Category: community

China Quick-Fix Talk 19 Jan 2017 18.00 – Dr Bill Aitchison

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Join us for this talk which considers a less visible aspect of China’s development. China Quick-Fix is a talk and slide show that offers a special opportunity to see a less well known side of China up close and in the company of artist Bill Aitchison.

Bill Aitchison has spent the last three years in China taking pictures of the sometimes ingenious, sometimes ramshackle, improvised repairs that are a feature of the Chinese urban landscape. He will provide insightful commentary which, starting from these humble quick-fixes using plastic bottles, coat hangers and pieces of cardboard, opens up into a discussion of contemporary China which connects documentary photography to craft techniques, generational politics, decision making processes, the status of public space, wealth distribution and recycling, to name but a few of the directions it shoots out in. Sympathetic to the creativity of quick-fixes, this talk is balanced between identifying positive features in them while never forgetting the problems that necessitate them in the first place.

The event will conclude with questions and discussion.

Bill Aitchison

Bill Aitchison is an inter-disciplinary artist who divides his time between China and the UK. He has presented his performances, soundworks and videos in galleries, theatres and festivals in Europe, Asia, America, Australia and The Middle East. He holds a practice-based PhD from Goldsmiths College, has published critical, creative and journalistic texts in several countries, made several works for radio, regularly mentors creative projects and is currently setting up a performance studies strand at Nanjing University.

Where and When

This talk will take place on Thursday 19th January 2017 in the Project Room, 50 George Square, Edinburgh from 6pm.  A drinks reception will follow. 

Registration is required. Please book via this Eventbrite link

Chinese Arts & Cultural Festival Sun 14th August

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Sunday 14th August is the date for this one day celebration of Chinese Arts & Culture at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre Venue 150 when the Drama Club from the Institute’s University Partner, Fudan University in Shanghai, will open the programme.

Chinese Arts and Cultural Festival Morning Programme

10.00-11.00
RIchard II –  Fudan University Drama Club (in Chinese)

11.00-12.00
Puppet Show – by Shanghai Theatre Academy

Noon – lucky draw

Chinese Arts and Cultural Festival AFTERNOON Programme

14.00-15.30
Performance by the Experimental High School, Beijing Normal University

15.30-17.30
Peking Opera from Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theatre

Chinese Arts & Culture FestivalOrganised by the Scotland China Chamber of Commerce, this one day celebration offers a Morning Programme and an Afternoon Programme as well as an Arts and Craft Exhibition. The opportunity for hands-on cultural activities will also be on offer.

For more information please visit the SCCC website page.

To book tickets for the morning please link to the Fringe website here

To book tickets for the afternoon please link to the Fringe website here.

 

Autumn Language Classes Sept-Dec 2016

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The autumn programme of Chinese language classes for students of all levels will start from w/b 26 September.  On line booking is now available.

Please note that online booking closes on the day the class starts after which bookings can be made directly to the Confucius Institute – subject to places being available.

Our students enjoy their learning at the Institute
Initially learning Chinese is like playing with Lego. The word simply slot together. THere are no male or female nouns, no changes for tenses and no plurals!
Lucas Cloveralcolea, Level 1 Student

Our teachers from our partner Fudan University, in Shanghai, come highly recommended.
Our teacher is fabulous! She explains everything very well, encourages us to speak and really adds to what the textbook offers. Ann Roodt, Level 2 Student

Classes are attended by a wide range of students.
My class has a diverse range of students of all ages and from a wide range of countries. The atmosphere is always warm, friendly and encouraging. James Hagerty, Level 3 Student

Motivations for learning are many and various.
I love learning Chinese. For me its a hobby, a challenge and very satisfying.
Felicity Rodner, Level 4 Student

To find out more or to register for a class please go to our online booking link page.

Exhibition from Shanghai Municipal Archives 28/29 June

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An exhibition on the city of Shanghai is taking place in the first floor project room at 50 George Square in the University of Edinburgh’s Central campus. Opening on Tuesday 28 June from 4pm this exhibition from Shanghai Municipal Library presents the story of the historical development of Shanghai and considers its future through to 2020.

Shanghai Municipal Archives, established in 1959, is one of the national archives which has the largest collections in China, having over 3.6 million pieces in total at present. Over the years, the Archive has actively carried out cultural exchanges and cooperation overseas holding thematic archive exhibitions in more than 20 countries across all five continents.

This exhibition will be the first  in the UK. With the collection of photos, this exhibition shows the historical developments and changes of Shanghai, as well as the good relations between Shanghai and the United Kingdom over the past 170 years.

The exhibition will be formally opened at 4pm on Tuesday 28th June and be open to the general public on Wednesday 29th June from 10am till 5pm.  Admittance is free and all are welcome.

VENUE:  Project Room, 50 George Square, Edinburgh
DATE & TIME: Tuesday 28 June – Opening Reception from 4pm; Wednesday 29 June 10am-5pm

China’s Mobile Library takes to the road

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Interest in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, extends well beyond Edinburgh Zoo’s home base in Corstorphine.

The pandas are here on a ten year loan and during their extended stay in Scotland, Sandie Robb, Senior Education Officer for RZSS has developed a much lauded outreach programme for Scottish schools. This year, our Institute, is working  to extend the reach of her work through a special programme of CPD and pupil education. As part of the overall ‘Beyond the Panda’ programme, Sandie Robb is now travelling around the country taking the ‘China Mobile Library’ to schools not only in the central belt but to the the Highlands and,the Islands as well as the Lowlands and Borders.

Mobile Library

In January, Fife school, Milton of Balgonie Primary, was the first in 2016 to welcome Sandie and her ‘panda box’.  The contents of the box include games, jigsaws and other activities to stimulate learning and classroom discussion. The materials introduce age appropriate Chinese language elements.

The first two months of the year have seen the Mobile Library visit snowy Newtonmore for a period giving primary schools there and in Aviemore, Alvie, Kingussie and Gergask the chance to start to start to explore the habitat and habits of Giant Pandas.

Mobile Library

CPD sessions for teachers are also part of the package which ensure that staff within participating schools have the opportunity to derive maximum return from the progarmme.  There is also the option to buy a ‘Panda Box’ for a school to enable staff to continue to stimulate the pupils using the materials which, as well as being hugely enjoyed by the students, have been developed to match Curriculum for Excellence outcomes.

With East Dunbarton, East Ayrshire and Cambuslang also enjoying visits, the mobile library will be heading to more schools throughout the year.

For request a visit, or for more information and resources please visit the Beyond the Panda website.

 

Chinese New Year celebrations for Year of the Monkey

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As the Year of the Monkey approaches celebrations are being planned around the world. This 15 day festival starts with the new moon on the first day of the lunar month and ends 15 days later with the Full Moon.  In China, the festival is really all about family but with such a large diaspora the Chinese community will come together in a variety of ways and places to mark this, the largest of all the Chinese festivals.  You can read about some of the traditions of this 15 day period here and here.

Closer to home, Universities, Confucius Institutes, community groups and civic society are planning a range of celebrations to mark the arrival of the Year of the Monkey.

  • The University of Edinburgh will celebrate the Lunar New Year in the Debating Hall of Teviot Row Students Union on 4 February from 18.00-20.00.
  • From noon till 4pm on Platform 2 at Waverley Station on Friday 5th February drop by to try out a range of Chinese crafts, get a temporary tattoo, create your own Chinese lantern and if you are lucky, catch a lion dance or a rendition of a Chinese love song.
  • On Saturday 6th February the quadrangle of Edinburgh City Chambers will reverberate to the sounds of both Scottish bagpipes and Chinese Drums as the Lord Provost’s Chinese New Year celebrations kick off at noon. Following on from the Pipes and Drums of George Watson’s College, both a Dragon and Lion dance will take place in the quad before invited guests head into the City Chambers for more entertainment and a reception.
  • Our own Institute will host its annual Chinese New Year party in Abden House on Friday 12th from 18.00-20.00 featuring games, crafts, prizes, karaoke and of course a taste of delicious jiaoazi. In the quieter corners there’s a chance to try out some Chinese crafts, Chinese Chess or even Mah-jong.  And if we are lucky with the weather the evening will end in the garden with the release of some Chinese Sky Lanterns. Booking essential.
  • 12th February is also the date when Glasgow’s Confucius Institute welcomes in the New Year at Hunter Halls in an evening of celebration of traditional Chinese culture.
  • Tuesday 23 Feb will see Heriot-Watt students and guests will mark the Chinese New Year with a concert featuring the Heriot-Watt Chamber choir and musicians from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics.

But if there are no tickets left or you don’t feel like heading out into whichever storm may be raging,curl up on Sunday 7th Feb from noon till 4pm when you can watch a live stream of the China’s most popular evening of TV – China Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala.  Running from 8pm till midnight Beijing time, viewers here should be able to watch or simply search for CCTV Spring Festival Gala live stream.

Language Classes 2016 – now open for booking

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We offer a diverse programme of evening classes for adults to enjoy learning Chinese. Terms run from Sept-Dec; Jan-Mar; Apr-Jun with a condensed programme of classes offered over the summer.

An absolute beginner can join us at the start of each term. Any student who has some previous experience in learning the language is welcome to drop in for an initial assessment to help determine which class would best suit.

Classes run for two hours on the same evening for a ten week term. After three terms most students are ready to move to the next level. No assessment is carried out but students are encouraged to test their developing skills by sitting the globally run HSK test.

Excellence in teaching is paramount. Most of our teachers are seconded from Fudan University which regularly send us experienced senior teachers and a number of Masters candidates in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. You can see the profiles of our current and previous teachers by clicking here.

LANGUAGE CLASSES January-March 2016

Course bookings for the winter term will open in December 2015. To get more information, register your interest in advance, or request an assessment meeting if you have some previous learning, please email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk

CLass level Code Day(s) Dates-all 2016 Time Full Price / Student
Chinese 1.1  CH040-217 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
 CH040-220 Tuesday 19 Jan-22 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
CH040-219 Wednesday 20 Jan-23 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
 CH040-218 Thursday 21 Jan-24 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 1.2  CH044-217 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
 CH044-218 Wednesday 20 Jan-23 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 1.3 CH046-208 Thursday 21 Jan-24 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 2.1  CH041-207 Wednesday 20 Jan-23 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 2.2  CH037-206 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 2.3 CH011-205 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 3.1  CH045-205 Tuesday 19 Jan-22 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 3.2  CH036-206 Thursday 21 Jan-24 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 3.3  CH012-204 Thursday 21 Jan-24 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 4.1  CH038-205 Tuesday 19 Jan-22 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 4.2  CH013-205
 Thursday 21 Jan-24 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 4.3 CH008-203 Tuesday 19 Jan-22 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 5.1  CH009-203 Wednesday 20 Jan-23 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 6.1  CH015-202 Wednesday 20 Jan-23 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese 6.2  CH019-201
 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86
Chinese Advanced  CH002-203 Monday 18 Jan-21 Mar 6.00-8.00pm £130/£86

Calligraphy Competition-Scottish Heat Tues 1st Dec 2015 6pm

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The Confucius Institute for Scotland is pleased to be hosting the Scotland heat of a global Chinese Calligraphy Contest being organised by Sinolingua. Taking place at the in the Institute at Abden House on Tuesday 1st December from 6pm, the competition is open to all non-native speakers of Chinese.

calligraphy

Many students enjoy learning Chinese characters. Some students take this enjoyment further by studying Chinese calligraphy while others start with an aesthetic enjoyment of the form. Whichever is the case for you, join us to take part in the heat. All participants will receive a beautiful calligraphy gift set and Chinese refreshments will be on offer during the evening. If successful you can progress to the next stage and might even be the winner of a return flight to China!

The theme of the competition is ‘Chinese Calligraphy-an art of global appeal‘.

Programme for Tues 1st December

Confucius Institute for Scotland calligraphy teacher Chi Zhang will give a short lecture and demonstration before contestants take up their brushes. Contestants can choose which script to use and there is no limit on the content, number of words, signature etc. All materials will be provided.

All contestants attending on 1st Dec will receive a beautiful calligraphy gift set and Chinese refreshments will be available on the evening.

Competition Process

Representatives of SinoLingua (sponsors of the global competition) will take photos of each completed work while a video describing the creation of the work will also be made. Completed work will be uploaded to the Mass Selection website. There, following on from the judging, selected artwork will progress to the second round and hopefully to the Finals with the chance to win the top prize of a round-trip flight to China.

To arrange to take part or if you have any questions please email Chi Zhang.

This competition is organised by SinoLingua.  For more info please visit the competition website http://calligraphy.teachpal.com

Confucius Institute Day George Square 24 Sept

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Drop into our Chinese pop-up Tea House to enjoy a taste of China in George Square on Thursday 24th Sept.  Look out for the red & white tent on the corner of George Square near David Hume Tower. 

A full day programme of performances and workshops is arranged including music, dance, calligraphy, and kungfu as well as numerous activities.

CI day

  • Try our takeaway Chinese language menu
  • Have your phone  ready for a selfie with the cute Panda couple
  • Enjoy some delicious Chinese tea
  • Check out the Kung Fu and Dance performances from the visiting performers from CUPES- Beijing’s Capital University of Physical Education and Sport

There’s lots more to enjoy from a free Chinese “tattoo” to the chance to make your own windmill as well as trying out some our Kung Fu and Chinese dance moves in our lunchtime workshop sessions.

Running from 10 am till 5.30pm on Thursday 24th September drop in for 5 minutes or 50 minutes as suits your schedule – all are welcome!

Chinese teaching in schools

This is the second Confucius Institute Day organised by the Confucius Institute for Scotland. Last year our Pop Up Chinese Tea House was placed on the Mound at Princes Street and some thousands of people (and over 60 volunteers) came along to enjoy the event.

Chinese Language LunchboxJuly & Aug

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More opportunities for staff and students at the University of Edinburgh to acquire a smattering of Chinese are on offer in the second series of lunchtime language sessions i introducing absolute beginners to the Chinese language.  There are three standalone sessions running:

  • Useful Chinese Expressions
  • How to say Chinese Names
  • Chinese Character Appetiser

Each session is offered four times on various dates throughout July and August in the George Square area.  Sessions are free to attend and will run from 1pm-1.30pm on various dates.

To see available dates and reserve space please book via MyEd – search under Chinese Language Lunchbox or Confucius Institute for Scotland.

If your organisation is interested in these sample language sessions or a more tailored programme please contact us by email or phone 0131 662 2180.

Chinese Art Event at the Burrell 25 & 26 April

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In a unique collaboration Glasgow’s Burrell Collection and Scotland’s oldest auction house, Lyon & Turnbull will work together in a two day fundraising event focusing on Chinese art – China Insight.

The programme on Saturday will feature specialist lectures and guided gallery tours, while the opportunity to bring artwork or antiques for evaluation is on offer on Sunday ensuring that the weekend will suit those who appreciate art as well as owners and collectors.

All those who buy tickets for the Saturday China Insight programme will have the chance to win one of 12 places on a one-off guided tour of the Burrell Collection stores with Dr Yupin Chung, curator of Chinese & Far Easter Civilisations.  The winners will be drawn at 11am and the tour will take place at 4pm.

Saturday 25th April:  Day ticket £10

In addition to tours of the Burrell the lecture programme on Saturday will feature leading specialists from the Chinese Art world:

Jacqueline Simcox, published author and world authority on Chinese textiles will speak on Chinese Imperial and court costume. Jacqueline has previously lectured at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Academy and the British Museum and will be making her debut in Glasgow.

Nixi Cura co-founder of the Arts of China Consortium at New York University who will speak on Chinese painting. Nixi is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow.

Lee Young, Head of the Asian Art department at Lyon & Turnbull and Dr Yupin Chung, Curator of Chinese & Far Eastern Civilisations at The Burrell Collection will represent their respective institutions on stage.

Sunday 26th April : £5 for first item & £1 per item thereafter

The Burrell Collection main atrium will be buzzing around valuation tables where members of the public can bring in their own art and antiques to be valued and appraised. Lee Young & Steven Moore, as seen on the Antiques Roadshow, will head the team of specialists from Lyon & Turnbull with expertise including – Chinese & Japanese works of art, as well as items of other origin from jewellery & silver, to paintings and ceramics. All items will be seen. This type of event often throws up hidden treasures  “It’s always an exciting day for us as we never know what we are going to see and the discoveries we are going to make. While the weekend will celebrate Chinese art, our expertise on Sunday will not be limited to this one discipline and we are delighted to be able to offer valuations for all manner of art and antiques.”– Lee Young, Head of Asian Art Department at Lyon & Turnbull.

All monies raised will go to the Burrell Collection to support the major refurbishment and redisplay of the gallery which is being supported by the City of Glasgow.

To book tickets for China Insight please call 0141 287 2591 to book or visit the Burrell Collection.

Saturday: 11am-5pm
Sunday:   11am-4pm

The Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1AT

You can visit Lyon & Turnbull’s webpage on this event here.

 

Chaos & Contingency at NMS – March 2013

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Look out for Chaos and Contingency from Janis Claxton Dance in a unique site-specific performance at the National Museum of Scotland, on 23 and 24 March.

Four local JCD dancers are joined by four top contemporary dancers from China for this programme the music of which has been specially composed by Philip Pinsky. You can catch peformances at 1pm and 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is free, viewing spots are many and varied as the programme can be seen from above or ground level. Make sure you catch this `hypnotic and kaleidoscopically lovely` dance programme. For the full review from Across the Arts please click here.

This programme was partly sponsored by the Confucius Institute for Scotland was previously performed in Kelvingrove and Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Chinese New Year at Edinburgh Zoo – February 2013

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Event Date: 10/02/2013

The Year of the Snake begins on 10th February so come along to Edinburgh Zoo on Sunday between 11am and 3pm where the Confucius Institute for Scotland staff will run a number of themed arts and crafts workshops.

Learn your Chinese zodiac sign, get your name in Chinese calligraphy and make and decorate your own snake.

These sessions will run alongside some live snake handling sessions run by Zoo staff.

Don`t forget to book to see Tian Tian and Yuang Guan, the two Giant Pandas from China. You can wish them Happy New Year in Chinese by saying xīn nián kuài lè (sshin-nyen kwhy-ler)

Chinese New Year celebrations! – January 2012

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As the Year of the Dragon approaches plans are being finalised for a number of celebration events which offer you a wealth of ways to mark Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival.

CHINESE NEW YEAR PROGRAMME at Edinburgh Zoo 21/22 January 2012

With the two most famous Chinese visitors now happily ensconsed in Edinburgh Zoo, a special Chinese New Year programme will take place at the Zoo on the weekend 21/22 January. The programme, organised by the Confucius Institute for Scotland will see a programme of daytime and evening talks at the Education Centre, calligraphy workshops and family fun events at the Budongo Trail as well with musical sessions on the Yang Qin to add a special Chinese atmospher.

The Chinese New Year programme will run from 10am till around 3pm. Full details of the programme which includes drop in and bookable events will be available on arrival at the Zoo.

ECCA EXHIBITION & CONCERT Churchill Theatre Sat 22 January 2012

The Edinburgh Chinese Culture Association (ECCA) will hold a Chinese New Year Celebration event in the Church Hill Theatre, 33a Morningside Road, Edinburgh, on 22nd January 2012, from 11am-3pm. Drop in between 11am and 1pm and enjoy discover Chinese tea, Chinese knotting, Chinese costume photograpy as well as food and craft. The concert which runs from 1pm-3pm featureing Chinese dance, drama, music, kung fu and singing is SOLD OUT.

CHINA ON THE MOVE – at Edinburgh Filmhouse 25-29 January 2012

Organised by Take One Action with support from the Confucius Institute for Scotland the evening programme of movies will be followed by panel and audience discussions.Click here to get more details on the films or go straight to Take One Action`s website for full info and online booking.

TAKEWAY CHINA – Film & Photography Programme Glasgow

Ricefield Chinese Arts & Cultural Centre in Glasgow celebrates film and photography from China. Working with a range of international partners to showcase the latest initiatives in independent film-making and contemporary photography from China this programme runs from 23 Jan-6 Feb 2012.

ACTION: Find out more at www.takeawaychina.com

MILLENNIUM HOTEL, GLASOW 20-22 January 2012

Ricefields is also partnering with the Millennium Hotel, Glasgow to celebrate Chinese New Year in Glasgow’s City Centre. With Chinese food demonstrations, taster Tai Chi sessions, a Chinese afternoon tea programme with music from Harmony Ensemble as well as a special workshop for kids on lantern making with Chinese storytelling see the hotel website for full details and to book.

Chinese New Year in Schools – February 2011

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February, being Chinese New Year period is a month when demand for China Days are at their peak. Many schools use the combination of the half term break and the Chinese New Year to fit in some non-curricular activities.

The Institute is organising a number of China Days for Confucius Classrooms in February.

If you go down to the Gyle today….

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This half term week at the Gyle, you will have the chance to meet Edinburgh Zoo`s large and cuddly Giant Panda mascots!

Stop by the Confucius Institute activity area where there are activities for kids and info for adults including

Dot-to-dot panda pictures with Chinese numbers
How to draw bamboo
How to write the Chinese character for `bamboo`
Get your name written in Chinese
Test your chopstick skills
Have your picture taken with a panda mascot (11am – 3pm)
See Chinese learning materials, videos, pictures, and more
Pick up your free copy of a China Daily European edition newspaper,
as well as lots of info on China and learning Chinese.

Enter our simple survey and each day one lucky winner will be drawn who will receive a family ticket for four to visit Edinburgh Zoo.

See you at the Gyle!

Year of the Rabbit-New Year Party – February 2011

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The annual Spring Festival party on Friday 4 February was a huge success and this year, there were enough jiaozi for everyone!

The celebrations saw over 200 Chinese and western friends congregate to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit wherethe entertainment, games, Mah-jong, Chinese chess and of course, the ever popular Karaoke ensured a lively atmosphere and that a good time was had by all.

See you next year!

Year of the Tiger – New Year Party – February 2010

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Friday 12 February will see the doors open at 6-30pm for the Confucius Institute`s annual Spring Festival Party when Abden House will have an Open House event with the opportunity for you to try your hand at mah-jong, Chinese chess and of course, the ever popular Karaoke! A full programme of entertainment is planned and drinks and snacks will be provided.

This is an Open House event but it would help us greatly if you could notify us if you plan to come along. Simply drop an email to info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk to let us know how many of you wish to join in.

All old and new friends of the Institute, Chinese students and students of Chinese are especially welcome.

The evening starts at 6.30pm and will finish by 10pm

Spring Festival Party – January 2009

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Doors open at 6-30pm for the Confucius Institute`s annual Spring Festival Party on Friday, 30 January, when Abden House will have an Open House event with the opportunity for you to try your hand at mah-jong, Chinese chess and of course, the ever popular Karaoke! Drinks and snacks will be provided and you are welcome to contribute a dish to the party. If you do want to come along please help us by sending an RSVP to info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk

All old and new friends of the Institute, Chinese students and students of Chinese are especially welcome.

The evening starts at 6.30pm

Anniversary Party and Book Launch

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Natascha GentzTo celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the Confucius Institute for Scotland in its Abden House HQ, a celebration took place at which the latest edition of the Edinburgh Review, focused on China, was launched.

Director of the Institute, Professor Natascha Gentz, welcomed everyone with a brief speech and overview of the year passed. The assembled guests then enjoyed short extracts from the Edinburgh Review with the highlight being reading of `The Song of Yuyang` by Wen Yiduo translated by Tommy McClellan. The reading was given in English and Chinese by the translator and his colleague Chen Jie reading in Chinese.

Encouraged by the quote in the Director`s speech from the poem `Bringing the wine’ by Li Bai, arguably the most famous poet in China from the Tang Dynasty,

`Sober men of olden days and sages are forgotten,

And only the great drinkers are famous for all time”

the assembled guests then enjoyed a meet and mingle session over a supper reception..

Copies of this edition of the Edinburgh Review can be purchased from the Institute at a special offer price of only £5.00. Normal price £5.95