The Confucius Institute is opening its doors once again, welcoming everyone to come and explore China during our FREE taster week in October!

Mandarin Taster

This session is suitable for complete beginners and will use interactive activities to teach participants some Chinese greetings, numbers and basic phrases. Elements of Chinese history and culture will also be introduced.

Business Mandarin Taster

This session is suitable for anyone who has an interest in how business is conducted in China. Participants will learn some basic Chinese phrases and etiquette and how to converse in a business setting.

Chinese Traditional Festival

Participants will learn some basic Chinese language and be introduced to cultural elements of the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Day and Dragonboat Festival customs through interactive activities including learning a Chinese New Year song.

Chinese Calligraphy

This session will focus on learning how to use Chinese brushes and ink and participants will learn some of the basic strokes that underpin Chinese writing.

Chinese Painting

Participants will learn basic Chinese painting techniques and some elements of the historical, cultural and technical aspects behind it. Participants will be guided stroke-by-stroke to create their own artworks by the end of the session.

Chinese traditional musical instrument

Participants will have an introduction to Chinese musical culture and its significance in China, watch a video of some interesting performances and experience a live performance by the session tutor. Each participant will also have the opportunity to play a traditional Chinese instrument.

Chinese Tea Ceremony

The session will introduce the cultural and historical significance of the Chinese Tea Ceremony. Participants will also be treated to a soothing traditional demonstration of the ceremony from the session tutor.

Chinese Paper Cutting

This session will focus on one of the most important types of Chinese folk art. Participants will learn basic elements and then guided cut-by-cut to produce the traditional Chinese New Year paper ornament 春.

As part of the Taster Week, we are also inviting you to our Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at Manchester Museum on Wednesday, 4 October (12noon – 4pm). Join us for fun and informal drop-in activities like paper folding, costumes, dance performances and moon cake. This is a drop-in activity and there is no need to book.