Inheriting National Heritage and Building Friendship — Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts “World Tai Chi Day” Celebration
On April 25th, the University of Science and Technology Beijing - De Montfort University Confucius Institute (hereafter referred to as the CI) co-hosted a special “World Tai Chi Day” celebration in Leicester. This event aimed to deepen Sino-British cultural exchange and promote the local community's understanding and appreciation of excellent traditional Chinese culture by showcasing the charm of traditional Chinese martial arts.
Lion Dance Performance Kicks Off the Cultural Feast
The event opened to the resounding beat of gongs and drums. A team led by local martial arts expert Master Derek delivered a spectacular lion dance performance. The agile lions leaped and pranced, kicking off the celebration and attracting a large crowd of citizens who stopped to watch. Master Derek noted that Chinese Tai Chi has always enjoyed a broad grassroots foundation in the local area, expressing his hope that such events would allow more people to experience the charm and essence of Chinese martial arts.
Hardness and Softness Combined: Showcasing the Elegance of CI Volunteers
As a core segment of the event, CI volunteers presented a meticulously choreographed program: a Mulan fan and Tai Chi performance titled You and Me. Dressed in Tai Chi uniforms and holding silk fans, the volunteers moved to a melodious tune, perfectly blending the valiant grace of the Mulan fan with the yielding yet forceful nature of Tai Chi in front of the audience. "You and me, from one world, we are family"—this was not only the soundtrack to the performance but also a true reflection of the CI spreading Chinese culture and building bridges of international friendship. The volunteers' professional movements and vibrant enthusiasm won rounds of applause from the audience.
Local Interaction: Composing a Harmonious Melody of Exchange
At the event, local Leicester Tai Chi clubs also presented unique routines featuring Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi fans, and Tai Chi broadswords (Dao). Among the club members were many local friends who have studied Tai Chi for years; their performances showcased the transmission and evolution of Chinese martial arts in the UK. After the performances, the CI's state-sponsored teachers and volunteers interacted with the audience, patiently and meticulously explaining the philosophical meanings and health benefits behind Tai Chi.
Over 40 people, including members of the CI, Master Derek's team, and community Tai Chi enthusiasts, participated in the event.
A Nurturing Influence: Deepening the Connotation of International Cooperation
This "World Tai Chi Day" celebration was not only a visual feast but also an important initiative by the CI to take root in the local community and promote Chinese culture. As the CI's Chinese partner institution, the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) has always been committed to promoting Chinese culture globally through the Confucius Institute platform. The successful hosting of this event further enhanced USTB's profile in the field of international people-to-people exchange and laid a solid foundation for the deep development of future Sino-British cultural exchange programs.
Posted on Friday 1 May 2026