A roundup of all the Chinese events happening in London in November, from concerts to lectures.
The Infrastructure of Chinese ‘Civilizationism’
King’s College London’s Lau China Institute is hosting a talk by Professor Prasenjit Duara from Duke University exploring how China uses infrastructure to reshape the global order and challenge Western dominance. The discussion will be chaired by Professor Kerry Brown.
When: 3rd November, 5pm–6:30pm
Where: Strand Building, King’s College London
Website: www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-infrastructure-of-chinese-civilizationism
The 10th UK-China Alliance for the Humanities in Higher Education Conference
The 10th UK-China Alliance Conference returns this November under the theme “Future Horizons: Area Studies and Global Connectivity in the Humanities”. The two-day conference will explore how connections across borders shape regions, ideas and education.
When: 3rd–4th November, 9am–6pm
Where: Senate House, London
Website: www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/10th-uk-china-alliance-humanities-higher-education-conference
China – London Networking & Social
The China-London networking event returns to Peacock London this November. Expect an evening of networking, business introductions and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and professionals with connections to China.
When: 6th November, 7pm–11pm
Where: Peacock London, County Hall, SE1
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/china-london-networking-social-tickets-2002896433148
Book Launch: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts – Xiaoxin Li
The V&A’s Curator of Chinese Collections, Xiaoxin Li, is launching her new book on the museum’s collection of contemporary Chinese studio crafts. A talk will explore the development of contemporary Chinese craft and the artists and makers behind the collection, followed by a book signing and reception.
When: 10th November, 1pm–2pm
Where: Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre, V&A South Kensington
Website: www.vam.ac.uk/event/vVydO0OakP/book-launch-contemporary-chinese-studio-nov-2026
2026 Tencent x CBAIA Annual Conference
The China-Britain Artificial Intelligence Association is teaming up with Tencent for an evening dedicated to artificial intelligence, technology and business opportunities. The event will bring together academics, AI researchers, industry experts and technology enthusiasts for keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking and career opportunities at Tencent.
When: 13th November, 6pm–10pm
Where: White Rabbit, London
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2026-tencent-x-cbaia-annual-conference-tickets-2003500773747
Shifting Paradigms: Contemporary Chinese Ceramics
The Oriental Ceramic Society is hosting a lecture by Dr Xiaoxin Li, Curator of the V&A’s Asia Department. The talk will explore the transformation of Chinese ceramics since the 1980s, looking at how artists, educators and makers have redefined the possibilities of the medium in response to social, economic and cultural changes.
When: 10th November, 6:15pm–7pm
Where: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
Website: www.orientalceramicsociety.org.uk/lectures-events
Handling Session: Porcelain in a Changing China
Ever wanted to get up close with historical Chinese porcelain? The British Museum is hosting a special handling session exploring its collection of seventeenth-century Chinese porcelain. Led by Wenyuan Xin, the museum’s Later China Curator, the session will offer participants an opportunity to examine selected objects and learn about porcelain production during a period of significant political upheaval in China.
When: 19th November, 10:30am–11:30am
Where: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London
Website: https://orientalceramicsociety.org.uk/lectures-events
Book Launch: ‘Sinophonecene?: Tracing Environmental and Cohabitational Perspectives in Contemporary Chinese Art’
SOAS is hosting the launch of a new edited collection exploring the relationship between environmental issues and contemporary artistic practices in the Sinophone world. The book, published by Palgrave Macmillan, is edited by Franziska Koch, Nora Wölfing and Cila Brosius. The launch will feature a discussion with the editors, moderated by Professor Paul Gladston.
When: 25th November, 6pm
Where: SOAS University of London, Room R101
Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/book-launch-sinophonecene-tracing-environmental-and-cohabitational-perspectives
留白 – Beyond Emptiness: Exhibition Private View
The Knowledge Quarter is organising a private viewing of Beyond Emptiness, an exhibition exploring the work of Chinese architect and artist Raymond Fung. Bringing together architecture, ink painting and installation, the exhibition explores how traditional Chinese ink painting principles influence contemporary design. At its centre is the concept of liubai (留白), the artistic technique of leaving blank space to create meaning and harmony.
When: 26th November, 8:30am–10am
Where: SOAS Gallery, Russell Square, London
Website: https://luma.com/beyondemptiness
2026 Chinese Teaching and Experience-Sharing Symposium
Organised by the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University, alongside Macmillan Education and SOAS, this one-day symposium will bring together Chinese language teachers to exchange ideas and teaching experiences. This year’s theme is Chinese Teaching Resources, Assessment and Teaching Materials.
When: 27th November, 9:30am–4pm
Where: Macmillan Education Headquarters, London
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2026-chinese-teaching-and-experience-sharing-symposium-2026-tickets-2002942722601
Cheng Yu Performances
Pipa and guqin virtuoso Prof Cheng Yu presents a diverse autumn programme of concerts, cultural performances, international collaborations, lectures and music education across the UK and China. Check out the link below to see when and where.
When: See link
Where: See link
Website: https://chengyumusic.com/event/autumn-2026-events-performances/
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