Discover China – Language Centre Learners at the Chinese Consular Open Day

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Liang Wang

The “Discover China” Open Day, hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Belfast, welcomed nearly 600 visitors – both Chinese and non-Chinese – to its first-ever outdoor public event on Saturday 27th June.

Open Day Programme. Photo credit: Chen Zhi

Celebrating both China’s rich cultural traditions and its modern development, the Open Day featured a wide range of interactive activities and exhibitions designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Hands-on experiences included trying on traditional Chinese costumes, using chopsticks, tasting Chinese cuisine, writing Chinese calligraphy bookmarks, playing table tennis, and taking part in dragon dance and taiji demonstrations. Visitors also enjoyed traditional Chinese opera and the spectacular face-changing performance.

Cultural performance – Sichuan Opera face-changing. Photo credit: Liang Wang
Cultural performance – opera with long-sleeve dance. Photo credit: Liang Wang

Alongside these activities, a series of exhibitions showcased Chinese books, the China Story Photography Exhibition, and new energy vehicles, offering visitors further opportunities to explore China’s cultural heritage, technological innovation, and contemporary development.

Exhibition – New energy vehicles with Chinese brands on display. Photo credit: Chen Zhi

With its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse programme, the event provided an enjoyable and engaging introduction to Chinese culture for people from a wide range of communities across Northern Ireland.

Led by their tutor, Sharon Fan, a group of learners from Queen’s Language Centre’s Chinese language programme also attended the Open Day, experiencing Chinese language and culture beyond the classroom.

Group photo – LC staff with learners. Photo credit: Liang Wang
Group photo – LC staff with learners. Photo credit: Liang Wang

Hannah, a Queen’s graduate who completed her studies a couple of years ago but has continued learning with the Chinese programme ever since, described her exciting experience as follows:

There were many stalls set up with a different activity at each. We got free Chinese books (which are extremely useful as a learner of the language), got to participate in a chopsticks challenge, had our English names transcribed into Chinese characters, did the dragon dance together, watched cultural performances, and got to dress up in traditional Chinese Hanfu!

When you completed the cultural or traditional activity at each stall, you got a unique stamp. This was a fun addition to the day and you even got a small prize at the end for collecting them all.

Maeve particularly valued the opportunities for cultural exchange and personal engagement throughout the event. She reflected:

I feel like cultural exchange and language learning go hand in hand, so I was definitely excited to experience what was on offer. The many dancers and dragon performances were captivating to watch and I particularly loved seeing all the beautiful traditional Hanfu and how everyone, young and old, was enjoying dressing up! It felt like a little piece of China in Belfast…

A hands-on experience of Dragon Dance. Photo credit: Sharon Fan

Drawing on her travel experience in China last year, Hannah echoed Maeve’s observations about the value of authentic cultural engagement in a local setting:

Having travelled to China last year, I felt this was an excellent representation and showcase of Chinese culture and also a fantastic way for people new to it to experience and engage with it for the first time.

Leysley-Anne, also Queen’s graduate from School of Biological Sciences, also shared her thoughts:

I think my favourite thing about the day by far was the people’s encouragement, joy, and surprise when we attempted to speak to them in Mandarin. Even though our pronunciation and grammar were far from perfect, everyone we spoke to kindly encouraged us and were so patient, frequently having to repeat themselves when we didn’t quite understand. Experiences like this are truly encouraging when trying to learn a new language – especially one so difficult.

We left the day slightly sun burnt but very happy with a new sense of determination in learning Mandarin!

Hannah also echoed Leysley-Anne’s sentiments, paying tribute to the Consular staff:

All the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and very receptive and supportive when I attempted to speak Chinese with them. This was extremely encouraging and motivating as a learner of the language.

An absolutely fantastic day, very well thought out and lots of fun! I’ll be keeping a keen eye out for any future events!

Consulate General of P.R.C. in Belfast. Photo credit: Chen Zhi

Celebrating Duanwu Festival at Queen’s and beyond

Posted on 19 June 2026 by Liang Wang

This year Duanwu Festival (端午节 Duānwǔjié), also known as Dragon Boat Festival (龙舟节 Lóngzhōujié), falls on Friday 19th June.

To mark the occasion, two celebratory events were organised prior to the festival: one on campus at Queen’s University Belfast and the other in the local community. Together, these events provided opportunities to explore the history, customs, and cultural significance of one of China’s traditional festivals.

Celebration 1: Two Festivals, One Celebration: Duanwu and Dano Mid-Summer Social

Jointly organised by QUB iRise Staff Network and The Language Centre, Queen’s staff enjoyed attending a mid-summer social event that successfully celebrated both the Chinese Duanwu Festival and the Korean Danoje Festival, two traditional East Asian festivals that occur around the same time of year. The event was organised as an opportunity to promote intercultural understanding, community building, and a sense of belonging among staff from a diverse cultural background.

Dr Bee-Yen gave a welcome.
Prof Wei Sha gave a welcome.

The morning began with opening remarks from the iRise Co-Chair, Dr. Bee-Yen Toh who introduced the work of iRise and reflected on the network’s growing programme of activities, encouraging more staff participantion and contribution to its Cultural Diversity Scheme. The REC Academic Lead Prof Wei Sha also offered welcoming remarks before the event moved into two cultural presentations: Dr. Liang Wang from China introduced Duanwujie, while Dr Suyhun Kim from Korea introduced Danoje.

Dr Liang Wang introduced Duanwu Festival.
Dr Shuyun Kim introduced Dano Festival.

The event was further enriched by a guzheng performance from Wei Deng, a graduate in Arts Management from the School of Arts, English and Languages. Wei, holding a Global Talent Visa, has been committed to integrating guzheng techniques with Irish music elements, with which she is going to host her guzheng concert at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music). Wei extended her invitation to QUB staff to attend her concert in coming August.

Wei Deng performed guzheng music.
Wei Deng communicated with Queen’s staff about her upcoming guzheng concert.

Colleagues also received calligraphy bookmarks featuring Chinese Duanwu Festival greetings and well-wishes, including messages of peace, health and good fortune. These small keepsakes, written by QUB Law student Shiuh Ting Gho, offered participants something personal to take away from the event, while also introducing the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and the meaning carried through written language.

Calligraphy bookmarks written by Shiuh Ting Gho.
Calligraphy bookmarks carrying festival greeting messages.

The Mid-Summer Social was a warm celebration of culture, language and shared learning. Through stories, music, food traditions, language and calligraphy, the event offered colleagues an opportunity to learn about Duanwujie and Danoje while strengthening a sense of connection across the University community.

Read the original text from QUB iRise webpage.

Celebration 2: CWA Dragon Boat Festival and Wei Deng’s Concert Launch

The second celebration was hosted by the Chinese Welfare Association Northern Ireland (CWA) to support the local community’s Dragon Boat Festival celebration and the launch of Wei Deng’s upcoming concert. Distinguished guests included representatives from organisations and associations such as the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Belfast, Arts Council Northern Ireland, National Museums NI, as well as members of other ethnic communities.

Ms Lili Wu, Directing Manager of CWA and Dr Liang Wang, Language Support Officer from Queen’s Language Centre, co-chaired the event.

Ms Lili Li, Vice-Chair of CWA, expressed her gratitude for the support received from partner organisations and individuals, whose contributions have helped foster the continued development of the Chinese community and its growing role in Belfast’s civic engagement and social cohesion. Madame Yanhua Wang, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Belfast, highly commended CWA’s long-standing service to the Chinese community and its important role in promoting multiculturalism and community integration in Belfast.

Ms Lili Li gave a welcome speech.
Madame Yanhua Wang gave a welcome speech.

The first half of the celebration featured the launch of Wei Deng’s concert. Wei shared stories from her artistic journey and personal development through intercultural learning since arriving at Queen’s as a postgraduate student in Arts Management. She also spoke about her continued engagement in innovative guzheng practice following her studies, both in China and Northern Ireland.

Wei Deng introduced her guzheng project and concert.
Wei Deng introduced her guzheng project and concert.
Wei Deng performed guzheng music.
Wei Deng performed guzheng music.
Wei Deng performed guzheng music.

Emphasising the value of intercultural exchange, she highlighted the integration of Irish musical elements into traditional Chinese guzheng performance and warmly invited the audience to attend her concert in August.

Event: Harmony Beyond Borders – An Enchanting Afternoon of Guzheng Music
Date: Sunday 9th August 2026
Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Ticket: Eventbrite booking

Following Wei’s wonderful live performance, the second half of the celebration began with three cultural workshops, including Chinese calligraphy bookmark writing, zongzi-shaped ornament making, and a demonstration of traditional zongzi wrapping techniques. Making and eating zongzi (粽子) – traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and filled with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients – has been a symbolic Dragon Boat Festival custom for thousands of years.

Workshop tables set with decorations.
Workshop tables set with calligraphy bookmarks.
Workshop tables set with calligraphy bookmarks.
Workshop tables set with calligraphy bookmarks.
Zongzi-shaped ornaments
Frame with an artisitc form of combined characters.
Calligraphy script and Wei’s concert poster
Zongzi materials ready for wrapping
Zongzi master answering questions.
Zongzi master deomstrating zongzi wrapping up techniques.
Zongzi master deomstrating wrapped-up zongzi.

After a delicious lunch was served, featuring mini-sized zongzi as a tasting dish, Dr Liang Wang hosted a Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) Culture Quiz, helping non-Chinese participants gain a deeper understanding of the festival’s history, traditions, and customs. This was followed by a tea-tasting session facilitated by Wei, who demonstrated traditional tea preparation and serving practices using Yungong Tea (云宫茶), a renowned tea produced in Chongqing, her hometown.

Tea ceremony preparation
Wei Deng demoed tea making technique
Wei Deng demonstrated tea making technique
Wei chatted with the audience
Wei surrounded by participants
Wei surrounded by participants

Culture, language, music, food, and entertainment combined to provide participants with a fascinating experience of intercultural discovery, cultural demonstration, and artistic appreciation. The guzheng-enhanced Dragon Boat Festival celebration fostered meaningful cultural exchange and friendship not only within the Chinese community but also among a wide range of communities across Belfast.

Welcome guests at the entrance
Dr Liang Wang co-chaired at the event.
Ms Lili Wu co-chaired at the event.
Group photo
Group photo
Volunteers busy preparing food.
Audience waiting in the hall for the start.
Deng Wei with Lili and Sally
Deng Wei with Rebecca Zhang

The event also served as an excellent example of Queen’s University’s commitment to civic engagement and community partnership, demonstrating its continued support for local communities through language, cultural and festival celebrations.

Lion Dance at Lanyon Building

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Liang Wang

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

Posted on 16 February 2026 by Liang Wang

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.

Celebrating CNY at Queen’s and in Belfast

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Liang Wang

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.

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop (5pm, £15 per person)
Belfast Film Festival Screening “Ride On” (7PM)

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！

Echoes of the East

Posted on 29 November 2025 by Liang Wang

A Chinese Poetry and Art Song Concert

Date: Monday 15/12/2015

Time: 19:00

Venue: Harty Room, QUB

Organised by Queen’s Chinese students and alumni, this concert is a community-oriented cultural initiative designed to foster diversity, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue in Northern Ireland. As the Chinese community represents one of the largest cultural groups in Northern Ireland, the concert also responds to their need for collective expression and connection, particularly for students and residents who may experience isolation or homesickness.

This concert project supports civic engagement by providing an accessible platform where local and international communities can come together to experience Chinese cultural heritage. Aligned with the principle that “music knows no borders”, the concert contributes to cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and the creation of more inclusive civic spaces. It directly supports institutional priorities in widening participation, celebrating cultural diversity, and strengthening community cohesion.

The concert presents Chinese classical poetry through art songs accompanied by piano and guzheng, bringing Eastern and Western musical traditions into conversation.

Queen’s students and staff members, as well as members of the public, are all welcome to sign up for the concert. Places are limited and tickets will be issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. To register, please either click the button below, or scan the QR code above.

Click here to read a Chinese post. (点击此处阅读中文介绍。）

Registration

Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event Celebrates Cultural Diversity at Queen’s

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Liang Wang

On Friday, 3 October, despite the adverse weather conditions, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event went ahead as planned, bringing together over 50 students, staff (including visiting scholars), and community partners in the McClay Library Auditorium. The celebration featured live music, cultural displays, talks, and refreshments, all showcasing the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Queen’s community.

Decoration with mooncakes and flowers
Decoration with mooncakes and flowers

The event opened with a captivating guzheng performance of Moon Rising High by PhD candidate Li Fei, setting a graceful tone for the afternoon’s celebration of community and civic engagement.

Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei
Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei

Jointly organised by The Language Centre and iRise (BAME&I) Staff Network, the event featured welcoming remarks from Thomas (Language Centre Manager) and Bee-Yen (Senior Lecturer, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Co-Chair of iRise), who both reflected on the cultural importance of celebrating diversity at Queen’s. Mórrigan (Student Officer for Accessible Education) and Claudia (Chair of the International Students’ Association) also spoke, introducing the roles of the Queen’s Students’ Union in supporting a student body representing over 80 countries and regions.

Welcome by Thomas Smith, Language Centre Manager
Welcome by Dr Bee-Yen Toh, iRise Staff Network co-chair
Welcome by Mórrigan McEvoy, Student Officer Accessible Education
Welcome by Claudia Liu, Chair of International Students’ Association

Dr Liang Wang shared greetings from both local and international participants, including a surprise message from Queen’s University, Canada, and highlighted a series of successful student- and staff-led projects in line with the Cultural Diversity Scheme at Queen’s in recent years. He also invited attendees to take part in the new round of upcoming activities. Special thanks were given to student volunteer Shiuh Ting Gho, who delighted participants with beautifully written calligraphy pieces of traditional festival greetings.

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at Queen’s
Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival
Greetings from the participants
Greetings from the participants
Greeting from a special guest from Queen’s University in Canada
Calligraphy display from Shiuh Ting Gho
Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
Highlight 3 – QUB DEIB Forum
Highlight 4 – Bridges to China Project

In the cultural display segment, Li Fei further demonstrated her artistry through a traditional tea and incense ceremony, showcasing the elegance and mindfulness of Chinese cultural practices. Attendees showed great enthusiasm, enjoying both the demonstration and a taste of freshly brewed Chinese tea.

The afternoon concluded with networking, mooncake tasting, and refreshments, leaving everyone with warm smiles and shared appreciation for Queen’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.

Photographer: Tianpeng Yao, Liang Wang

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration and Welcome Event

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Liang Wang

Hello September, we hope all will settle in quickly and have a great start!

With the start of the new academic year, we are delighted to host a special welcome event that brings together staff and students to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate intercultural experiences. This gathering marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time of reunion and appreciation, with the chance to enjoy mooncakes and experience cultural performances. We warmly invite all students and staff to join us for this festive celebration at Queen’s!

Date: Friday 3rd October 2025
Time: 13:30 – 16:00
Venue: Auditorium, The McClay Library

Registration

Due to limited capacity of the room and high demand, we are only able to accommodate up to 50 people, on a first-come-first-serve basis. People who are informed on a waiting list will be contacted if vacancies appear.

We hope you will enjoy the event!

Call for volunteers

We are looking for talented students and staff members to volunteer for our Chinese language and cultural events at Queen’s. It could be in the form of a variety of cultural performances, or language/culture-related topics and skills, and is open to both Chinese-speaking and non-Chinese speaking volunteers.

We look forward to working with you in our future events.

Volunteering

Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival

Posted on 17 May 2025 by Liang Wang

Melodies of the Chinese Zither and the Perfume of Books
琴韵书香迎端午

Friday 30th May 2025
13:00 – 15:00
Auditorium, The McClay Library

Speaker/Performer:

Wei DENG (邓维), QUB alumna from School of Arts, English and Languages
Chen GAO (高宸), visiting PhD candidate at School of Arts, English and Languages, from Minzu University of China

Outline:

This special forum consists of two sections.

In the first half, Wei will introduce her proposed project with Ludo Dao CIC which is committed to exploring the development of an intercultural approach to musical performance, focusing on the dialogue between the Chinese traditional guzheng and Northern Irish musical instruments. She will also perform selected guzheng pieces live and warmly invites local musicians — from Queen’s and beyond — to join in this intercultural exchange through music.

In the second half, Chen will present an introduction to the Siku Quanshu (《四库全书》), the monumental imperial collection that has recently been shelved in Queen’s McClay Library. Focusing on its compilation process and the discernment of scholarly traditions, Chen will explore both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the Complete Library of the Four Repertoires.

Register

CCP2025 Homepage

Lantern Festival Celebration

Posted on 7 February 2025 by Liang Wang

As the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday, 12th February, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to all colleagues and students who have supported our celebration programme in various ways.

To mark the conclusion of the Year of the Snake Celebration Programme, recognise the winners of the Drawing the Snake Competition, and express our gratitude to our volunteers and contributors, we warmly invite you to our “Lantern Festival” stands in the foyer area of One Elmwood on Wednesday, 12th February, from 12:30 to 13:30. Join us for a special gathering and award ceremony, where we will celebrate your contributions, share joyful moments, and reflect on the unforgettable highlights of this year’s festivities.

Fun Time with Table Tennis

As part of our celebration tradition, we host a Table Tennis Event around the Lantern Festival to promote networking and community building as a key highlight of the Lantern Festival celebration. Sponsored by the QUB iRISE Staff Network, this event warmly invites students, staff members, and their families to take part in a fun and friendly gathering. It offers a chance to engage with one of the most popular sports in Chinese communities while also fostering well-being through physical activity and social interaction.

Additionally, we invite you to explore the ArtEast Online Exhibition, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks by local Chinese artists. The artists would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions to further enhance their presentations.

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation! While our Chinese Culture Forum 2025 will continue to present events and activities in the future, we look forward to celebrating with you again next year as we welcome the Year of the Horse!

Chinese at Queen's

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