Chinese New Year 2013

The University's Cardiff Confucius Institute which acts as beacon for China in Wales has joined Wales' First Minister and the UK's Chinese Ambassador in a celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Members of Cardiff Confucius Institute, based in the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning, joined more than 200 guests from across Wales in the Senedd to officially mark the start of the Chinese New Year (Sunday 10^thFebruary, 2013).

General Manager of Cardiff Confucius Institute, Scott Andrews, "The Chinese New Year is an important event in China's calendar and forms part of the Chinese Spring Festival.

"Festivals play a key function in Chinese culture and so the Spring Festival and Chinese New Year are significant occasions for celebration – both in China and across the World. 

"Given Wales' strong commitment to building closer relations with China, it is fitting to celebrate this event in Cardiff at the Senedd; and to welcome Chinese guests from across Wales, along with many others who have a close affiliation with China, representing academia, culture and trade."

Each year the festival celebration recognises a new symbol for the next 12 months – this year is the Year of the Snake – the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac – traditionally, people from China view the Year of the Snake as a year that symbolises a focus on steady progress and an attention to detail. 

Cardiff Confucius Institute has been working closely with the Welsh Government to develop Confucius Classrooms, which in turn are assisting to develop over 350 Chinese Language and Culture courses among school children of all ages from across Wales. 

In addition, the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning is running a range of Chinese courses for students and adult learners.