During the Michaelmas term, Lancaster University Confucius Institute took a total of forty students participating in the Lancaster Chinese Friendship Programme to Manchester.

The Lancaster Chinese Friendship Programme is an academic initiative that pairs students studying Chinese as part of their degree with native Chinese speakers. These partnerships facilitate mutual language practice, cultural exchange, and the formation of lasting friendships. As part of the programme, the Lancaster University Confucius Institute organises various activities for the students to enjoy together.

During the visit, students enjoyed a walking tour of Manchester, learning about the history of Manchester and its connections with China from a local tour guide.

The tour began along the Canalside whilst the tour guide explained Manchester’s industrial history to the group.

The first stop of the tour was Wing Yip supermarket, one of the oldest Chinese supermarkets in Manchester, where the group had some free time to look around the supermarket and discover the wide range of Asian products, many students bought snacks to try.

Following the supermarket, the group visited ESEA Contemporary, a ‘non-profit institution specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) heritages’ - esea contemporary.

The final stop of the tour was Manchester Chinatown, where the participants enjoyed a group meal together and some free time to visit Chinatown, Manchester city centre and the Manchester Christmas Markets.

For some students, this was their first time visiting Manchester. The trip gave students the opportunity to learn about Manchester and its connections with China in a fun and interactive way whilst building a friendship with their language partner from the Lancaster Chinese Friendship Programme.