Confucius Institute

About Us

The inception of the Confucius Institute at Bangor University took place in September 2012, contributing to a vast network of more than 500 similar institutions globally. In the United Kingdom, there are presently 30 Confucius Institutes, with three of them located at distinguished Welsh universities - Bangor, Cardiff, and the University of Wales Trinity St. David.

The Confucius Institute at Bangor University plays a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding between the nations of Wales and China and serve as a strategic gateway in promoting harmonious interactions and mutual appreciation among global communities. 

The Two Dragons

In Bangor, this venture provides an important opportunity for the people, communities, businesses and organisations of north Wales to engage on a journey of understanding into modern and classical China. Conversely, the Institute enables us here in north Wales to promote our rich culture, language and heritage in its many forms to China; a cultural, educational and intellectual exchange that is embodied as a meeting of the Two Dragons.

Bangor University’s uniquely bilingual environment, and its well established international profile, makes this an ideal place to support the work of the Confucius Institute; a setting that serves as a seedbed of enrichment to maintain national diversity and one that promotes cultural comparability between nations.

Meet the Team

Our Directors

The Confucius Institute at Bangor University is guided by a dynamic duo of Directors, each possessing expertise in their respective academic fields. Both Directors share a deep commitment to the Institute's overarching mission, which revolves around fostering the appreciation and understanding of Chinese language and culture in the beautiful region of north Wales.

Dr Lina Davitt, Director

Lina completed a MA in Economics from the prestigious University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria. She then pursued her passion for understanding the human mind by earning a BSc in Psychology, followed by an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her thirst for knowledge and dedication to her field eventually culminated in a PhD from Bangor University's School of Psychology.

Originating from the serene town of Peshtera, nestled in the picturesque Rodopi Mountains of Bulgaria, Lina's upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and culture. Lina has been an integral part of the Confucius Institute's team for over ten years and was appointed as the Director of the CI in 2018.

Lina's research interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing the fascinating intersection of science, art, and education. She thrives on interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues within Bangor University, as well as with the esteemed China University of Political Science and Law, which is a partner university of the Confucius Institute. Beyond these institutions, she actively engages with fellow educators across the global network of Confucius Institutes.

Being part of the Confucius Institute allows Lina to play a significant role in guiding students on their language and cultural learning journeys. She firmly believes that immersing oneself in a new language and culture opens the door to boundless possibilities, fostering understanding, tolerance, and empowerment to navigate the world with thoughtfulness and compassion.

Outside the academic realm, Lina's compassionate nature extends to rescuing animals in need, exemplifying her commitment to making the world a better place for all beings. She finds solace in yoga and often explores the breath-taking Welsh mountains, accompanied by her loyal canine companion during her leisure time.

Professor XU Dan, Director

DAN Xu is a distinguished member of our team, holding a dynamic academic background with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Beijing Normal University, a Bachelor of Laws in Law from China University of Political Science and Law, and a Master of Arts in International Comparative Education from Beijing Normal University.

DAN Xu's career has been significantly influenced by her extensive tenure at China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. From 2002 to 2018, she served as Section Chief of the International Cooperation Department in the School of International Education. During this period, she expertly managed a diverse portfolio of international programs, including the collaborative LLM program with prestigious institutions such as Temple University (USA) and impactful summer study programs in close collaboration with universities in the USA and Australia.

Her responsibilities extended beyond program management, as she also assumed a vital role in overseeing the Chinese Law LLM and PhD programs designed exclusively for international students. DAN Xu's dedication further extended to the efficient management of administrative responsibilities linked to international exchange students, ensuring their seamless integration into the academic community.

Building on her rich international experience and unwavering commitment to global education, DAN Xu undertook the role of Vice Dean at the School of International Education from July 2018 to July 2023. In this position, her purview encompassed the comprehensive oversight of international student affairs, cooperative education programs, Chinese language training, and the dynamic landscape of international scholarship initiatives at CUPL.

DAN Xu's quest for global engagement transcends her work responsibilities. She has actively participated in various study programs and workshops conducted in diverse corners of the world, including Cuba, Iceland, the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This gives her keen insight into international education and collaboration.

With DAN Xu's rich expertise, unwavering dedication, and passionate commitment to fostering international educational connections, she is an invaluable asset to our Confucius Institute, continuously enriching the educational experience for all.

Chinese Language Tutors

• LI Xiuli, Senior Teacher
• ZHANG Xianke, Senior Teacher
• LU Shan, Senior Teacher
• LUO Yuanyuan, Senior Teacher
• CHEN Mengling, Tutor

Local Tutors

• YANG Li (Annie), Tutor
• MENG Yang (Emily), Tutor
• LU Bixiao, Tutor
• JIANG Jingjing, Tutor
• Melanie Brown, Tutor

Marketing and Administration

• Dr Nia Jones- Senior Clerical Officer

Past Events - Highlights

Every year the Confucius Institute organises spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangor, including many live performances, such as the Chinese Gala, traditional Chinese arts and crafts workshops, Dragon Parade, Marshall arts performances, etc.