Culture for wellbeing

Find out about the cultural activities we can deliver to improve your wellbeing

Are you looking for a team building activity that will improve staff wellbeing? Are you interested in putting on a mindfulness session for your students? Our team can deliver bespoke Chinese cultural workshops to improve wellbeing and promote mindfulness among staff and students.

Practicing Chinese arts like calligraphy or brush painting can help combat stress and anxiety, improve concentration and stimulate the release of dopamine. Tai Chi is known to improve strength and flexibility, lower blood pressure and helps with posture. 

Please see below the activities we offer. If you’d like to work with us on a wellbeing event or host us for a team activity, please get in touch at confucius@manchester.ac.uk. 

Magic workshops

We are pleased to be able to offer a brand-new series of workshops with magician MO Shaoxian. Over the course of four sessions, you will learn tricks, while also develop your confidence. Practicing magic can also improve your concentration and reduce stress. All materials will be provided. 

Mr MO Shaoxian is a renowned magician and educator who grew up in a magician family in Shanghai and is the third generation of magicians in his family. He performed in China for over 50 years and now teaches magic workshops in schools and universities in Shanghai. His magic tricks are listed as intangible cultural assets in China.

For dates, times and prices and to book, please visit our e-store. You can book just one individual session or book the whole series (and get a 4 for 3 discount).

Chinese calligraphy

Calligraphy (shufa) is the traditional art of writing Chinese characters, and a fundamental part of Chinese culture. After centuries of evolution, calligraphy has developed into a truly unique art form.

While getting use to holding the calligraphy brush and learning the basic strokes, you can apply breathing to your writing and immerse yourself in a new art form. 

No previous knowledge of Chinese is required.

Chinese brush painting

These sessions will focus on introducing participants to the fundamentals of Chinese brush painting. Participants will also be introduced to this aspect of Chinese culture and the history and philosophy behind it. Like calligraphy, it helps with focus of the mind and offers freedom to express your emotions. 

Tai Chi

Often described as 'meditation in motion', the ancient art of Tai Chi has been practised for many centuries as a method of improving health and wellbeing.

The gentle movements are designed to restore balance to the nervous, digestive and immune systems. Tai Chi also lowers blood pressure, and some believe that it can increase longevity.  They stimulate the mind, calm the nerves and help to keep you fit.