).
- Month 4: Mock Tests (2 per week) + review weak areas using Grammar Points and Vocabulary Handbook.
Take a free HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
Final Tips
- Don't skip listening practice — it's the section most candidates underestimate.
- Use the Vocabulary Handbook to create your own example sentences.
- For writing, memorize 5–7 transition phrases (e.g., 首先, 其次, 最后).
- Verify exam dates and fees on the official portal — HSK 4 fees were last revised in early 2026.
See HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →