The final session in this semester’s Discover Chinese Culture – Free Lunchtime Workshops series brought a vibrant and creative close to another wonderful programme of cultural activities organised by the Bangor University Confucius Institute.

Our last workshop, Chinese Opera Masks: Colour, Character and Cultural Storytelling, welcomed students, staff, and members of the local community for an engaging lunchtime experience exploring one of China’s most visually striking traditional art forms.

Led by tutors from the Bangor University Confucius Institute, the session introduced participants to the rich symbolism behind traditional Chinese opera masks. Attendees learned how colours convey personality and moral qualities, with red representing loyalty, black symbolising strength and integrity, and white often associated with cunning or treachery. These striking visual codes offered a fascinating insight into how stories and characters are brought to life on the Chinese opera stage.

The workshop combined cultural learning with hands-on creativity, giving participants the opportunity to design and paint their own mini opera masks. Drawing inspiration from traditional styles while adding their own personal interpretations, attendees filled the room with colour, creativity, and conversation as each unique design took shape.

We were also delighted to welcome Ruben Chapela-Orri and Nathalie Thomas, International Languages Project Officer for School Languages, to the workshop. Their visit highlighted the growing interest in the Bangor University Confucius Institute’s work across North Wales and the importance of creating opportunities for cultural exchange and language learning within schools and the wider community.

Adding to the excitement of the day, Heno S4C, the Welsh television broadcaster, attended the workshop to film the activity and speak with participants about their experiences. The filming formed part of a wider feature on the Bangor University Confucius Institute’s teaching activities at Ysgol Friars, where students have successfully reached the finals of the Chinese Bridge competition each year and have gone on to win awards for their performances and achievements in Mandarin learning. The filming also included an interview with Nathalie Thomas, who reflected on the excellent links the Confucius Institute continues to build between Wales and China by introducing Chinese language and culture to schools and communities across the North Wales region.

As with all sessions in the series, the workshop created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a chance in the middle of the day to slow down, try something new, and connect with others through culture and creativity.

This session marked the final lunchtime workshop of the semester, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us over the past months for their enthusiasm and continued support. It has been a pleasure to share these cultural experiences with you all.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the autumn, when our regular lunchtime workshops will return with more opportunities to explore, create, and connect.

Until then, we wish everyone a restful and enjoyable summer!