Discover Chinese Arts, Festivals and Cultural Experiences
Experience China's creativity, traditions and celebrations
China is a country where ancient traditions and modern creativity exist side by side. From colourful festivals and traditional art forms to live performances and cultural activities, there are countless ways to experience the country's rich heritage.
For teachers living in China, cultural experiences become part of everyday life. You can join local celebrations, learn traditional skills, explore museums and performances, and discover how centuries old traditions continue to shape modern China.
FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
Chinese New Year is the world's largest annual celebration
Chinese New Year is celebrated by millions of people around the world. In China, the festival brings cities to life with red decorations, traditional performances, family gatherings and cultural events.
CULTURAL SYMBOL
Red is the colour of luck in China
Red is one of the most important colours in Chinese culture and represents happiness, good fortune and prosperity. During festivals, you will see red lanterns, decorations and envelopes everywhere.
ANCIENT ART
Chinese calligraphy is more than beautiful writing
Chinese calligraphy is considered a traditional art form that combines language, creativity and movement. Many artists spend years perfecting their brush techniques and styles.
MARTIAL ARTS TRADITION
Tai chi is practised in parks across China
Early mornings in parks throughout China often begin with people practising tai chi. This traditional form of movement combines balance, breathing and gentle exercise.
Celebrate China's famous festivals
Chinese festivals are an important part of the country's culture. Throughout the year, communities come together through celebrations, food, decorations and traditional activities.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China and celebrates the beginning of the lunar calendar. Streets are decorated with red lanterns, families gather together and cities across the country host celebrations featuring performances, fireworks, traditional food and cultural events.
For many teachers living in China, experiencing Chinese New Year is one of the highlights of the year. It is a chance to see local traditions, try festive foods and join celebrations with friends and colleagues.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. Cities across China light up with colourful lantern displays, cultural performances and traditional activities.
Visitors can enjoy lantern shows, solve riddles written on lanterns and try special foods such as sweet rice dumplings called tangyuan, which represent family unity and togetherness.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is famous for exciting boat races and traditional food. Teams race decorated dragon boats while communities gather to celebrate this historic festival.
One of the most popular foods associated with the festival is zongzi, a sticky rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with different ingredients depending on the region.
Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival is a celebration of family, connection and gratitude. Traditionally, families gather to admire the full moon and share mooncakes together.
Today, the festival is celebrated across China with cultural events, lantern displays and gatherings with friends and family.
Discover traditional Chinese arts
Chinese arts have developed over thousands of years and remain an important part of the country's cultural identity. Many traditional art forms are still practised today and can be experienced throughout China.
Chinese calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is more than a method of writing. It is considered an art form that combines creativity, patience and personal expression.
Many people learn calligraphy to improve focus and appreciate the beauty of Chinese characters. Visitors can often experience calligraphy workshops at cultural centres, museums and local events.
Traditional Chinese painting
Traditional Chinese painting often focuses on landscapes, animals, flowers and nature. Artists use brush techniques and symbolism to create works that represent harmony and balance.
Unlike many Western painting styles, Chinese painting often focuses on capturing the feeling and spirit of a subject rather than creating a realistic copy.
Chinese music and instruments
Traditional Chinese music has a unique sound created by instruments that have been used for centuries.
Popular instruments include:
Erhu, a two stringed instrument with a distinctive sound
Guzheng, a traditional string instrument similar to a zither
Pipa, a four stringed instrument with a history of more than 2,000 years
Many cities offer opportunities to watch traditional performances and discover Chinese music.
Chinese opera
Chinese opera combines storytelling, music, costumes, movement and dramatic performance.
The most famous style is Peking Opera, known for its colourful costumes, painted faces and unique singing techniques. Performances continue to be an important part of China's cultural heritage.
Experience Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts are recognised around the world and represent a combination of physical skill, discipline and philosophy.
Kung fu
Kung fu includes many different martial arts styles that focus on strength, technique and self discipline. While it is often associated with action films, traditional kung fu also teaches patience, respect and personal development.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a slower form of movement that combines gentle exercise, breathing and mindfulness. It is common to see people practising tai chi in parks across China, especially in the morning.
For teachers living in China, joining a local martial arts class can be a unique way to learn about Chinese culture while meeting new people.
Explore modern cultural experiences in China
Chinese culture continues to evolve, combining traditional customs with modern creativity.
Today, China offers many modern cultural experiences, including:
Live music performances
Cinema and television
Gaming and esports
Art exhibitions
Cultural festivals
Theme parks
Creative markets
Modern cafés and entertainment spaces
Large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen and Guangzhou offer a wide range of cultural activities, making it easy to discover something new outside the classroom.
Experience Chinese culture while teaching in China
One of the biggest benefits of living in China is the opportunity to experience the culture first hand.
Teachers can:
Celebrate festivals with local friends and colleagues
Visit historic landmarks and museums
Join cultural workshops
Learn Mandarin through daily experiences
Attend performances and events
Explore local traditions
These experiences help teachers build connections, understand Chinese culture more deeply and create unforgettable memories during their time abroad.