Summary of the 2025 “Chinese Bridge” UK Educators’ Visit to China

After more than six months of preparation and coordination—beginning from the initial drafting of the project proposal and the invitation process to interested UK educators from partner schools of the three XMU co-hosted Confucius Institutes in the UK—the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University successfully led a six-member delegation of UK educators on a five-day cultural and educational visit to Xiamen and Beijing from 26–31 October 2025.

This programme was funded by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), organised jointly by the Chinese International Education College / Overseas Education College of Xiamen University and the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University, and supported by the Confucius Institute at the University of Southampton.

Highlights in Xiamen

The delegation began at Xiamen University, where they enjoyed the campus’s scenic surroundings and received a warm welcome from university leaders. Representatives from the UK—Ms. Declan Baharini, CEO of International Newcastle, and Ms. Ruth Hutchinson from Keelman’s Way School—co-delivered a speech expressing the delegation’s appreciation, with Ruth delivering her part in fluent Chinese.

Visits to three Xiamen schools—Yanwu Primary School, Wuyuan No. 2 Experimental School, and the Affiliated School of Haicang Teachers’ Training College—introduced the educators to engaging classrooms, innovative curriculum design, martial arts and AI showcases, calligraphy lessons, and distinctive initiatives such as the “Ten Good Habits” and the “Family Education Enhancement Project 7.0.” The UK teachers praised the creativity, confidence, and international outlook of the Chinese students.

The group also toured Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, where cultural exchange deepened through sightseeing, spontaneous participation in local music and dance, and the gifting of personalised Chinese names by the delegation lead, Professor Su. A surprise birthday celebration for delegation member Angus Reid added a warm and memorable touch.

Insights from Beijing

In Beijing, the delegation visited Beijing Zhongtang Experimental School, a nine-year institution known for its learner-centred philosophy, “Of Learners, For Learners, With Learners.” The visitors were impressed by the school’s open learning environment and its emphasis on student initiative and creativity. A student-led tour—confidently conducted by 7th- and 8th-grade pupils—gave the educators a clear sense of the school’s egalitarian teacher–student relationships and its vibrant, inquiry-based learning culture.

Cultural excursions to Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the historic hutongs further enriched the visit. Enjoying traditional snacks, observing local crafts, and exploring Wangfujing allowed the delegation to experience both the depth of Beijing’s heritage and the energy of its modern life. For many, the Beijing programme fulfilled a long-held wish to experience China’s history and culture first hand.

Looking Forward

The visit demonstrated the strong potential for China–UK educational exchange. Through immersive experiences and meaningful conversations, both sides recognised abundant opportunities for mutual learning and future collaboration.

This successful 2025 “Chinese Bridge” delegation—rich in educational exchange, cultural immersion, sightseeing, warm camaraderie among participants, and delicious Chinese cuisine—has laid a solid foundation for continued partnership. It inspired educators to support future student exchanges, deepen cross-cultural engagement, and has opened a new stage of mutual understanding and connection between the peoples and cultures of China and Britain.