As part of the 2023 Chinese New Year celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in traditional Chinese activities located right in the heart of Liverpool’s China Town on Nelson Street.

From learning to play a traditional Chinese game, creating traditional Chinese art, learning about Chinese calligraphy to storytelling and make & do workshops there’s plenty to keep you entertained.


Traditional Chinese Arts & Games

Liverpool Confucius Institute will be on hand to provide arts workshops including Chinese calligraphy Chinese wood engraving and the Pitch Pot game.

Pitch-pot 投壶

Pitch-pot (Tou hu) is a traditional East Asian game that requires players to throw arrows or sticks from a set distance into a large pot. The game originated in the Warring States period of Ancient China and was probably invented by archers or soldiers as a pastime during idle periods. It was initially popular among the elite, but it spread to other classes and remained popular until the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, pitch-pot remains a popular game for children in China.


Traditional Chinese Wood Engraving 木版年画

Traditional Chinese wood engraving (Mu ban nian hua) is an art form that incorporates elements of history, society, mythology, religion, and classic literature. Wood engravings are one of many traditional activities for Chinese New Year, and Chinese families often display the art they create on their front door for protection and to celebrate the festivities.


Chinese Calligraphy 书法

Calligraphy (shu fa) is an important part of Chinese culture because it ties Chinese people to their history and traditions. There are five main types of calligraphy: ‘seal script’, ‘clerical script’, ‘regular script’, ‘running script’, and ‘cursive script’. Chinese people create calligraphy for New Year decorations, which involves delicate brushwork, high-quality ink and paper, and stylised lettering.


Pagoda Arts & Crafts

Try you hand at traditional Chinese paper-folding and arts and crafts with Pagoda Arts Centre. You can also experience a traditional Tea Ceremony, first hand.


Hanging Fu Decorations Workshop

Brought to you by Unusual Art Sourcing, this workshop is especially for families who would like to create decorative hangings (traditionally couplets) to celebrate the Chinese New Year. You will also learn what the ‘Fu’ character means and explore the various good luck characters used to bring wealth, health and prosperity.


Rabbit & Moon Fu Decoration

Come join Design Laser Play in a creative arts workshop to celebrate the year of the Rabbit and bring wishes for a lucky new year. The ancient Chinese tradition of zodiac paper cutting character means ‘fortune’ or ‘blessing’. Have a go at creating a decorative Moon or Rabbit Fu from card, with paper cutting and coloured paper to create the rabbits head and message.


Chinese New Year Graffiti Art Workshop

Local arts organisation Zap Graffiti will run a have-a-go Graffiti Arts workshop on the theme of Chinese New Year. Using spray paints and paint pens you can create your own canvas to take away.


Storytelling

Join Curtis Watt in the yurt to hear traditional and new stories of China. Pop along, the times will be on the chalkboard outside the yurt.


More Than Minutes

Artists Becky and Holly will be on hand to create visual minutes of the day. Watch the artwork develop throughout the day, keeping a record of the goings on at the event. Art in action – unique recording of the day!


Making Shadow Puppets & Shadow Boxes

Make your own rabbit shadow puppets and a miniature shadow puppet theatre box with Arts Groupie to take home and perform your own show!

Event Date: Sunday 22nd January 2023

Categories: Chinese New Year

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