Culture

We are delighted to announce that tai chi classes are back.

A new 5-week block of tai chi will start on 28th January. Classes will take place on Wednesdays, 12 noon - 1pm in MR614, Macrobert Building, and cost £25/£20 concession for staff, students and alumni. Registration is open at our online store.

This low impact exercise is known to promote relaxation and mindfulness as well as improve balance and increase flexibility. It is suitable for many ages and fitness levels.

Classes are led by experienced instructor Matthew Knight of the Ruyi School of Taijiquan and Qigong, who has trained in the Wudang Mountains of China renowned for the practice of tai chi to the level of Wudang 16th Generation disciple.

If you are interested in the classes, why not join us for a free taster session on Wednesday 21st January, 12 noon - 1pm, where you can try it out and meet the instructor. You can register your place via TicketSource.

Chinese dance is an important part of Chinese culture and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It can help improve coordination, balance and flexibility and is also a fun way to meet new friends.

Traditional Chinese dance takes many forms such as Chinese Folk Dance, which includes Ribbon Dance and Handkerchief Dance, Chinese Fan Dance, Chinese Flag Dance and Kung Fu Dance.

Niu Xiaolin of RedPhoenix Dance aims to promote traditional Chinese dance culture throughout the local area.

Classes are held in the Ferryhill Community Centre, Albury Road, Aberdeen AB11 6TL.

Classes

Chopstick Dance

Wide spread in Inner Mongolia, this dance is often seen at festivals. Dancers stand in one spot and, holding chopsticks in one or both hands, clap their hands, shoulders, waist and legs, with them.

Chinese Folk Dance

Based on traditional ribbon and handkerchief dances

Chinese Lion Dance & Flag Dance

Based on Chinese martial arts movements

Kung Fu Fan Dance

Based on Chinese martial arts, this dance adds beauty to traditional Tai Chi or Kung Fu exercises.

Suitable for all abilities. All courses are free with a £30 per annum administration fee. Register online.

For queries please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Free Mandarin conversation practice

• Confucius Institute
• Thursdays (during termtime)
• Time: 5pm-6pm

Learning Mandarin or interested in finding out more?

Practise your Mandarin skills in our free, informal conversation group.

All levels are welcome from beginner through to advanced. 

Our native-speaking volunteers are happy to help with Mandarin speaking practice and answer questions about China. 

Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is the ancient art of Chinese writing. Classes in Chinese Calligraphy at the Confucius Institute are suitable for both the beginner and improver. With small classes there is plenty of personal attention and printed handouts are provided for home practice.

All materials are provided.

Saturday 31st January, 1pm - 3pm

Cost: £15

Registration is via the University of Aberdeen online store. Places are limited so advance booking is essential. For queries and to express an interest in future classes please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Chinese Brush Painting Workshops

Saturday 21st March

Location: Confucius Institute, 17 High Street, Aberdeen AB24 3EE

Cost per workshop: £20

Register online

Birds 10am-12 noon

Discover the beauty and symbolism of birds in traditional Chinese painting, where creatures like owls and cranes represent joy, peace, and longevity. This workshop focuses on capturing the lively spirit and elegant form of birds using expressive brush techniques.
You will be introduced to the essentials of brush control, ink flow, and composition, along with how to incorporate vibrant mineral and plant-based pigments to bring your bird subjects to life. The tutor will guide you in using colour symbolically and harmoniously, as is traditional in Chinese art, allowing each painting to carry cultural meaning and artistic flair.

Lotus 1pm-3pm

Experience the beauty and discipline of Chinese brush painting in this engaging workshop focused on the lotus flower — a symbol of purity, perfection, and inner peace. Using a special soft brush with a sharp point, you’ll learn traditional techniques that combine mindful concentration with physical precision. Guided step by step, you'll explore brush handling, ink flow, and composition while creating expressive lotus-themed artworks. Suitable for all levels, this workshop offers both a creative and meditative journey into an ancient art form.

All materials, including brushes, ink, colours, and rice paper, will be provided. No prior experience is necessary.

These workshops are suitable for adults and older children (14 yrs+).

Sunday 22nd March

Location: Number 30, The Square, Huntly AB54 8BR

Cost: £20

Register online

Bamboo and Panda 11am-1pm

Join us for a relaxing and inspiring workshop exploring the timeless art of bamboo painting — a symbol of resilience, integrity, and noble character in Chinese culture. You'll learn traditional brush techniques that have been passed down for over a thousand years, using soft brushes, ink, and subtle colour washes. The workshop also includes the charming addition of painting pandas, bringing life and playfulness to your compositions. Guided by classical methods, you'll create expressive works in the style of the Chinese old masters. Suitable for all levels.

Note: All materials, including brushes, ink, colours, and rice paper, will be provided. No prior experience is necessary.

The workshop is suitable for adults and older children (14 yrs+).

For queries and to express an interest in future classes, please email us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Chinese Craft Corner

Date: Saturday 1st March / 10th May / 7th June  
Time: 10am – 12noon
Location: Ferryhill Community Centre  
Tickets: Free, drop in  

Join us at Ferryhill Community Centre for Chinese Craft Corner! Enjoy a relaxed, free drop-in session with friendly Mandarin teachers, exploring modern and traditional Chinese crafts. All ages and abilities welcome, with materials provided. Unwind, get creative, and meet new people!

Unfortunately, we won't be running Bookbug sessions this term but we hope to be back soon.

Spring Family Festival: Celebrate the Year of the Horse

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at our annual Spring Family Festival in Elphinstone Hall and the Zoology Museum at the University of Aberdeen!

Escape the winter weather and enjoy a fun-filled day with activities hosted by the Confucius Institute and University Collections, including Chinese calligraphy, traditional games, and colourful horse-themed crafts. Dress up for photos, meet the Critter Keeper or try your hand at chopstick challenges.

Take part in the Lego trail and find all of the Lego Minifigures riding Lego horses hidden in both Elphinstone Hall and the Zoology Museum for your chance to win a Galloping Horses Canvas or a Lucky Cat Lego set.

With face painting by Love Rara and plenty of family-friendly fun, everyone is welcome to join this free event and welcome the Year of the Horse in style.

There will be special New Year sweet treats from Candy’s Dream Cake and lunch options available to order on campus.

Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu lion dance and Red Phoenix Dance traditional Chinese dance performances will take place outside the Sir Duncan Rice Library at 12.45pm and 2.30pm.

Sunday 22nd February 2026

10am - 4pm

Elphinstone Hall and Zoology Museum

Free / Drop in

Spring Festival Gala Show

The Spring Festival Gala Show is a festive evening of performances celebrating both Chinese culture and our vibrant local community. Featuring talented university students and young performers from across the city, the show combines traditional and contemporary acts that capture the joy of the New Year.

Join us for a colourful and uplifting night that celebrates culture, creativity, and connection.

Saturday 28th February, 7.30pm

Tivoli Theatre

Tickets cost £8.50 (£5 concession) and are available now from Aberdeen Performing Arts.