The team at GB Mag, which is made up of ex-international students, have been busy creating the new website that includes fun sections, including:

Cosmopolitans – a weekly updated photo gallery where we capture the street style of well-dressed international students. This is a fun section where students can go to see how students in Britain dress.

Taste My Life - a monthly video series that shows international students cooking their favourite dish from back home and sharing their experience of being a student in the UK.

Ask a Brit - a quirky forum where international students can ask all those questions they haven’t dared ask about all things British, such as why are Brits so obsessed with tea? And why does British popular culture poke fun at ginger people?

Get Started – A section that gives students the vital information about living and studying in the UK, and includes sections on how to apply for a student visa, how to find suitable accommodation and study tips to help students settle in quicker at their chosen university.

www.greatbritishmag.co.uk is supported by two magazines a year. The first is distributed in China to students that have secured a place at a UK university. The second is given to international students when they arrive through our university partners.

The performance is an artistic fusion between film and music performance inspired by the legendary life of Hollywood’s first Chinese film star, Anna May Wong, and the classic British silent movie Piccadilly, in which she played the leading role. It will be shown at Beijing’s Dangdai MOMA Broadway Cinematheque on April 22 and 23.

As the biggest UK arts festival to be celebrated in China so far, UK Now will include hundreds of events from April to November 2012 held in 19 cities across the country, promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries through exhibitions, concerts, performances and collaborative education and training programmes which will highlight the best of the UK’s arts and creative industries.

Chinatown Arts Space (CAS) was established in 2005 as a non-profit making arts organisation to champion British East Asian (BEA) performing and visual artists, and address the significant gap in provision for this sector in the UK. CAS encourages innovation in both traditional East Asian and contemporary arts, with a focus on collaboration and cross-artforms. Our vision is to showcase excellent East Asian artists and engage the British public, particularly children and young people, in the discovery of BEA arts for entertainment, education and social cohesion.

Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 April 7.30pm, Sunday 29 April 6pm.
Saturday matinee 3pm
Les Deux Mondes and unity theatre present

Gold Mountain

Award-winning Les Deux Mondes and unity theatre bring their acclaimed production, Gold Mountain, to London. David Yee is trying to piece together the broken jigsaw of his father’s life – exploring his ramblings in search of family truths. In an epic journey from a small village in China to war-torn Liverpool, through the horrors of the Atlantic convoys, follow Yee Lui’s story of friendship, addiction and adversity. The production, written and starring David Yip, combines storytelling with stunning imagery, film and music.

“The ancient art of storytelling combined with multimedia wizardry.” Liverpool Daily Post

First night and Sat matinee from £8
All other performances from £12, £10 concs
http://www.thealbany.org.uk/event_detail/745/Theatre/Gold-Mountain
http://www.thealbany.org.uk/eflyer/gmountain3.html

Special Offer for Chinatown Arts Space
2 for 1 Tickets (Buy One, Get One Free)
Simple quote promo code ‘CASOFFER’ when booking on the phone or online.
Box Office: 020 8692 4446
www.thealbany.org.uk

“I would like to wish the Chinese communities in Britain, China, and around the world a very happy Chinese New Year. I hope that the year of the Dragon brings you and your family good luck and fortune.

2012 will be a significant year for relations between Britain and China as we mark the 40th Anniversary of full diplomatic ties. We also look forward to building on the success of the Beijing Olympics as the torch passes to London this year.

Britain and China enjoy an increasingly deep and broad relationship – rapidly increasing trade and investment, strengthened dialogue between our two governments, and bringing our people closer through growing exchanges in education and tourism.

Britain values this relationship because many of the challenges in the coming year are global in nature. It is in the interest of both our countries to work constructively together on matters of common concern.

I hope that the year of the Dragon brings greater success and prosperity for British and Chinese communities across the world.

Happy New Year.”

It is so small that it cannot be seen by the naked eye – but a tiny Chinese New Year greetings card created by the University of Glasgow represents the huge potential for China to profit from Scottish innovation.

The card was produced by experts from the University’s James Watt Nanofabrication Centre to showcase their world-leading expertise in nanotechnology ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations, which begin on Monday 23 January.

The card expresses warm wishes for health and prosperity during the Year of the Dragon from Scotland to China, and is also an invitation for collaboration and partnership in cutting-edge technology between the two countries.

The card is 300 micro-metres wide by 200 micro-metres tall (a micro-metre is one-millionth of a metre). It is so small that 21,600 of them could fit on an area the size of the China Post’s 36mm-by-36mm 2012 Chinese New Year commemorative stamp. The Chinese characters are just 45 micro-metres tall, and the dragon is just 116 micro-metres long. By comparison, the width of a human hair is about 100 micro-metres.

Professor David Cumming and Dr Qin Chen from the University’s School of Engineering etched the Chinese characters and dragon image onto a very small piece of glass. The manufacturing process took just 30 minutes.

Professor Cumming said: “The future applications of nanotechnology are vast, but the nature of nanotechnology can be difficult to express to the public. Making this Chinese New Year card was a simple way to show how accurate our technology is.

“The colours were produced by plasmon resonance in a patterned aluminium film made in our James Watt Nanofabrication Centre. The underlying technology has some very important real world applications in bio-technology sensing, optical filtering and light control components, and advances in micro and nanofabrication for the electronics industry.

“All these applications are critical in the future development of the digital economy and the emerging healthcare technology markets. Within a home environment, this technology could eventually find its way into cameras, television and computer screens to reduce the manufacturing cost.”

The card was developed in conjunction with Scottish Development International (SDI), Scotland’s international trade and investment body.

SDI Chief Executive Anne MacColl said: “Nanotechnology is just one area in which Scotland is considered a world leader. From renewable energy to life sciences, digital media to ICT and education to financial services, Scotland has a wealth of expertise, skilled people and knowledge.

“Chinese firms can gain a competitive edge by partnering with Scottish universities and companies across these critical high growth sectors. Innovation is key to China’s economic development and SDI’s offices in Beijing and Shanghai are on hand to help Chinese universities and firms learn more about the benefits of international partnership.”

Many examples of collaboration between Scotland and China exist today, particularly in the field of innovation-based research and development. Four mainland Chinese companies are investors in Scotland and a number of Scotland’s world-leading universities have research partnerships and joint ventures in place with Chinese academic institutions and corporations. Scotland’s First Minister recently made his third visit to China in two years, underpinning Scotland’s commitment to growing business and academic links with China even further.

The trio of cyclists, Shao, Jiang and Yang (left to right) outside Jianghu Bar Sunday. Photo: Wang Zi/GT

Three young cyclists have announced a plan to pedal from Beijing to London, in time to catch next year’s Olympic Games, which start on July 27, 2012.

Two male cyclists, Shao Ming, 28 and living in Beijing, and Yang Kai, 21, a senior at Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College in Jiangsu Province, will join female cyclist Jiang Yan, 22, a graduate of Beijing Language and Culture University.
The trio, and about 100 of their friends, announced their plans at Jianghu Bar in Dongcheng district Sunday afternoon.

They have worked on the logistics of the transcontinental ride for six months, and will start their journey on Saturday from Beijing. They will traverse Henan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces to Tibet, and then ride through Nepal, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and on to London. They expect the trip will last around 10 months and cover 18,000 kilometers.

“I don’t really put a very special meaning on the trip, it’s just an interesting activity, as I like many of the countries and cities we’ll visit on the way,” Jiang said.

“We’d like to go to the Olympic Games, but if we don’t make it in time, we won’t worry too much, it’s just a dream,” said Shao.

The trio are experienced cyclists, Shao having already pedaled his way through a number of countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, France, Germany, and the US.

Yang and Jiang also rode to Tibet in 2010. Yang’s college sponsored him so he could film the trip and make a documentary during the trip.

The cyclists shared their worries about possible dangers, visa issues, and the costs. Sponsorship has paid for some equipment like their bikes and tents, but the rest they must find themselves. They have budgeted 30,000 yuan ($4,704) per person for the journey, of which more than 10,000 yuan will be for visas.

“The trip will be tough, but we must make it through,” Shao said.

The three plan to apply for their visas as they go, but an officer with the British Embassy in Beijing told the Global Times they could make their journey to London more efficient if they applied for their British visa in advance, “as the entry checks would be more careful before the Games,” he said on condition of anonymity.

Rotherham Council has backed a multi million pound project to create a unique culture and leisure development in Rotherham based on the “Visions of China.”

The Council’s Cabinet has selected the preferred developers for the fomer Pithouse West colliery site, located to the north of Rother Valley Country Park.

The site of the proposed £350m YES! Project was put up for sale by the Council in May after developers, Oak Holdings made a material lack of progress since they entered into a preferred developer agreement in 2003.

Visions of China will be a £118m, 120 acre cultural theme park set in an authentically built and landscaped Chinese environment combining a range of experiences and activities for visitors.

The bid was put forward by leisure organisation China Vision Ltd and regeneration specialist MCD Developments.

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was keen to endorse a bid led by the consortium to secure £5.7m from the government’s Regional Growth Fund that would “bring forward an iconic addition to the British tourism market.”

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: “This is a prestigious project which will create hundreds of new jobs and bring in many thousands of visitors and we are delighted that it is being brought to Rotherham.

“Our decision today is the first stage on the road to turn this “China Vision” into a reality and we will be working hard with the partnership to make it happen.

“This site has great potential and this proposal offers an exciting, unique and imaginative new attraction which meets our local regeneration aspirations and the desire of the region to increase the numbers of visitors from across the world heading to Yorkshire.”

From: Rotherham Business News

The series of events builds upon the wide ranging relationship that Wales has developed with the Chinese Municipality over a number of years.

The week involves five performances by the Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and an exhibition by Chongqing artists at the National Museum.  Both events are being put on free of charge to the public by the Culture Bureau.

The First Minister said:

I would like to send my congratulations and best wishes to the Chongqing Culture Bureau and all the artists taking part in Chongqing Culture Week in Wales.

For a number of years we have held very successful ‘Wales Weeks’ in Chongqing, which have helped to cement and strengthen the relationship between Wales and Chongqing.

I am delighted that Chongqing has decided to hold a series of events in Wales as part of Chongqing Culture Week and the move is evidence of the strong relationship between us. I am sure that it will do much to raise the profile of Chongqing, not only in Wales but in the UK.

As well as the cultural events, three co-operation agreements will be signed during the week between:

• the Wales Millennium Centre and Chongqing Performing Arts Group
• Chongqing and Wales National Libraries (a donation of 500 Chinese books also being made)
• Chongqing Culture Bureau and the Welsh Government’s Culture Department.

The cultural week will run from 4th – 8th August. In 2006 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed linking Wales to the Chongqing Municipal Government.

The agreement commits the two Governments to working together in the areas of economic development, education and training, the environment, culture, governance and agriculture.

Source: Welsh government

This course is designed to provide an introduction to contemporary Chinese language cinema including both Mainland Chinese film and the cinemas of Hong Kong and Taiwan. Organised around a weekly screening and seminar, it aims to provide a historical, political and cultural framework against which to view the films and an informal space in which to discuss their artistic merits. Over the 5 week course participants will cover a wide range of material including the development of Chinese social realism; the growth of Chinese ‘art house’ cinema; the international success of the ‘Fifth’ and ‘Sixth Generations’; and finally, censorship and the growth of digital and documentary filmmaking in today’s PRC.

Spring Term 2011:
China On Film I: Wednesdays from 27th April- 25th May 2011, 6-9pm

To book: Ricefield Chinese Arts and Cultural Centre

About the Teacher

Philippa Lovatt is in the final year of her PhD entitled, ‘Narrative Cinema in Cultures of Censorship: Politics, Aesthetics, Memory’ at the University of Glasgow in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television.  This AHRC funded project analyses key films produced in China, Thailand and Iran and explores the often fraught relationship between official history and personal memory. Philippa has taught widely on Asian cinema at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art, and has presented her research both nationally and internationally at several conferences.

http://glasgow.academia.edu/PhilippaLovatt

Known as the “modern day Chopin” in China, Yundi Li is visiting London this month to launch his second album and accompanying DVD Yundi: Live in Beijing, which is a live recording of his concert at the Beijing National Centre of the Performing Arts and is released under the EMI Classics label.

The DVD is the first live recording from the impressive venue in Beijing, fondly nicknamed “The Egg” due its unique oval exterior, to be commercially issued for international release and captures the magic of Yundi’s interpretations of Chopin.

As the youngest and first Chinese winner of the prestigious Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000, Yundi has ‘rock star’ status in China and has an international following. Last year his first concert at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre in London was a complete sell out.

Returning to London this month to kick off his worldwide release of his new album and DVD Yundi commented: “I love coming to London it’s exciting and multicultural. It’s where a rich heritage meets contemporary creativity. I’m looking forward to visiting again and sharing my new album with all my fans in the UK, including the British Chinese community.”

The new album is his most accomplished to date and features four Chopin nocturnes. As a Chinese pianist, the disc concludes with Cai Yun Zhui Yue, one of the traditional Chinese pieces that have proved popular as encores with the pianist’s recital audiences around the world.

The UK tour will include:

* An exclusive recital and album signing at Foyles book shop on 21 March, 6.30pm – 8pm
* A master class at the Royal College of Music on 22 March, 11am – 1.30pm
* A master class at the University of Cambridge on 23 March, 1pm - 4pm

Track list

1. étude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12, “Revolutionary”
2. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 “Marche funèbre”
3. Andante spianato and Grand Polonaise, Op. 22
4. Four Mazurkas, Op. 33
5. Nocturne No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 9, No. 1
6. Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat, Op. 9, No. 2
7. Nocturne No. 5 in F-sharp, Op. 15, No. 2
8. Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat, Op. 53 “Héroïque”
9. Traditional Chinese: Cai Yun Zhui Yue
10. Revolutionary Etude

Yundi Li’s biography

Internationally renowned pianist Yundi, a household name in his native China, was propelled into the international music scene in 2000 when he became the first pianist in 15 years to be awarded first prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. At 18 years of age, Yundi was also the youngest and the first Chinese winner in the history of the prestigious competition. Since then, he has been regarded as a leading interpreter of Chopin’s music.

Critically acclaimed for his technical precision and boundless enthusiasm, Yundi has collaborated with such prestigious orchestras as the Mariinsky Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.  In his regular recital tours he has performed at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Zurich Tonhalle, Royal Festival Hall (London), Carnegie Hall (New York), Herkulesaal (Munich), Salle Pleyel (Paris), Roy Thomson Hall (Toronto), Suntory Hall (Tokyo) and the Verbier Festival (Switzerland).

In 2010, Yundi was honoured to participate in the Chopin 200th anniversary festival in Warsaw. He also undertook two European tours, performed recitals across Japan and made return visits to Carnegie Hall, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Lanaudiere Festival (Canada).

Yundi has released nine CDs and DVDs worldwide.  In 2007, he became the first Chinese pianist to record live with the Berlin Philharmonic and Seiji Ozawa.  The disc of Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major met with rave reviews and was named ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Gramophone Magazine.

Born in Chongqing, Yundi began piano studies at age seven and in 1995 moved with his family to Shenzhen, where he received training from Zhaoyi Dan at the Shenzhen Arts School.  After his triumph at the Chopin International Piano Competition, he embarked upon six years of intensive musical studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hannover.