The 2026 Chinese Culture Canival officially opened on August 17 at the London Mandarin School. The event is hosted by Guangxi University (GXU) and organized by the UK-China Culture Arts Exchange Centre.

At the opening ceremony, teachers from GXU presented a diverse array of performances: a martial arts display titled ”Strength in Suppleness,” a fluid boxing routine ”The Spirit of Quan,” the folk song ”The Moon Emerges with the Mountain Song,” the spirited Mongolian Chopstick Dance, the melodious instrumental piece ”Deep in the Bamboo Forest,” alongside live Chinese painting and calligraphy demonstrations. The multidisciplinary program offered guests an immersive experience of Chinese culture and arts.

Mao Zhizheng, Director of the UK-China Culture Arts Exchange Centre, remarked in his address that no matter how tall a tree grows, it does not forget its roots; no matter how far water flows, it always remembers its source. Although overseas Chinese live far from home, the genes of Chinese culture run deep in their blood. He expressed his hope that participants would feel the pulse of their cultural heritage through interaction and resonate with its spirit through exchange.

Hu Hongyi, Dean of the School of Arts at GXU, spoke on behalf of the teacher team. He noted that Chinese culture is not a relic in museums but a way of life that flows through daily existence and a wisdom etched into the soul of the nation. He encouraged everyone to seize this opportunity—not merely to see the surface of the culture, but to understand its essence; not only to learn traditional skills, but also to carry forward the spirit of the Chinese nation.

Over the course of more than ten days, the GXU teacher team will offer local young overseas Chinese a wide range of hands-on and engaging experience courses, including ethnic dance, folk music, traditional martial arts, Chinese painting, poetry, calligraphy, handmade embroidered balls, and porcelain painting, helping them discover and appreciate the enduring charm of Chinese culture.