Chinese Opera Culture Class

The 10-week culture course introduces some basic knowledge of Chinese opera, mainly with the example of Peking Opera, ‘the quintessence’ of Chinese culture and ‘World Intangible Cultural Heritage’.

The course aims at supporting learners to learn how to listen to Chinese opera and about some core parts of Chinese traditional culture that are still embedded in the contemporary China, and enabling learners to gain knowledge and skills of cross-cultural communication.

Qinghong (Amy) Zhang, the course convenor, has extensive cross-cultural communication experience including successful teaching experience in both the Confucius Institute and the UK Higher Education. Amy also has a strong link with the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, the most prestigious institute of Chinese opera study and creation globally.

Summer Term Chinese Opera Culture Classes

Tuesdays, 6.30-7.30pm

From 29 April to 1 July 2025

Registration: Chinese Opera Culture Classes - Lancaster University

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art practised for both its health benefits and defence training which has its roots in Taoism. It combines profound principles, theories and martial art techniques. It is the cultivation of one's internal energy, mind and the physical body that makes it so unique and challenging.

Qimei Li is a keen amateur practitioner of Yang-style Tai Chi who has practised on and off for more than 20 years. She teaches Tai Chi in Lancaster on behalf of Lancaster University Confucius Institute. Qimei grew up in Taiyuan, Shanxi where her father, Yuming Li, was a teacher of Tai Chi for more than 30 years, achieving Master status. Qimei enjoys practicing and teaching Tai Chi because it is a good way to improve circulation, flexibility and to let go of stress.

Tai Chi at Garstang Arts Centre

Fridays, 12.15-1.00pm

Lent term: From 10 January to 21 March 2025.

Please note that the class will not take place on 28 February 2025.

Registration for Lent term: Tai Chi | Lancaster University Online Store

Summer term: From 2 May to 27 June 2025. Registration will open soon.

Please note: To register for this class you must be a member of Garstang Arts Centre. For further information about membership, please contact Garstang Arts Centre.

Tai Chi at Lancaster University Confucius Institute

Summer term: From 1 May to 26 June 2025

Thursdays, 12.00-12.45pm

Registration: Tai Chi - Lancaster University

Chinese calligraphy and painting

Chinese calligraphy, shū fǎ, is "the rules of writing Han characters". Chinese painting is known today as "guó huà". They emphasize motion and are charged with a dynamic life. As the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world, calligraphy and painting today are known and learned as important parts of traditional Chinese culture.

Summer Term Chinese Calligraphy Classes

Wednesdays, 6.15-7.45pm

From 30 April to 2 July 2025

Registration: Chinese Calligraphy Classes

Chinese Dance

Lent term Chinese dance classes

• For children (age 5-11 years old): Sundays, 1-2pm
• For adults: Sundays, 2.15-3.15pm

For further information about the Chinese dance classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster Chinese weekend classes for children

Weekly Chinese Mandarin language, culture and arts and crafts activities for all children aged between 5-11 years old.

Beginner and advanced classes available

Sundays, 10am-12pm

From 12 January to 23 March 2025

Please note that there will be no classes on Sunday 16 February 2025 due to the school half term holidays.

For further information about the weekend classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Ba Duan Jin

Shaolin Ba Duan Jin can be translated as 8 Brocade (Valuable) Exercises. It belongs to the classic repertoire of Qi Gong exercises in the Shaolin Kong Fu. It enhances physical health by stretching muscles and invigorating meridians. During practice, it enables individuals to clearly perceive changes in their breath and muscles.

The class will is taught by Hui Jing, a PhD student at Lancaster University. Hui Jing graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and the University of Roehampton and has several awards in Classical Chinese Dance, Chinese Folk Dance and Contemporary Dance.

For further information about the Ba Duan Jin classes, please email ci@lancaster.ac.uk