In celebration of the Chinese New Year, Lancaster University Confucius Institute successfully organised its annual Chinese Days outreach programme throughout February, bringing Chinese language and culture to primary and nursery schools across the region.

Starting on 10^th February 2026, the institute visited eight schools, including St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Appletree Nursery School, St Thomas's Church of England School, Lancaster University Pre-school, Poulton-le-Sands Church of England Primary School, Grosvenor Park Primary School, Westgate Primary School and Forton Primary School.

The visits formed part of the institute’s ongoing efforts to promote intercultural understanding and introduce young learners to Chinese traditions during the festive season.

During the sessions, teachers from the Confucius Institute delivered interactive lessons covering language, culture and craft activities. Pupils learned how to greet others and say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin, gaining their first experience of the Chinese language. The cultural segment introduced students to the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year, helping them understand the significance of the festival and its family-centered celebrations.

One of the highlights of the programme was a hands-on craft activity, where students created a paper-cutting of a rocking horse, inspired by the Chinese zodiac year of the horse and traditional Chinese folk art. The activity allowed children to experience Chinese artistic traditions while developing their creativity.

The month-long programme reached nearly 900 students and extended beyond Lancaster to surrounding areas including Morecambe and Kendal. Across all participating schools, the sessions received enthusiastic responses from both children and teachers, who praised the engaging activities and the opportunity for pupils to learn about another culture in an interactive way.

Through initiatives such as the Chinese Days, Lancaster University Confucius Institute continues to strengthen cultural exchange and foster curiosity about Chinese language and cultural traditions among young learners in the local community.