Where Mathematics Meets Poetry: Guest Lecture on November 16th, 2026

Join poet and mathematician, Professor Tianxin Cai from Zhejiang University China for a concise introduction to the historical development of classical Chinese poetry. From the Book of Songs 3000 years ago, to the five-character poetry mastered by Tao Qian during the Eastern Jin Dynasty; from the seven character rhythmic poems popular in the Tang Dynasty to the Ci poetry that reached its zenith during the Song Dynasty. Professor Cai will also introduce the free verse poetry that appeared in the early 20th century, and the relation between poetry, maths and painting, as well as the difference between Western and Eastern approaches. Professor Cai will also recite his own poems, and invite the audience to join him in reciting them in multiple languages.

Key Information:

Date and Time: Monday, November 16  •  10 AM – 11 AM

Location: Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HP

Tickets: Free but booking required. Please reserve your place HERE

Agenda:

10:00 AM – 10:05 AM

Introduction by Professor Chen Li, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute

10:05 AM – 10:45 AM

Lecture by Professor Cai Tianxin

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Q+A hosted by Dr Yuqing Liu, University of Edinburgh

 

Chinese Fan Painting Workshop

Key Information:

Date & Time: 10 am – 3.00 pm / Saturday 21 June 2025

Student level: Our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist.

Location: This class will be delivered in person at the Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HP.

Why should I take this course?

In this workshop, you’ll learn the techniques of Chinese brush painting as you create a beautiful floral design on a fan. Using ink, rice paper, and a Chinese brush, you’ll learn to paint petals, leaves, stems, and other details to bring your flowers to life.

What does it cover?

Discover the beauty of Chinese brush painting and express your creativity in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. We will guide you through the steps to create your own hand-painted fan. You’ll leave the workshop with a stunning work of art that you can display or use to keep cool on a hot day.

About the teacher:

This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor featured in the BBC documentary ‘The Art of Chinese Brush Painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape Artist of the Year 2015’, whose work has been projected across Edinburgh Castle during the 2015 Military Tattoo. For more information and to see Chi’s work, please visit http://www.chizhangartist.com. Please get in touch with the tutor if you need any further information or advice before registration.

How much does it cost?

£40

Booking & Further information:

To optimise the learning experience, a maximum capacity has been set per group – so space is very limited! To secure one of the limited spaces on this course, please complete the registration form HERE, and payment can be made HERE.

One-to-one tutorials and small group workshops can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.

Chinese Brush Painting Workshop – Scottish Landscape (Outdoor Painting)

Key Information

Date & Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Saturday, 24 May 2025

Student Level: This course is suitable for both beginners and advanced students. It also works as a follow-up for students who previously attended the Chinese landscape painting class. All practice materials will be refreshed from the previous class.

Location: This class will be delivered in person at the garden of Confucius Institute Campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.

Why Should I Take This Course?

Chinese brush painting is a traditional art form that beautifully depicts nature. In this course, we will focus on outdoor painting, combining the techniques of Shan Shui (mountain and water) with the stunning Scottish landscape.

Taking inspiration from the picturesque surroundings of Abden House, the main building of the Confucius Institute, this workshop will blend classroom-based instruction with outdoor sketching and painting, weather permitting. You’ll be guided through techniques for capturing the landscape with Chinese brushes and ink while learning to incorporate Scottish scenes into the art.

Live demonstrations will be provided, and the tutor will ensure you can apply the techniques effectively to your work. You are welcome to bring your own photo for inspiration.

What Does It Cover?

Chinese brush painting is a way to express beauty and a calming practice. It helps to reduce stress and increase focus. Take this opportunity to paint in nature and immerse yourself in the peaceful flow of the art form.

About the Teacher

This course will be led by Chi Zhang, an experienced instructor featured in the BBC documentary The Art of Chinese Brush Painting. Chi was shortlisted for Sky TV Landscape Artist of the Year 2015, and her work has been projected across Edinburgh Castle during the 2015 Military Tattoo.

For more information and to view Chi’s artwork, visit www.chizhangartist.com.

How much does it cost?

Cost: £40

Booking & Further Information

To ensure the best learning experience, the class size is limited. Please complete the registration form HERE and payment can be made HERE

For more information or to arrange one-on-one tutorials or small group workshops, please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk.

 

The Evolution of a Master Storyteller from China – in Conversation with Mai Jia

Event details:

Date & Time: 25th March at 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Location: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

Booking Information:

This event is free but ticketed, please book your tickets HERE.

Born in 1964 in Zhejiang province, Mai Jia is one of China’s most celebrated authors, renowned for his mastery of the spy novel. A best-selling writer and recipient of China’s highest literary honour, the Mao Dun Literature Prize, his works have captivated millions.

His international breakthrough Decoded was published by in the UK by Penguin Modern Classics in 2014. The novel earned global acclaim, with the Economist hailing it as “a great Chinese novel” and the Wall Street Journal praising it as “a novel that challenges the reader’s mind while achieving literary stature.”

However, in 2019 the author took an unexpected turn—leaving behind the world of espionage fiction to embrace a deeply personal storytelling approach. His novel The Colonel and the Eunuch is a poignant coming-of-age story, a multi-generational family saga and a profound exploration of heroism. This bold departure from his signature style resonated powerfully with readers, selling over 4 million copies.