There will be a book launch at Queen’s University Belfast on Wednesday 22nd April. While it is an in-person event, there is an option to tune in via MS Teams. All welcome!
Book Title: Heritage Literacy in the Lives of Chinese Muslims: A Linguistic Ethnographic Study Authors: Dr Ibrar Bhatt and Heng WANG (Queen’s University Belfast) Discussant: Zhen (Jennie) LI (Education University of Hong Kong) Organiser: Dr Aisling O’Boyle (Queen’s University Belfast)
Co-Organisers:
The Centre for Language Education Research, School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
Longtaitou (龙抬头 Lóng tái tóu) Festival, also known as the Dragon-Head-Raising Festival, falls on the second day of the second lunar month each year and marks the traditional beginning of the spring farming season. This year, it falls on Friday 20 March.
Inspired by the symbolic “raising of the dragon’s head”, we are delighted to see a growing interest in Chinese language-related programmes and events. We warmly welcome more participants to join a variety of upcoming activities, as listed below.
Chinese Bridge Competition / Business Chinese Competition – Candidates
The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition is a large-scale international contest organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation. Over the years, 24 UK national finals have been held, with outstanding winners invited to represent the UK at the global finals in China. Participants at this stage have the opportunity to compete for scholarships to further their Chinese-related studies at universities in China.
The Chinese Competition of Business Innovations & Charitable Projects for UK University Students (aka Business Chinese Competition), as a sister event to the Chinese Bridge Competition for UK University Students, is a well-known brand in Business Chinese education across the UK. It aims to promote the improvement and development of Business Chinese teaching in the UK universities, stimulate students’ potential for business innovation, and encourage awareness, participation, and responsibility in charitable projects initiatives. The competition also enables students studying Business Chinese to apply their knowledge in practice and achieve meaningful outcomes, nurturing talents who can contribute to China–UK trade exchange and cooperation.
The 2026 UK national finals will take place on Saturday 6 Friday 5 June in London, organised by the UK Organising Committee. Preliminary rounds will be held by each participating university in advance, with a deadline of Friday 24 April for completion.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
Be a university student, aged 18-30
Be of non-Chinese nationality
Have been born and raised outside China
Have a first language other than Chinese
Not have taken part in the semi-final or final competition in China in previous years
To know more details and to express your interest, please contact Liang.Wang[at]qub.ac.uk directly, with a brief self-introduction of your education background, including studying of Mandarin Chinese, by Thursday 2nd April.
Chinese School – Teachers/Teaching Assistants
The Chinese Language School Northern Ireland is currently seeking volunteers to support teaching and classroom activities during term time throughout the academic year. Volunteers are expected to commit to the school’s timetable during term time; however, some flexibility can be accommodated with advance notice.
Classes are held weekly on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Suitable candidates are preferably those with a strong background in Chinese language proficiency, along with relevant teaching experience or pedagogical knowledge.
To express your interest, please contact Chinese Language School NI via their WeChat account (ID: beiaizhongwenxuexiao) or email (Chinese.school.ni[at]gmail.com).
Success Chinese Lion Dance Society – Club Members
Success Chinese Lion Dance Society is currently seeking to recruit new members, particularly college and university students, to form the core team for campus-based performances.
Students from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds are warmly welcome. Members from QUB will have the opportunity to establish a student-led society registered with the Queen’s Students’ Union, organise regular training sessions, and participate in community activities under the guidance of the Society’s master.
To express your interest, please contact sliondance[at]yahoo.co.uk
Chinese Culture Programme – Contributors
The Language Centre is looking for talented students and staff members to contribute to our Chinese Culture Programme at Queen’s. The engagement could be in the form of a variety of cultural performances, workshops or language/culture-related public talks and panels. The call is open to both Chinese-speaking and non-Chinese speaking volunteers.
We look forward to working with you in our future events.
Finally, the third Semester Language Course registration is open and closes promptly at 17:00 on Thursday 16 April 2026. Classes are expected to be extremely popular and fill up quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended.
To register with a Mandarin Chinese course, please follow the course information page for more information with links to registrations.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 22/02by 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.
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.
Monday 16th February 2026 13:00-14:00 Auditorium, The McClay Library
Speaker: Professor Mark ThorntonBurnett 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.
To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse, The Language Centre and Student Engagement Team One Elmwood are delighted to organise two CNY Arts and Crafts workshops scheduled for QUB students, staff and their families to attend on
Monday 19th January and
Friday 6th February
At the workshops (1-4pm), there are also opportunities to do hands-on Chinese calligraphy and paper crafts for the festive decoration.
2. Drawing the Horse Competition and Exhibition
Alongside the workshops, there is the “Drawing the Horse” competition, accompanied by an online exhibition showcasing submitted entries.
In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolises vitality, perseverance, freedom, and success. It is associated with forward momentum, aspiration, and the courage to pursue new horizons -qualities that resonate strongly with learning, creativity, and global engagement within the QUB community.
We invite students and staff to explore these cultural meanings through art and express their own interpretations of the Horse, whether traditional or contemporary, literal or symbolic. All submitted artworks will form part of an online exhibition celebrating creativity, cultural diversity, and the shared spirit of the New Year.
Join us in welcoming the Year of the Horse through drawing, imagination, and cross-cultural appreciation.
Requirement
Participants are encouraged to employ diverse drawing styles and mediums (e.g., sketching, oils, watercolor, sculpture, etc.) as long as they effectively convey your perceptions of the Horse 马/馬 within your own cultural context or Chinese culture. We welcome authentic forms and techniques of presentation, excluding AI-related works.
Submission
Submissions should consist of one drawing per participant, saved as an electronic copy (JEPG/JPG/PNG format, no exceeding 4MB). Please submit your artwork via the provided submission form, accompanied by a brief bio, including your name, status (e.g., educational/professional background), and a concise description of your illustration.
