BRIDGING CHINESE CULTURE IN SCOTLAND, WHAT YOU COULD EXPECT IN FRINGE 2025.

[Edinburgh, Scotland, May 2025] -- Chinese Culture Week proudly returns to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, bringing with it an even more powerful message of heritage, identity, and cultural exchange.

Back in 2021, Winnie, the director of ICI, launched Chinese Culture Week without knowing the many challenges that lay ahead. But her vision was clear: as a Chinese person living in Edinburgh, why was there nothing truly representing our culture? China, with over 5,000 years of history, is the only continuous ancient civilization still alive today. Within these millennia lies an abundance of stories, traditions, and cultural treasures that deserve to be seen and shared. That’s why in 2025, the theme “Echoes of Time” is more than fitting — it speaks to the living history and enduring spirit of Chinese culture. At first, Winnie started with just an idea. She soon founded her own company and launched the first Chinese Culture Week. But with the outbreak of the pandemic, things did not go smoothly. Facing enormous difficulties, she persevered — and her resilience paid off.

©️Xuecen Zhao, Stella Liang

Fortunately, she made it through and earned the support of universities and local communities. “It’s not an easy thing to do, but now I am not alone.” In 2025, Chinese Culture Week is starting fresh, stronger and more ambitious than ever, with performers joining from across the world. Together with partners like X Stars Production, Mujian Ltd, and many others, ICI is now backed by a strong team supporting everything from performance and production to workshops and market planning.

Based in London, X Star Production is a cultural entertainment company with a strong reputation in theatre, education, and international exchange. Over the years, they have helped bring outstanding Chinese theatrical works to global stages, including the Edinburgh Fringe, London theatres, and more — introducing the depth and vitality of Chinese performing arts to diverse audiences.

Tongwenyan, director of supporting partner Mujian, shares: “As an artist myself, I’ve long felt the disconnect between cultures in this industry. Misunderstanding and lack of awareness cause fear, anger, and sometimes even racism. But Scotland is warm, kind, and welcoming — we have so much in common. This is a chance to truly get to know one another and realize that we can be friends.” She continues, “We brought our culture here — through performances, workshops, and markets. Don’t underestimate how many incredible artists are here.” Explaining why she started her company in a foreign land, she says, “I want to help Asian artists be seen. Their work, their effort — their identity as artists — all deserve recognition. If I can help create a platform for that, I’d be proud to build it together with others who share the same goal.”

Winnie says, “From ancient cave painting experiences to works by Asian artists based in Edinburgh and London, and performances direct from China, you’ll witness cultural expressions you’ve never imagined. By learning about our people, personalities, and heritage, you’ll understand — China is so much more than takeaway food,” she jokes, her eyes shining with determination.

More information about Chinese Culture Week:

https://www.chinesecultureweek.com/#/
https://www.instagram.com/ccw.festival

About Intercultural Connections Initiative (ICI):

ICI is a Scotland-registered community interest company dedicated to promoting cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and educational exchange between China, the UK, and beyond. Through festivals, workshops, awards, and year-round initiatives, ICI builds meaningful bridges across cultures and generations.

https://www.intercci.com/#/

About Mujian LTD:

Mujian is a cultural communication and producing platform based in the UK. Focused on connecting Asian artists with international opportunities, Mujian offers PR services, production support, workshops, panel-talks, and networking meet-up events, amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting emerging talent across borders.

www.mujian.co.uk

About X Star Production

X Star Production is a cultural entertainment company specializing in theater production, education, and cultural exchange. Based in China and operating internationally, X Star showcases outstanding Chinese works on major global platforms such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and leading London theaters. The company is committed to promoting the charm of Chinese culture worldwide through live performances, collaborative projects, and innovative cultural programming.

info.xstarproduction@gmail.com

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