That's the same question I've been asking myself. I went to China for a few years, but it's a tricky language to learn. 

I think many more exchanges and make Chinese friends, learn fast.

In practise.

I learned the numbers by watching number plates of cars and translate them in Mandarin.

Chinese is a very special language.

At first, you may find it difficult. However, if you practise it every day and talk to native speaker more, you will find it much better.

You can watch CCTV.

I am a proponent of holistic learning so I have used all of the methods that you have mentioned.