Cardiff Confucius Institute celebrates the Year of the Horse across Cardiff

Cardiff Confucius Institute welcomed the Year of the Horse with a lively programme of cultural celebrations held across the city from 15–22 February. Over two weekends, thousands of visitors joined workshops, performances, and family-friendly activities designed to showcase Chinese culture and traditions.

Community creativity at Insole Court

The celebrations began at Insole Court, where visitors explored Chinese letter writing, crafted colourful paper firecrackers, and created ruyi lucky locks, learning about their symbolism as charms of protection and good fortune.

Cultural experiences for students at Cardiff University

At the Centre for Student Life, Cardiff University students enjoyed traditional tea ceremony demonstrations, calligraphy practice, paper cutting, Chinese knotting and festive lantern making. The relaxed, drop‑in format created a warm and welcoming space for students to explore Chinese culture first-hand.

A lively day at Cardiff Central Library Hub

Cardiff Central Library Hub hosted a full day of workshops and performances. The event opened with an energetic lion dance, followed by tea tasting, creative craft sessions, guzheng music, opera‑inspired dance, qigong demonstrations, sword dance, and a cheerful rendition of Gong Xi Fa Cai (a popular Spring Festival song).

Festivities continue at The Red Dragon Centre

The final celebration took place at The Red Dragon Centre, where visitors moved between craft stations and enjoyed another exhilarating lion dance. Performances included classical dance, martial arts demonstrations, and a guzheng solo that brought the festivities to a gentle close.

Schools celebrate Chinese New Year

Primary and secondary school pupils were also treated to a range of activities with Cardiff Confucius Institute tutors to celebrate the Spring Festival this year. These ranged from traditional activities such as making window decorations to attract luck, fortune and prosperity, to practising 'Baduanjin', a physical practice that that integrates physical movement, breathing techniques and mental focus. Children also took part in more modern Chinese activities including Jianzi or 'shuttlecock', a Chinese national sport where players try to keep a heavily weighted shuttlecock in the air by using only their bodies (no hands allowed!).

“A warm and joyful atmosphere”

Professor Guoxiang Xia, Academic Director of the Cardiff Confucius Institute, said:

“We were delighted to see so many people join us to welcome the Year of the Horse. The enthusiasm from students, families, and community members created a warm and joyful atmosphere across all our events.”

The Institute looks forward to welcoming communities to more cultural activities throughout the Year of the Horse. Events - Cardiff Confucius Institute - Cardiff University