Happy Lantern Festival!

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Lantern Festival Marks the Grand Finale of QUB’s Chinese New Year Celebrations

As the Lantern Festival arrives (Tuesday 3 March), we bring this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations at Queen’s to a joyful close.

Over the past weeks, colleagues, students, and community members have come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse through a vibrant programme of events.

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  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

From cultural talks and creative workshops to online exhibitions, the programme has highlighted the richness of Chinese heritage while fostering intercultural dialogue and shared learning. Our Culture Talks series sparked thoughtful conversations, while hands-on activities created space for connection, creativity, and community spirit.

The Lantern Festival, traditionally symbolising reunion, light, and new beginnings, offers a fitting conclusion to this journey. As we gather for our closing event, we celebrate not only the end of the festive season, but also the partnerships, friendships, and cultural understanding strengthened along the way.

Thank you to all our facilitators, volunteers, participants, and supporters who made this year’s celebrations such a success. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.

While the Chinese Culture Programme will continue to deliver culture talks, workshops, and other related events throughout the year, we are sincerely grateful for your willingness to contribute to and participate in our activities. Your support and engagement are what make the programme meaningful and impactful.

We would greatly value your feedback. If you have any suggestions, proposals, or reflections, please take a few minutes to complete the form below and let us know your thoughts on this year’s programme, as well as any ideas you may have for future activities. Your input will help us continue to grow and improve.

CNY Programme Feedback and Evaluation Form
CCP2026 Homepage

Queen’s Engages Future China Specialists at A National Event

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On Tuesday 10 February, Queen’s University Belfast took part in the 8th Schools and Universities Day – Chinese (and related) Learning Pathways, hosted by the UCL IOE Centre for Chinese Language Education. Bringing together 15 universities and over 400 school students and teachers from across England, the event was a vibrant space for sharing ideas, building connections, and inspiring the next generation of Chinese language learners.

Isabella, Liang and Thea (left to right)

Dr Liang Wang (Queen’s Language Centre) was invited to a round-table discussion on developing “China-literate” talent, exploring how schools and universities can work together to strengthen progression pathways. He showcased Queen’s innovative approach to intercultural learning through communities of practice, including initiatives such as the Chinese Culture Forum and Tandem Language Exchange Programme.

Alumna Isabella Souza McLaughlin (Global Student Recruitment) shared her journey of studying Mandarin Chinese as part of her International Business degree. Speaking on a university student and alumni panel, she emphasised the value of adaptability and openness in intercultural contexts, while reflecting on the challenges of completing her work placement during the pandemic. She also spoke about the rewarding experience of working with Chinese colleagues in both the UK and China in her role at Queen’s today.

Supported by student ambassador Thea Godfrey, the team also hosted an information stand throughout the day, engaging with prospective students and teachers. From course details and scholarships to life in Belfast, Queen’s showcased the many opportunities available to students interested in combining Chinese with their degree and career ambitions.

The outreach and engagement provided an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Queen’s and connect with the next generation of globally minded students in the UK.

About Schools and Universities Day (Click to expand)

This free event offers a unique opportunity for school teachers and secondary-school learners of Mandarin to meet departments from universities across the UK. Through these dialogues, learners can explore the range of opportunities and pathways for continuing Mandarin at university.

Since its inception, feedback on the day has been overwhelmingly positive. It creates space for informed discussions between students and university representatives and facilitates connections between teachers and universities.

Source: UCL IOE

To find out more about the International Business with Mandarin Chinese degree at Queen’s, please click the button below.

International Business with Mandarin Chinese

Lion Dance at Lanyon Building

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To mark us galloping towards another successful year, our beautiful Lanyon building was illuminated in red tonight. ❤️

Meanwhile staff and students were treated to a magical lion dance performance, a tradition known to spread blessings and good fortune for the year ahead.

  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Liang Wang
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Photographer – Tianpeng Yao
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
  • Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 17th February 2026 – Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

We thank you for joining us in this meaningful celebration and hope you have enjoyed yourselves with nice snapshots. If you would like to share yours to be added to the album, please send your photos to liang.wang.

We are also keen to invite you to attend many of our upcoming events:

  • Culture Forum Talks
  • Fun Time with Table Tennis
  • Bridges to China Launch (fully booked)

Check the Chinese Culture Programme 2026 Homepage for more upcoming events throughout the year.

CCP2026 Homepage

QUB CNY2026 Successfully Launched

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What could be better than a splendid day of sunshine on Friday 13 February, following such a long period of gloomy, rainy weather? On the day, over 60 Queen’s students, staff members, as well as civic partners and guests, joined the Chinese New Year celebration programme at One Elmwood, Queen’s – the hub for intercultural encounters and exchanges.

Chaired by Dr Liang Wang, the launch began with a captivating performance of traditional guzheng music by PhD candidate Fei Li from Queen’s Business School. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Topping delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the University, highlighting Queen’s achievements in global engagement over the past year, particularly with Asian countries such as China and India. Dr Bee-Yen Toh, Co-Chair of the iRise Staff Network, and Thomas Smith, Language Centre Manager, also extended their welcomes to staff, students, and civic partners, emphasising the importance of intercultural understanding through language learning, dialogue and shared activities. Mórrigan McEvoy, Student Officer for Accessible Education, offered her greetings and encouraged students to actively participate in university events and contribute to building a multicultural campus.

Following the launch, attendees were invited to the ground floor, where the traditional Dragon and Lion dance began in the foyer and continued outside the One Elmwood building. The celebration concluded with a group photo featuring all participants, symbolising the farewell to the Year of the Snake and the welcoming of the Year of the Horse.

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Another highlight of the celebration was the appearance of the God of Fortune, who generously distributed lucky “money” – chocolate coins and replica ancient Chinese coins – to those wishing to embrace good fortune in the year ahead.

Additional performances included a vibrant K-pop dance, a graceful Tai Chi demonstration, and a Chinese Jianzhan tea cup display in the foyer. Meanwhile, cultural workshops such as calligraphy, paper crafts, tea and incense ceremonies, and guzheng appreciation sessions were held in the Cube, engaging and entertaining participants throughout the afternoon.

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Blessed by the sunshine and strong support from One Elmwood Student Engagement Team, the event was a great success, with strong attendance and positive social impact. Queen’s is proud of its role as a civic university, promoting diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging, supported by its vigorous academic and educational innovation.

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In keeping with Chinese New Year traditions, the celebrations will continue over the next two weeks, featuring six culture talks, a table tennis event, and a QUB-supported collaborative “Bridges to China” launch. All are warmly welcome!

For more upcoming events, please visit Chinese Culture Programme 2026 Homepage.

Arts and Crafts Workshops

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Thank you to our volunteers, facilitators, and participants for warming up the festive atmosphere for the upcoming Year of the Horse. While the workshops have concluded, the Drawing the Horse submission remains open until Tuesday, 10 February. Please read the post for submission requirements.

CNY Arts and Crafts Workshops

We hope you all enjoyed the workshops and looking forward to welcoming everyone to our CNY Launch Day on Friday 13th February in One Elmwood. For more information and registration, read the page below.

CNY Launch

Workshop in Pictures

Celebrating CNY at Queen’s and in Belfast

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Celebration CNY at Queen’s

With the Year of the Horse fast approaching, Queen’s University Belfast has released its celebration programme, alongside a few civic Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations. In this post, we would like to highlight the events and activities that may generate shared interest.

Queen’s colleagues are warmly invited to take part in a range of cultural activities celebrating the Year of the Horse. The celebrations will highlight a Launch Event on Friday 13 February, 12:00–1:00 pm, at One Elmwood Cube, followed by a Dragon Parade and Cultural Fair in the One Elmwood Foyer and Cube areas throughout the afternoon.

Online Exhibitions

We are grateful to have collected paintings from ArtEast Club members in the 6th consecutive year and the photos of China with intercultrual reflections from three Queen’s photographers.

The coming weeks’ highlights are:

Student-led activities (Friday 06/02)

  • CNY Arts and Crafts Workshop & Drawing Competition
    1:00–4:00 pm, The Cube, One Elmwood
  • Chinese Singing Competition
    7:30 pm, Harty Room, Music Building

Culture Talks (Monday 16/02 – Thursday 26/02)

Beginning from Monday 16th, there will be a cluster of culture talks contributed by Queen’s academics, research students and guest speakers from a wide range of subject areas and professional backgrounds, as below:

Fun Time with Table Tennis (Saturday 28/02)

Sponsored by QUB iRise Staff Network and One Elmwood Student Engagement Team, we would like to invite all staff members and students, and their families as well, to join this fun and friendly event to engage with this popular sport among the Chinese communities, as well as providing an opportunity for enhancing student and staff wellbeing through sport. Both beginners and more advanced players are welcome to sign up for the fun event, with an appreciation of its unique culture, as well as developing some practical skills in body movements and mediation.

Launch of Bridges to China Project (Sunday 01/03)

Finally, it is worth recommending this launch of Bridges to China Project, which is a collaboration between Queen’s researchers and their civic partners including Chinese Welfare Association, National Museum NI and AvliaMedia on creating a repertoire to enhance public understanding of Chinese heritage and culture in Northern Ireland. It also aims to foster community partnerships leading to further collaboration and community engagement around the longstanding links between Northern Ireland and China.

For more information and registration, please visit the full programme below. You are all very welcome to join us and enjoy the cultural celebrations of the Year of the Horse. If you would like to help with us in any of the events and activities, you may consider filling in the volunterring form below.

CCP2026 Homepage
Volunteering to Support CCP2026 Programme

Celebrating CNY in Belfast

If you would like to know more about CNY celebration events outside Queen’s, we hope you find the following information useful.

Monday 16/02 by CCC NI and CWA NI

The annual Spring Festival Gala, jointly organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, N.I. and Chinese Welfare Association N.I., returns this year to the Europa Hotel. Save your date on Monday 16th February at 6pm.

Friday 20/02 by East Side Arts (with Artsekta and Belfast Film Festival)

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Templemore Baths Heritage Centre with a creative workshop and light hearted action packed film. 

Sunday 22/02 by Success Dragon and Lion Dance Association

The Chinese New Year Celebration returns to the Ulster Hall Belfast on Sunday 22nd February 2026 celebrating the Year of Horse. Come to enjoy a day is full of fun and joy, rich in Colours and Culture. With over 12 global dances and music not to be missed.

Saturday 28/02 by ABCP NI

值此佳节来临之际，全英华人教授协会北爱尔兰地区诚挚邀请您参加2026年春节庆祝活动，共庆团圆，同贺新岁！本次活动旨在促进学术交流、增进友谊，并为在北爱工作学习的华人学者及家庭提供一个温馨团聚的平台。我们期待与您共度一个充满知识与欢笑的下午，并在晚宴中共叙情谊、喜迎新春。如您计划出席，请于 2026年2月14日（星期六） 前报名。参与对象： 北爱尔兰地区大学老师、学者、博士生、访问学者及家属。

Happy Year of the Horse! 马年快乐！

CCF-Cao&Yao

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3rd EAFF Seminar and Screening: Embodied Practice – Martial Arts, Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Experience
理想国艺术电影节研讨放映会之以身为场——武术、心理与跨文化修行

Monday 26th January 2026
13:00-14:30 
The Cube, One Elmwood

Organisers:

This 2026 Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival is joint event organised by

  • Film, School of Arts, English and Languages
  • The Language Centre at Queen’s
  • China-Europe Youth Film Society

Speakers:

Tianpeng YAO (姚天鹏) is a PhD candidate in Film Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, with his research focus on the audio-visual representation of Eastern philosophical symbols.

He is the founder of the China-Europe Youth Film Society, through which he has been committed to promoting cultural exchanges between Chinese and European young filmmakers.

Before studying at Queen’s, Tianpeng had directed films such as “Searching for Zen” and “Bicycle,” which was accepted in the Official Selection for the 24th Shanghai International Film Festival and won the first prize at the 10th International University Student Microfilm Festival, as well as the official selection of the 22nd Independent Days International Film Festival (Germany). Recently, his documentary film “The Road to Kung Fu” was awarded The Best Long Video Award in 2023 United Nations Chinese Language Day & The Third Chinese Language Video Festival.  

Vikki Hanling Cao (曹瀚翎) is a member of the British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies (BAFTSS) and holds a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast. She is a filmmaker, artist, interpreter and translator. She serves as the core board of directors of the Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival since the very founding of the festival. Vikki is the official cinematographer of BCCMA (The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts), and had been the photographer of BSSS(British Society of Soil Science) and SSSI.

Vikki actively took part in the filming and recording of the BBC’s flagship television programme, Antiques Roadshow, with Fiona Bruce. In addition, she also has served as an official simultaneous interpreter for WHO global conferences, Castrol global conferences, some UN-related conferences etc and as a translator for Canterbury Cathedral, etc. And she had worked for Sonorities Festival, EAPRIL (European Association of Practitioner Research on Improving Learning) conferences, One Young World (OYW) Summit and other international summits related. Vikki’s film won the Best Video Award at the 2024 My China Story International Video Competition and another film was runner-up for the BAFTSS Practice Research Award.

Outline:

This Information Session will include the following elements: 

  • Welcome
  • Introduction to the Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival and a Review of Previous Editions
  • Launch of the Open Call for the 3rd Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival
  • Submission Guidelines and Key Information
  • Film Screening: Martial Arts, Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Practice
  • Group photo

Film Screening: Martial Arts, Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Practice

This part presents two films from previous editions of the Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival. Created by students and staff of Queen’s University Belfast, these works explore the convergence of Eastern and Western embodied practices through the disciplines of boxing and kungfu.

Screening 1: Junayde’s Kungfu Dream (2025)

Directors: Tianpeng Yao and Vikki Hanling Cao

From a young age, British youth Junayde Guven harbored a dream of mastering kung fu and held a deep fascination for Eastern martial arts. To pursue the martial path in his heart, he journeyed thousands of miles to China’s Shaolin Temple, apprenticing under renowned masters to study authentic Shaolin kung fu. Over five years of changing seasons, he honed his skills amidst the temple’s morning bells and evening drums, ultimately elevating his martial arts to a new realm.

Now, bearing the hopes of the British team, he embarks on the journey to the World Kung Fu Championships. What will be the outcome of the competition? How close is he to realizing his kung fu dream? This documentary delves deep into Junayde’s inner journey, revealing his remarkable voyage of cultural integration and self-transcendence.

Screening 2: Feint (2024)

Directors: Christopher Whiteside and Madeline Whiteside

Feint is a drama with psychological horror elements and tells the story of Zoe, a young boxing coach struggling with her mental health and the burden of running the family boxing gym whilst caring for her younger sister under the shadow of their terminally ill mother’s fate.

CCP2026 Homepage

CCT-HuiMa

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Painting with the Shuttle: Chinese Kesi Technique in Silk Tapestry
以梭作画: 中国丝织工艺中的缂丝技艺

Monday 23rd February 2026
13:00-14:00 
Auditorium, The McClay Library

Speaker:
Hui MA (马卉) is a PhD student in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast, UK. Her research focuses on the global trade and cultural significance of Chinese silk exported to the West from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Her work examines the intersection of textile craftsmanship, maritime commerce, and the enduring material exchange between China and the European market during the early modern period.

Abstract:
In this talk, I explore the origins, intricate craftsmanship, and unique cultural status of Kesi (缂丝), which is a special type of silk tapestry. As a luxury textile that played a vital role in China’s artistic and trade history, Kesi is distinguished by its carved appearance and the sophisticated technique of using short shuttles to create painterly compositions. By looking at how it began and the careful steps used to weave it, I argue that Kesi is unique because it uses a special method of continuous warp and broken weft. This lecture provides an overview of how Kesi has remained an art form that cannot be copied by machines, even in the age of mechanical reproduction.

CCP2026 Homepage

CNY2026 Fun Time with Table Tennis

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Date: Saturday 28 February 2026
Time: 12:00 – 15:00
Venue: Main Hall Table Tennis Court, QUB PEC

About the Event:

This event is part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations (Year of the Horse) at Queen’s. Sponsored by the QUB iRISE Staff Network, supported by One Elmwood Student Engagement Team and The Language Centre, we would like to invite all staff members and students, and their families as well, to join this fun and friendly event to engage with this popular sport among the Chinese communities, as well as providing an opportunity for enhancing student and staff wellbeing through sport.

Both beginners and more advanced players are welcome to sign up for the fun event, with an appreciation of its unique culture, as well as developing some practical skills in body movements and mediation. We hope this fun game will also demonstrate the charm of the table tennis playing. We will provide basic equipment such as rackets and balls, and feel free to bring your own equipment and wear properly. Children must be attended by parents or guardians. 

This 3-hour-long event is free for all as non-PEC members’ entry fees are covered. Booking is needed due to capacity (up to 40 players) and access request. Please complete the registration form below. 

Car Parking Parking at the PEC is free for the initial 3 hours of your reservation. After that period, there is a fee of £1.80 per hour. Please register your car at the terminals inside the main PEC Building. To avoid this inconvenience, you may wish to park your cars outside the parking area, alongside the River Lagan Annandale Embankment.

Pictures:

Part of the participants

Martial Arts Demo by Brendan

CCT-MBurnett

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Shakespeare, Cinema, China
《莎士比亚  · 电影 · 中国》

Monday 16th February 2026
13:00-14:00 
Auditorium, The McClay Library

Speaker:
Professor Mark Thornton Burnett is Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, UK. He is the author of Masters and Servants in English Renaissance Drama and Culture: Authority and Obedience (Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1997), Constructing ‘Monsters’ in Shakespearean Drama and Early Modern Culture (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2002), Filming Shakespeare in the Global Marketplace (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2007; 2nd ed. 2012), Shakespeare and World Cinema (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013) and ‘Hamlet’ and World Cinema (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019). He is series editor of the Arden Shakespeare series, ‘Shakespeare and Adaptation’.

Full profile  

Abstract:
In this talk, I explore the deep connection between the uses of Shakespeare in cinema and China’s evolving cultural, economic and social significances. Shakespeare figures variously in Chinese cinema – as echo and adaptation, as allusion and full-blown transposition, as semi-quotation and vernacular rewrite, as prompt for comic business, and as an exercise in nostalgia. Introducing a broad sweep of historical examples, and centring on two recent Hamlet adaptations – The Banquet (dir. Feng Xiaogang, 2006) and Prince of the Himalayas (dir. Sherwood Hu, 2006) – I argue that Shakespeare and China share a fruitful and exciting relationship, one allied to the past, rooted in the present, and enlivened by continuing intercultural exchange.

CCP2026 Homepage