On Saturday 18 and Saturday 23 November, students participating in the Lancaster Chinese Friendship Programme visited Manchester to learn about the Chinese culture in Manchester. For some students, this was their first-time visiting Manchester.

The Lancaster Chinese Friendship Programme is an academic programme where students studying Chinese as part of their degree are paired with a native Chinese speaking student. The pairs help each other to practice language and learn about each other’s cultures whilst forming a friendship. As part of the programme, staff organise activities for the students to enjoy together.

After arriving in Manchester, the group visited the Chinese Culture Gallery at Manchester Museum. In the gallery, the students learned about the contemporary and historical links between Manchester and China. The tour guide, a PhD student from Manchester University, gave some information to the group about some of the objects in the gallery.

From the museum, the students had some time to chat to their language partners whilst walking around Manchester city centre. The tour guide informed the group about different aspects of Manchester and history of the Chinese community in the UK whilst passing through different areas.

The final point of the tour was Manchester Chinatown. The students enjoyed some free time to explore Chinatown and visit the different shops to practice their Chinese.

Finally, the group came together to enjoy the taste of foods from around the world at TOPS Buffet Restaurant in Manchester Chinatown. Many students used chopsticks to eat their food, and for some this was their first time to use chopsticks.

In conclusion, the trip was a great success to give the students the opportunity to learn about the connections between China and the North-West, to explore the Chinese community in the UK history, and more importantly, to exchange languages and foster their cherished friendships.