A Chinese cultural workshop hosted by UIBE Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds has concluded at the Boston Spa of the British Library on March 26.

At the invitation of the library, the activity is part of a three-year cultural exchange program between China and the United Kingdom, themed “knowledge and culture sharing” with the purpose of providing the staff of the library with a platform to know more about Chinese culture.

Tong Yujing and Zhao Jingjing, two UIBE Chinese language teachers, who work in the Confucius institute in Leeds, performed tai chi and tea arts for over 30 employees of the library.

Zhao introduced tai chi’s origin and cultural connotations while Tong later showed the 24 movements of the Yang style of tai chi.

Zhao introduced the history of Chinese tea, its categories and associated culture to the audience, and discussed with them the differences between the tea culture in the UK and China. Tong showed the people how to use various kinds of tea sets and the procedures of making oolong tea.

Feedback from audience described the instructions as interesting and informative, and helped them to understand Chinese culture. (Li Yang)