Cultural workshops
Are you looking to host an authentic China-themed event in your office or celebrate Chinese New Year with your team? We can offer the perfect way for you and your team to experience an exciting range of Chinese cultural activities.
Our offering
We offer expert-led sessions designed to introduce Chinese language and cultural elements. Based on the expectations of your team, we will design a bespoke package of activities from a wide range of options.
We can deliver drop-in sessions suitable for larger groups and relaxed company events, and we can also run small group sessions in a more formal but equally interactive setting. Take a look at our current offering and get in touch so we can work with you to design the best experience for your team.
This taster session is for beginners who have not studied Mandarin before or have only studied the basics. We will introduce some interesting aspects of Chinese culture and basic daily expressions such as greetings, self-introduction, thank you and goodbye. We will also teach participants numbers 1-10 with hand gestures. Our teachers apply a communicative approach, using lots of speaking practice and interactive games.
Originating in ancient China, tai chi is regarded as one of the most effective exercises for mental and physical health. Participants learn the basic tai chi movements to relaxing music by an experienced instructor. We suggest that a venue with plenty of space is used for this activity.
We will briefly introduce the history of Chinese calligraphy before teaching participants the eight basic strokes. After some practice, you will be able to write a Chinese character or phrase. We will assist participants individually and make sure you are able to take a piece of art home at the end.
Chinese brush painting is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. Traditional painting involves similar techniques to that of calligraphy and is done with a brush dipped in black ink or coloured pigments (oils are not used).
We will introduce participants to different types of painting before we teach them how to paint a specific object e.g. bamboo, panda, grapes etc. After practicing, participants will be able to create their own piece of artwork.
We will show participants a step-by-step demonstration of how to fold paper into a Chinese zodiac bookmark. Participants can then use their imagination to decorate the bookmark.
Participants will learn how to make a basic Chinese knot bracelet in pairs. We recommend this activity for a small group of adults due to the complexity of the skill and the time required.
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a demonstration of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. You will learn about the importance of tea culture in China by observing how to make, serve and enjoy a variety of Chinese teas.
Fees
We charge £100/hour/type of session plus travel expenses (unless the event is held within easy walking distance of Confucius Institute premises). We will discuss this with you upon booking.
How to book
Please note that during the Chinese New Year period, workshops must be confirmed at least two weeks before the workshop date. During the rest of the year, workshops must be confirmed four weeks in advance.
Please use the contact details below to make your booking:
- Email: confucius@manchester.ac.uk
- Phone +44 (0)161 275 8667