London events in September with a Chinese (and ESEA!) twist.
A roundup of all the best Chinese-related events in London during September. This month is East and Southeast Asia (ESEA) Heritage Month. It is a celebration highlighting the histories, cultures, and identities of East and South East Asian communities. China is part of this community, and so there are lots of events going on. For more ESEA Heritage Month events not included in this list, check out this page.
Please note China Minutes are not affiliated with nor are we endorsing any of the events below.
Archives of Weird Memories
Artist Tan Wang-Ward draws from the collections at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives to explore the layered histories of Limehouse. The project’s title is taken from a 1934 tabloid that called Limehouse Causeway the “Street of Weird Memories.”
During her residency, Tan consulted photographs, clippings, ephemera, maps, and directories documenting the communities that gathered in Limehouse in the early 20th century. Collaborating with locally run AI models and guided by extensive archival research, she creates art.
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, 277 Bancroft Road, E1 4DQ
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/archive-of-weird-memories-public-tours-tickets-1605637909209?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The Promotion Conference of the 138th Canton Fair in London
Renowned as “China’s No.1 Fair”, the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) has been a cornerstone of global trade for over 68 years, connecting businesses from around the world with opportunities in China’s dynamic market.
To further enhance bilateral trade ties between China and the UK, the Promotion Conference of the 138th Canton Fair will be held in London and on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.
When: Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-promotion-conference-of-the-138th-canton-fair-in-london-tickets-1527712060899?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Story Feast Lit Fest 2025
This day-long literature festival aims to celebrate and uplift British ESEA creatives, voices, and works. Story Feast Lit Fest offers a safe space to discuss, amongst other things, living in the ESEA diasporas and all the places we call home, writing our colonial histories and identities, exploring our diverse identities and who we are through literature and art.
When: Saturday, September 13 · 9:30am – 7pm
Where: Kamran Djan (DLT) lecture theatre, SOAS University of London
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/story-feast-lit-fest-2025-tickets-1460608121209?aff=oddtdtcreator
2025 ESEA Culture Festival
Kingston’s ESEA Culture Festival returns this September. Celebrating all of ESEA culture, the event will feature music and dance, crafts, martial arts, and lots of food.
When: Saturday 13 September 2025, 11am – 4pm
Where: Kingston Market Square, KT1 1JT
Website: https://londonkoreanlinks.net/2025/08/17/esea-culture-festival-2025/
Chinese Food in British Culture
The Chinese went from being viewed as ‘inscrutable’ and ‘dangerous’ in London’s Limehouse Chinatown to opening Chinese restaurants in every city and town in the UK that became an established part of everyday British life.
This talk examines how Chinese food became a British dining staple and how that helped change perceptions of the Chinese since they first arrived as seamen in the 1800s.
When: Tuesday, 16th September 2025, 6:30 PM
Where: Colindale Library, 7 Bristol Ave, NW9 4BR
Website: https://eclectic-tours.com/walks-%26-talks/ola/services/talk-chinese-food-in-british-culture-more-than-just-chicken-balls-curry-sauce-chips-1
Chinese Business and Social Networking at Lucy Wong
An engaging evening of business networking and socialising at Lucy Wong—one of Fitzrovia’s most stylish and intimate venues. This exclusive event, hosted by the Chinese Business and Social Network (CBSN), brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups to make meaningful connections in a relaxed, elegant setting.
When: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
Where: Lucy Wong, 33-34 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JN
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-business-and-social-networking-at-lucy-wong-fitzrovia-tickets-1612050248689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Chinese Business and Social Networking at Lucy Wong, Fitzrovia
A stylish evening dedicated to networking among professionals and entrepreneurs, hosted in a private area at Lucy Wong bar. Organised by the Chinese Business and Social Network.
When: Tuesday 19th August 2025, 18:30 – 20:30 GMT+1
Where: Lucy Wong (Fitzrovia), 33‑34 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1JN
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-business-and-social-networking-at-lucy-wong-fitzrovia-tickets-1612050248689?aff=erelexpmlt
London Mid-Autumn Fair
Urban Garden Community are bringing the biggest Mid-Autumn Festival in London. A joyful weekend where East Asian traditions meet the London community: food, culture, music, and festive vibes under the full moon!
Inspired by East Asian traditions and rooted in the local community, the fair is your chance to enjoy the season of reunion and moonlight with family and friends.
When: Sat 27 Sep 2025 11:00 AM – Sun 28 Sep 2025 5:00 PM
Where: Goldsmiths, University of London, SE14 6NW
Website: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/urbangardenfair/1835058
Chasing the Dragon: A Mythical Creature-Making Workshop with Ye Funa
For the families, join artist Funa Ye for a playful, hands-on workshop where you are invited to create your own mythical creatures inspired by dragon legends from both China and the UK.
When: Sunday, September 28, 10am – 12:30pm
Where: San Mei Gallery, 39a Loughborough Road, SW9 7TB
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chasing-the-dragon-a-mythical-creature-making-workshop-with-ye-funa-tickets-1605481732079?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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