Community Stories
Chinese culture within Manchester

Being a British person surrounded by Chinese culture has offered me great insight into one of the world's oldest, most complex and most traditional cultures. Manchester is a thriving hub of countless integrated cultures and societies, be it Polish, African, Indian or Chinese. This gives Mancunians a unique opportunity to not only observe, but to gain active experience with these varied cultures. These Opportunities the Chinese community not only accept but actively encourage with open workshops at Chinese schools around the city and the annual festivities surrounding Chinese New Year, which further advocate the inclusion of all people. Striking displays of dance, music and other traditional arts are common place within Manchester's own piece of the east, Manchester China town. Having sprung into life during the mid seventies, Manchester's China town has established itself as a major cultural focal point for the whole of the North. With some rather striking architecture, such as the renowned arch (see below), and its many traditional Chinese medicine stores China town has become a hugely popular attraction for not only the local community, but tourists from far and wide.



It was China town which helped spark the areas love for Chinese cuisine, with its abundance of wonderful restaurants and take aways. It isn't just China town which has influenced Manchester's love of Chinese food, the whole city has seen a remarkable explosion of culinary delights city wide. Be it local take away or grand restaurant each has in its own way influenced the evolution of the Chinese food we see in Britain today. – Manchester even boasts an impressive Chinese arts museum which in 2007 celebrated its twenty first anniversary. Since its opening in 1986 the centre has hosted 84 major exhibitions, 1,580 workshops, 30 residencies and 2,184 collaborations and is now a nationally recognised organisation for the promotion of Chinese arts and interpretation of Chinese culture. The Manchester Chinese Arts Centre has played host to some of Chinas most recognised artists, namely Gordon Cheung whom has carved an international reputation within the world of contemporary art, thanks in part to the exhibitions hosted by the Manchester Chinese Arts Centre. We can see many examples of Chinese culture within Manchester today, with the annual Chinese New Year celebrations growing bigger and bigger as the years pass. The entertainment includes many street stalls trading in everything from traditional Chinese remedies to authentic cuisine. Spectacular fireworks displays are also enjoyed by the thousands of spectators as well as a hugely festive atmosphere.



Southern Cemetery, Chorlton even has its very own Chinese section reserved exclusively for deceased Chinese people. This is an excellent example of the successful integration of Chinese culture into the mainly westernised city of Manchester.

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