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.

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！

November Events

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Liang Wang

Despite a busy – and perhaps slightly tedious – November filled with deadlines and submissions, the Chinese community at Queen’s, including both scholars and students, continues to bring campus life to full vigor and vitality.

This month, two academic seminars are scheduled, and we warmly invite you to attend and take part in these stimulating academic dialogues.

Seminar 1

Ni Yang, PhD student from School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, will present ‘1976-1995: The Intersection of Urbanisation and Artistic Liberation in China: Beijing East Village’ at the History Seminar.

Date: Thursday 14/11
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Venue: 27 UQ / 01 / 003
Registration: via Eventbrite

This seminar examines Beijing East Village (1992–1995) as a unique outcome of China’s post-Mao transformation, set against the backdrop of urban restructuring, market reforms, and shifting cultural policies. Following the end of the Cultural Revolution and the ideological thaw of the 1980s, Beijing underwent rapid urbanisation, the demolition of traditional neighbourhoods, expansion of infrastructure, and emergence of informal ‘urban villages’ on the city’s periphery. In these liminal zones, beyond full state control, artists forged new spaces for experimentation. East Village became a focal point where figures such as Rong Rong, Lü Nan, Zhang Huan, and Ma Liuming developed radical performance and photographic works that challenged social norms and redefined artistic freedom. Through case studies including 12 Square Metres, Fen-Ma Liuming’s Lunch, and To Add One Metre to an Anonymous Mountain, this seminar explores how photography mediated between transient performances and enduring cultural memory, amplifying their impact across domestic and international contexts. Situating East Village within the broader currents of economic reform, spatial politics, and cultural negotiation, it reconsiders the role of art in documenting, critiquing, and shaping a rapidly transforming society.

Ni Yang is a PhD student specialising in the intersection of history and photography, examining how images both document and shape historical change. His doctoral research investigates the cultural, political, and urban transformations of post-Mao China, analysing how photography operates as a medium for recording social realities, constructing public memory, and negotiating cultural identity. By situating photographic practice within the broader historical currents of reform, urbanisation, and shifting cultural policy, his work reveals the complex interplay between visual culture and the lived experience of historical transition.

Refreshments, drinks, and snacks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Seminar 2

Dr Zi Yang, on behalf of the Private and Commercial Research Cluster, warmly invites you to join the research seminar with Professor Xiahong Chen, a visiting scholar from China University of Political Science and Law, on Tuesday 18th November in Board Room 2 (MST / 08 /014), School of Law.

Date: Tuesday 18/11
Time: 9:30 – 11:45 am
Venue: MST / 08 / 014
Registration: via Forms

Professor Xiahong Chen is Research Fellow at the Bankruptcy Law & Restructuring Research Centre of the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) and Senior Editor and Director of the Journal of CUPL (core comprehensive academic journal in China). He is an internationally recognised scholar of bankruptcy and insolvency law, with over 18 books and numerous impactful articles in leading journals, including Annotations to the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law (Peking University Press 2021) and Notes on Bankruptcy Law (Law Press 2021). His research has been translated internationally, and he is a member of INSOL Europe, INSOL International, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. The talk with focus on China’s recent Insolvency Law reform.