Chinese Culture Week (CCW) 2025 is a multi-faceted celebration of Chinese arts, heritage, and innovation, taking place from August 1 to August 10 in Edinburgh. Organised by Intercultural Connections Initiative CIC, the festival blends traditional and contemporary Chinese culture with global perspectives, inviting audiences to explore, engage, and exchange.

Theme: Echoes of Time — Where the Past Resounds, the Present Awakens
CCW 2025 explores the evolving narrative of Chinese civilisation through the concept of “Living Fossils” — ancient traditions and cultural treasures that have endured through centuries and continue to inspire. The theme reflects cultural continuity, resilience, and reinvention.

Four Main Sections

Legacy
Highlighting Chinese intangible cultural heritage through live demonstrations, artist collaborations, and interactive displays that bring traditional craftsmanship and stories to life.

Bazaar
An open-air marketplace featuring handmade crafts, regional street food, independent brands, and spontaneous cultural happenings — a vibrant fusion of commerce and culture.

Stage
A curated performance programme including theatre, dance, music, and storytelling, showcasing innovation within tradition and bridging artistic expressions across cultures.

Pulse
A dynamic space for workshops, talks, and the IC Award series — encouraging youth participation, international dialogue, and creative exchange.

Key Dates

August 2 (Sat): Opening Ceremony
August 1–10: Daily programmes including performances, workshops, exhibitions, and the marketplace
August 10 (Mon): Closing Events & IC Award Ceremony

Highlights of CCW 2025

Immersive Opening Night: A storytelling-led experience with live acts, guest speakers, and a guided preview tour
Performance Programme: Featuring artists from China and the UK across theatre, music, and dance
Exhibitions: Including youth visual art showcases and curated displays from museum partners
Hands-on Workshops: Covering calligraphy, tea ceremony, martial arts, movement therapy, and more
Outdoor Marketplace: Crafts, cuisine, and cultural activities in a garden setting

New in 2025

Cultural Mosaic
A cultural product showcase and e-commerce platform supporting artists, museums, and heritage brands, extending cultural storytelling beyond the festival.

IC Award

Celebrating excellence in intercultural creativity, the IC Award honours individuals and projects that build bridges between cultures.

Award Categories:

IC Future Generation Award – For youth and student-led performances and first-time Fringe participants

IC Pioneer Award – For innovative, culturally resonant Fringe-registered productions

IC Full Production Award – For mature, cross-border productions rooted in traditional culture and ready for international touring

IC Personal Achievement Award – For outstanding contributions to global cultural exchange

Award Timeline:

Applications Open: March 2025

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Shortlist Announced: Early August

Awards Ceremony: August 10, 2025

Venue: King’s Hall, Edinburgh

King’s Hall is a historic Gothic Revival venue built in 1843, known for its distinctive U-shaped gallery and warm atmosphere. As a Category B listed building managed by Community Church Edinburgh, it offers a unique blend of architectural heritage and modern cultural function — the perfect setting for the immersive experience of Chinese Culture Week 2025.