The present work has as general objective to investigate the potential of the use of the mental map in the teaching and learning of the grammar of Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) by Chinese learners. Created and systematized by the English psychologist Tony Buzan, the mind map is widely used in diverse areas, especially in the field of education. In the light of cognitive theory, we found that this strategy, compatible with human cognition, can contribute, not only to the clarification and systematization of knowledge but also to the connection of new concepts with previous ones, promoting, therefore, meaningful learning. Through the analysis of two case studies, we believe that the mind map, as a complementary resource, should be used more and further, in conjunction with other methods, in a larger context.