Where Mathematics Meets Poetry

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

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

 

Conversational Chinese Courses starting from 9th November, 2026

Please register by completing the Registration Form here.

Key Information

Online Conversational Chinese – Elementary level (Lunch time)

Date: Mondays, 9th November – 7th December, 2026

Time: 12noon – 13:30

Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)

Class size: maximum of six students

Price: £50/£40

Location: Online via Teams

Online Conversational Chinese – Intermediate level (Lunch time)

Date: Mondays, 9th November – 7th December, 2026

Time: 12noon – 13:30

Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)

Class size: maximum of six students

Price: £50/£40

Location: Online via Teams

In-person Conversational Chinese – Elementary level (Evening)

Date: Tuesday, 10th November – 8th December, 2026

Time: 6:00pm-7.30pm

Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)

Class size: maximum of six students

Price: £50/£40

Location: Ground floor, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AL

In-person Conversational Chinese – Intermediate level (Evening)

Date: Tuesday, 10th November – 8th December, 2026

Time: 6:00pm-7.30pm

Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)

Class size: maximum of six students

Price: £50/£40

Location: First floor, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AL

5 weeks – Chinese calligraphy class starting from 5th November, 2026

Key Information

Date: Thursdays, 5, 12, 19, 26 November and 3 December 2026

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Student Level: Suitable for beginners and more advanced learners. The course is also ideal for students who have attended previous Chinese calligraphy courses and would like to continue developing their skills. All practice materials will be renewed for this course block.

Location
Confucius Institute for Scotland
Abden House
1 Marchhall Crescent
Edinburgh EH16 5HP

Why Take This Course?

Chinese calligraphy is one of China’s oldest and most highly regarded visual art forms. This course introduces the essential techniques of Chinese soft-brush calligraphy, with a particular focus on Regular Script (楷书) and Running Script (行书). Through demonstrations, guided practice and individual feedback, participants will learn how to handle the brush with greater control and develop a deeper understanding of the structure and rhythm of Chinese characters. Chinese calligraphy is also a calm and focused practice, encouraging concentration, coordination and an appreciation of traditional Chinese culture.

What Does the Course Cover?

● Brush handling and ink control
● Fundamental brush strokes and techniques
● Regular Script (楷书) and Running Script (行书)
● Stroke order and character structure
● Understanding proportion, balance and rhythm
● Stylistic variations in Chinese calligraphy
● Demonstrations and guided practice
● Personalised feedback and correction

About the Teacher

The course is led by Chi Zhang, an experienced Chinese calligraphy and brush painting artist and teacher. Chi has been teaching Chinese art and culture since 2008 and has been featured in the BBC documentary The Art of Chinese Brush Painting and on Sky TV’s Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir (2024). Website: www.chizhangartist.com

Fees

● 3 classes – £70
● 4 classes – £85
● 5 classes – £100

Flexible Booking

We offer flexible booking options, allowing you to choose whether to attend 3, 4 or all 5 classes. This makes it easy to fit the course around your schedule. All specialist materials are included, with Chinese tea served during the break.

Booking & Further Information

To ensure an optimal learning experience, the class size is limited. Please register by using the Form HERE.

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