A roundup of all the best Chinese Events in London this May. There are a lot of Chinese-related events in London to explore this month, including art exhibitions, academic talks, pop-up markets, and much more.
Our favourite event is the Limehouse Chinatown exhibition at St Anne’s Church, Limehouse. It delves into the myths and reality of London’s first Chinatown.
Yin Xiuzhen: Heart to Heart
There are only a couple of days left to visit this art exhibition at the Southbank Centre. See the familiar in new ways, as artworks made from unconventional materials and overlooked objects reveal personal and collective stories.
When: Until May 3rd
Where: Southbank Centre
Website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/yin-xiuzhen-heart-to-heart/
The Original Chinatown: Myths and Realities
This exhibition explores the intriguing world of London’s first Chinatown, which was originally located in Limehouse. It is organised by Care for St Anne’s. a charity dedicated to looking after St Anne’s church in Limehouse where this exhibition is held. Read our review to find out more about this exhibition.
When: Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10–4, until July 2026
Where: St Anne’s Church, Limehouse
Website: https://www.careforstannes.org/
In-/Visible Spectrums: Contemporary Video Art from the Sinosphere
Also at SOAS, on April 16th a new exhibition will open showcasing contemporary video art from the Sinoshphere. It showcases contemporary video artworks by eleven artists: Huang Yuhui 黄宇辉, Li Nu 李怒, Liang Yue 梁玥, Liu Guoqiang 刘国强, Ma Haijiao 马海蛟, Ma Qiusha 马秋莎, Siu Wai Hang 萧伟恒, Tong Wenmin 童文敏, Xin Yunpeng 辛云鹏, Yi Lian易连 and Zheng Xinhao 郑新皓.
When: Until June 20th
Where: SOAS, University of London
Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/visible-spectrums-contemporary-video-art-sinosphere
Chinese Calligraphy @ Charing Cross Mini-Hub
Charing Cross Library are offering free Chinese calligraphy sessions every Saturday. Led by a passionate and skilled Chinese Calligrapher, each session offers an engaging, hands-on approach that encourages creativity, expression, and learning.
When: Every Saturday
Where: Charing Cross Library
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-calligraphy-charing-cross-mini-hub-tickets-1313799974089
Talk | Deconstructing The ‘Chinese’ in Africa by Melike Toprak
What sounds like it will be an interesting look at Chinese actions outside of China, this talk explores the role of Chinese actors in Africa. Focusing on the housing sector in Nairobi, the presentation examines how Chinese construction firms and developers operate within local markets, and how their projects are shaped through interactions with local actors.
When: 6:30pm, May 1st
Where: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 5HA
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talk-deconstructing-the-chinese-in-africa-by-melike-toprak-tickets-1988331903247
Urban Garden Fair @ Canary Wharf
There will be an East Asian pop-up market organised by Urban Garden Fair at Canary Wharf. Explore 30+ stalls featuring East Asian food, accessories, lifestyle goods, and take-home treats, all created by talented small businesses from Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China and more.
When: 2nd and 3rd of May
Where: Canary Wharf
Website: https://www.instagram.com/urban_garden_fair/
How Modern: Biographies of Architecture in China 1949-1979
Editors Shirley Surya and Li Hua join the Bartlett’s Guang Yu Ren in conversation at this book launch for How Modern: Biographies of Architecture in China 1949–1979. The book reassesses New China’s architectural production. Reproducing primary sources alongside short essays and interviews with architects, archivists, historians, and residents.
When: 2-4 pm, May 6th
Where: The Bartlett School of Architecture, 22 Gordon St, London WC1H 0QB Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/events/2026/may/how-modern-biographies-architecture-china-1949-1979
Free Chinese English Language Exchange
China Unbound hold this free Chinese-English language exchange every month. Designed for language learners of any level, it’s a perfect opportunity to practice that Chinese! They are a Chinese language school specialised in teaching adults.
When: 2:30 – 4:30 pm, May 10th
Where: Costa Coffee, 42-48 The Cut
Website: https://www.meetup.com/chinaunbound/events/312726987/
Brides of the Mountains: Yi Wedding Craft Heritage in China
Bride of the Mountains ꊿꑳꁧꇉꃀ (Nuosu Yi Script) is a two-chapter exhibition that explores how bridal crafts among the Yi ethnic minority of Southwest China carry meanings far deeper than a wedding — they carry home, memory, and lineage.
When: 12th – 17th May
Where: Fitzrovia Gallery, 139 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5EN
Website: https://londoncraftweek.com/events/brides-of-the-mountains-yi-wedding-craft-heritage-in-china/
YCW LDN | Drinks with Cindy Yu
YCW London will be hosting a relaxed drinks evening, featuring a brief talk and Q&A from journalist Cindy Yu.
Cindy will share insights about her experience writing about China for a UK audience, followed by a Q&A and discussion. This will be followed by some informal drinks and conversation with others interested in China.
When: From 6:30 pm, May 14th
Where: Silver Cross, 33 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ycw-ldn-drinks-with-cindy-yu-tickets-1987963305762
Brand to Britain
This event at the Bank of China in London aims to help brand and business managers expand into the UK market more efficiently. It will feature leading representatives from companies expanding overseas, brand leaders, and industry experts.
When: 2:30 – 5 pm, May 15th
Where: Bank of China
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brand-to-britain-tickets-1988186851393
World Culture Day – Chinese Shadow Puppet Making Workshop
Dear Asia are celebrating World Culture Day with a Chinese shadow puppetry (中国皮影戏, Zhōngguó pí yǐng xì) workshop. Enjoy Chinese tea as you learn about one of China’s oldest and most enchanting art forms, then get to create your own.
When: 6-7 pm, May 21st
Where: Dear Asia Aldgate
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-culture-day-chinese-shadow-puppet-making-workshop-tickets-1967589703770
Chinese Wine Tasting
Ever been curious about Chinese wines? Now is your chance to find out more at this relaxed guided wine tasting event presented by NAINAI Wine Society and brie yourself. This is a regular event will be held monthly.
When: From 6:00pm, 22nd May
Where: brie yourself, 7 Wyke Road
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-2026-east-london-chinese-wine-tasting-tickets-1985634074970
Rewiring Globalisation: Reconnecting China and the World in a Fragmented Era
Founded in 2012, the China Business Forum (CBF) at London Business School is one of the most influential student-led business forums in the UK and Europe. This year, talks will include AI, global pharma, capital flows, and much more.
When: 23rd May
Where: London Business School, North Building, Nuffield Hall
Website: https://www.lbscbf.com/
The Blanket of a Hundred Homes: an Exhibition
In this exhibition, Chinese Malaysian artist Ranerrim presents a collection of personal quilted blankets 百家被 (bai jia bei) passed down through generations in her family, belonging to herself, her sisters, and her mother. Each blanket holds memory and lived experience, shaped by the hands of the aunts, mothers and grandmothers that made and used them.
When: May 24th
Where: ESEA Community Centre
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-blanket-of-a-hundred-homes-an-exhibition-tickets-1987822220773
Going Global: Chinese Independent Documentary
A free public lecture Dr Luke Robinson at Gresham College. This lecture focuses on independently-produced Chinese documentary cinema, as it has entered the Anglophone market. Using “Plastic China” by award-winning director Wang Jiuliang as a case study.
When: 6-7 pm, May 27th
Where: Gresham College, London
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/going-global-chinese-independent-documentary-tickets-1975829618577
If you like this article, why not read: London’s First Chinatown Revealed at St Anne’s Church Limehouse Exhibition
