London December events with a Chinese twist. A roundup of all the best Chinese-related events in London during December. From local events in the Chinese-British community to lectures from experts at London’s best universities. If you’re looking for something to do in London during December, pick one of these!
International Forum on the Global Expansion of Chinese Cuisine
When: On December 4th the International Forum on the Global Expansion of Chinese Cuisine will be held at the National Liberal Club in London. It will bring together leading experts and industry pioneers to explore the innovation and development of Chinese cuisine in the global market. Perfect for anyone with an interest in the business of food.
When: 2:00 – 5:00 pm Wednesday 4th December
Where: National Liberal Club
Website: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/international-forum-on-the-global-expansion-of-chinese-cuisine-tickets
Talk: Chinese Telephone Operators in San Francisco
Also on December 4th UCL will be hosting a talk on Chinese Telephone Operators in San Francisco. This may sound a bit niche, but there is a fascinating history behind the Chinese telephone operators in San Fransico who had to speak multiple Chinese languages and memorise Chinatown residents’ names and numbers. They even ended up featuring in Hollywood movies!
When: 5:00 – 6:30 pm Wednesday 4th December
Where: G22 Lecture Theatre, UCL North-West Wing Building
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-telephone-operators-in-san-francisco-tickets
Talk: Chiang Yee and His Circle
The 4th is packed, with a third Chinese related event on. There will also be a talk by the authors of Chiang Yee and His Circle about the émigré Chiang Yee’s relationship with his intellectual circles of friends and colleagues in 1930s and 1940s London.
When: 5:00 – 6:30 pm Wednesday 4th December
Where: Paul Webley Wing, Senate House, SOAS
Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/chiang-yee-and-his-circle
Talk: Mexico’s Chinese Community
Author Hugo Wong will be giving a talk at the Charing Cross Library in central London about his ancestors who set up a Chinese Community in Mexico in the 19th century. He published the book America’s Lost Chinese which covered forgotten communities of Chinese people in America during the 19th century.
When: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday 5th December
Where: Charring Cross Library
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/author-hugo-wong-will-talk-about-his-ancestors-in-mexico-tickets
UK-China Tech Forum
Co-organised by techUK and China Britain Business Council, the UK-China Tech Forum is designed to facilitate engagement between technology companies and key stakeholders from both government and industry in the UK and China. It will feature a couple of panels on different topics relating to UK – China and technology.
When: Thursday 5th December 9:30 – 11:30 am.
Where: 10 St Bride Street
Website: https://www.cbbc.org/events/uk-china-tech-forum-0
British Library Silk Road Events
The British Museum isn’t the only place running an exhibition on the Silk Road. The British Library is taking a close look at one town along the ancient trade road – Dunhuang in western China’s Gansu province. On the 7th of December, they are running two events linked to the exhibition. A Silk Road Bazaar from 11am – 5pm which will feature stalls from unique small businesses linked to locations across the Silk Road from Palestine to China. Also on the 7th at 12:15 is a talk from Christopher Wilton-Steer the author of The Silk Road: A Living History about his experience travelling overland from the UK to China.
When: Exhibition until 23rd of February, two events on Saturday 7th December
Where: British Library
Website: https://silkroadevents.seetickets.com/search/all
Talk: Imaging of Asian Women in Historical Photography
Author Elaine Chiew will discuss the research she conducted into the self-imaging of Chinese women in early Singapore photography. This research formed the background of her novel The Light Between Us.
When: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Thursday 12th December
Where: SOAS University of London
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/imaging-of-asian-women-in-historical-photography-tickets
“I Am Moso” Documentary Screening & Workshop Series
The team from Yi Crafts will be teaming up with the Moso Museum from Lugu Lake, Yunnan to screen the documentary “I am Moso” at the Camden Chinese Community Centre on Saturday 14th. This will be followed with a panel discussion. The next day there will be a talk on the Moso people and a woodblock printing workshop at the Yi Crafts workshop.
When: Movie screening 6:30 – 8:00 pm Saturday 14th December, talk and workshop 2 – 4 pm Sunday 15th December.
Where: Camden Chinese Community Centre and Yi Crafts workshop.
Website: https://yicrafts.com/studio-workshop/i-am-moso-documentary-screening-workshop-series
China Nerdfest Drinks
China Nerdfest is having its Christmas drinks on Tuesday, December 17. For anyone who has spent time in China or has an interest in China, it’s the place to be to get to know like-minded people and have a couple of drinks. Entry is approval only so you do need to sign up before going.
When: From 6 pm, Tuesday 17th December
Where: To be determined.
Website: https://lu.ma/v58xf34z
Mountain Gift Pop-Up Shop
Until the 18th of December, you can visit a Christmas pop-up shop dedicated to crafts, gifts, and objects from southwestern China’s Yunnan province. Also organised by Yi Crafts, they have put together a collection of gifts from small London-based businesses relating to southwestern China. We covered the pop-up shop’s opening party, so if you want to know more just read our article.
When: Until 18 Dec
Where: 5 Hastings St, London WC1H 9PZ
Website: https://www.instagram.com/mountaingiftuk/
British Museum Silk Road Exhibition
The Silk Road exhibition at the British Museum opened in September, and it is worth the visit to learn about the multitude of trade routes that connected to make the silk roads. If you want to know more about the exhibition before you go, read our review.
When: From September 26th
Where: British Museum
Website: www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/silk-roads
So whatever London December events you want to attend, there are plenty to pick from! Note China Minutes is not affiliated with any of these events. If you are hosting an event or have heard of one you think should be added, please let us know. You can reach out at robert.postings@chinaminutes.co.uk
