University welcomes Chinese New Year with free festival

Back on campus, from 3.00pm visitors can sample the delights of the Chinese market and try their hand at traditional crafts. In addition, there will be performances of drama and music together with Chinese cuisine to enjoy. A fireworks display outside the Business School will round off the celebrations at 6.15pm.

Commenting on the event, Yuting Bai, President of the CSSA, said “Chinese New Year is an important occasion for being together with loved ones and having a wonderful time. We hope this event will provide a taste of home for the Chinese students but, more importantly, will help us to share our culture and traditions with the wider community in Exeter.”

The celebrations emphasise the growing internationalisation of Exeter, with the Chinese student community fast becoming an integral part of city culture. Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Neil Armstrong said, “The Chinese New Year festival is a fantastic event that is a great example of the University’s increasingly international outlook. With Chinese students currently accounting for 30% of our international student population, engagement with China is a central part of the International Exeter mission. Our presence in Beijing and Shanghai allows us to support alumni and students who study abroad, as well as strengthening our partnerships with top Chinese universities.”