On the evening of April 11, Chinese Night, one of the key events of UNNC’s 2025 International Education Week, was successfully held at the Lakeside Restaurant in the LA Hotel. The evening was co-organized by the Nottingham Confucius Institute China Ningbo Branch and the Department of Campus Life, with support from the Mandarin Corner.

A total of 56 Mandarin learners from the Confucius Institute, along with their family members, friends, and teachers from more than 20 countries, gathered on stage to showcase their Chinese language learning achievements and talents through performances such as music, dance, opera, calligraphy. Over 200 UNNC students, staff, their family members, and 15 guests from the UK campus, who were participating in an inter-campus exchange program, attended this captivating and meaningful cultural event.

Professor Khong, Dean of Nottingham University Business School, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome for all the guests and attendees, setting the tone for this lively celebration.

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Welcome Speech by Professor Khong

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Hosts: Clara and Oliver

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Frog Dance “Wa O” performed by classmates and their teacher from Mandarin Class Advanced 1

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Guitar “A Lifetime of Love” by Chinnapat

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Book Sharing "A reflection on To Live" by Gabriel

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Chinese Opera "The Divine Damsel of Devastation" by Eugene

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Chorus "Listen to Me, Say Thank You", performed by classmates from Mandarin Class Beginner 2

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Double Keyboard "Blue and White Porcelain" by Ke'er and Cissie

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Poetry Chant “Ascending the Stork Tower” by Marina, Andrea, Kirsten, and Elizabeth

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Magic Show by Zhongming

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Zither “Dance of the Yao People” by Yi Wang

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Solo “You Exist in My Song” by Hana

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Calligraphy by classmates from Mandarin Class Beginner 1

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Guitar & Drums “ White Snake under Qingcheng Mountain” by Zhizhou and Muzi

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Parent-Child T-Show “Your Smile is Beautiful” by four households of UNNC staff families

Interactive sign-in activities added excitement to the event, featuring sugar painting, lucky rolling, and magic games. Additionally, three rounds of lucky draws, conducted by Thomas Meersmann, Professor of Translational Imaging, and Martin Lockett, Professor of Strategic Management, elevated the event to a highlight moment. Lucky attendees were rewarded with traditional Chinese souvenirs, further enriching the cultural experience and creating unforgettable memories for all involved.

The evening was a true celebration of cultural exchange, creating lasting connections among participants while showcasing the vibrancy of Chinese traditions. It is clear that Chinese Night continues to serve as a platform for bridging cultural understanding and promoting global community through creativity and celebration.

Published on 11 April 2025