To mark "International Chinese Language Day" on 20th April 2026, the School of Modern Languages (SML) and the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University launched the university’s inaugural Chinese Culture Week.
This six-day celebration transformed the campus into an immersive hub of Chinese heritage, drawing nearly 600 students, staff, and community members. With five themed sessions daily and ten distinct types of activities, the event offered a multi-dimensional journey into the heart of a vibrant, living China.
The highlight of the week took place on the fifth afternoon in the university’s innovative Digital Kitchen. Here, the art of dumpling making reached a warm and joyful climax. This session showcased the unique power of the Enact App, which served as a digital bridge between tradition and practice. Participants first engaged with the app to master the linguistic and cultural background of the dish, before translating those digital insights into hands-on creation.
Inside the Digital Kitchen, the "colour and temperature" of Chinese food culture came to life. From the variety of fillings to the intricate pleats of the dough, participants gained a first-hand understanding of the diverse regional culinary traditions across China. This "digital-led, hands-on" approach did more than just teach a recipe; it fostered deep cross-cultural empathy and a genuine appreciation for the human spirit behind Chinese traditions. Attendees praised the session for its ability to spark curiosity and enhance cultural awareness, with many calling for it to become a regular fixture in the university calendar.