Students Find Calm Through Chinese Cultural Workshops

Hundreds of LSBU students and staff members discovered new ways to relax and recharge this spring as the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM) delivered its annual de-stressing event series before the University's busiest exam period.

Running from 13 April to 8 May 2026, CITCM’s 4-week events featured 18 interactive de-stressing sessions held across the University's Hub and Gym. The workshops were designed to help students and staff manage exam stress while introducing them to elements of Chinese culture, including Chinese calligraphy, origami, traditional music, and Baduanjin qigong stretching.

One of the highlights was the live performance of the celebrated Chinese pieces of High Mountains and Flowing Water (《高山流水》) and Jasmine Flower (《茉莉花》) by the CITCM’s professional musicians. The soothing sounds of the erhu and guzheng transformed the space into a peaceful retreat, encouraging students to pause, unwind, and take a break from their revision. The performance quickly led to an interactive cultural experience as students gathered to learn about the instruments from the musicians. Many students were invited to try and learned to play simple melodies themselves, attracting even more passers-by to join in. “I’ve never seen these instruments before,” one student said. “The music is incredibly relaxing, and trying to play the guzheng was such a memorable experience.”

The calligraphy workshops proved equally popular. For most participants, it was their first time holding a Chinese writing brush. Guided by the teachers, the participants patiently practised basic writing techniques before completing a personalised artwork featuring their Chinese names and zodiac signs, taking home unique keepsakes from the session. “I came here feeling overwhelmed, but I’m leaving much calmer and happier,” said one student.

At the origami tables, the students and staff members were attracted by the colourful creations – paper hearts, lilies, boats and frogs. Many sat down to make their own paper art. Some said they planned to give the handmade hearts to someone special, while others hoped to decorate their homes with lilies. Several participants also shared fond childhood memories of learning origami with family members, sparking conversations and connections across cultures.

The Baduanjin sessions introduced one of China’s best-known traditional wellness practices. Participants learned a series of gentle stretching routines combined with controlled breathing and mindful movements to help reduce stress, improve flexibility and strengthen the body. People felt energised and commented that the “simple but surprisingly effective” moves helped them “feel more focused and less anxious.”

By bringing together various elements of Chinese culture, CITCM created welcoming spaces where students and staff could step away from exam pressures, connect with others and discover new ways to support their mental and physical wellbeing. The annual event series reflects CITCM’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellbeing through cultural engagement, supporting both the LSBU community and the wider public by making Chinese art, handicraft and wellness practices accessible, interactive and enjoyable.