Memory of China: Chinese Traditional Arts and Culture Festival

The Memory of China Festival comes to County Hall this October for a two-day celebration of traditional Chinese arts and culture, bringing together dance, wellbeing, craftsmanship and cultural exchange in the heart of London's South Bank.

Across Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, County Hall Dance Centre will host a varied programme of performances, workshops and hands-on experiences. From the 2nd UK Chinese Yoga Festival, Chinese classical and ethnic dance to calligraphy, acupressure and Yunnan cultural showcases, the weekend offers different ways to discover and experience Chinese culture. Cultural exhibitions, traditional crafts, hands-on activities, a makers' market and tea culture will also feature throughout the festival.

Saturday's programme has been created especially with the Chinese community in mind and will be presented in Chinese and English, while Sunday's programme will be led primarily in English for international and local audiences. Everyone is welcome to join, and no previous experience is required.

The festival is presented by County Hall Dance Centre in collaboration with County Hall Arts, as part of a growing programme celebrating dance, culture and artistic collaboration at County Hall.

Saturday, 3 October 2026

12:00 — Market Area Opens. Makers' market open.

13:00–15:00 — 2nd UK Chinese Yoga Festival. An afternoon dedicated to yoga, movement and wellbeing, featuring MYRing Yoga, Yin-Yang Balance, an interactive session and prize draw. £36 per person, payable on the day at the venue. Check-in from 12:30.

15:00–15:20 — Yunnan Cultural Showcase. Discover the diverse cultural traditions of Yunnan through an introduction to the region and its heritage.

15:20–15:25 — Dai Ethnic Dance Performance: Wan Tao. A performance showcasing the movement and traditions of Dai ethnic dance.

15:25–15:40 — Miao Ethnic Dance Performance: Cai Tang & Cultural Showcase. A Miao dance performance accompanied by an introduction to Miao culture and traditions.

15:45–17:00 — Acupressure Workshop. A practical workshop introducing participants to acupressure and traditional approaches to wellbeing.

17:00–17:30 — Chinese Classical Dance Performance & Experience Class. An evening performance followed by an opportunity to experience Chinese classical dance. £10 per person, payable on the day at the venue.

Sunday, 4 October 2026

12:00 — Market Area Opens. Makers' market open.

13:00–14:30 — Yoga Experience. An accessible introduction to yoga and movement, open to participants of all experience levels. £10 per person, payable on the day at the venue.

14:35–14:40 — Chinese Fusion Fan Veil Belly Dance. A short performance combining fan choreography with belly dance.

14:50–15:20 — Classical Dance Performance: The Old Story & Experience Class. A Chinese classical dance performance followed by an experience class inviting participants to explore the movement for themselves. £10 per person, payable on the day at the venue.

15:20–15:35 — East-West Cultural Harmony Music Society. Enjoy a live performance featuring music from Game of Thrones, Jasmine Flower and I Love You.

15:35–17:30 — Chinese Calligraphy Paper Scroll Workshop. Discover Chinese calligraphy and create your own paper scroll in a guided hands-on workshop. £12 per person / £20 for two people, payable on the day at the venue.

16:00–16:20 — Yunnan Cultural Showcase. An introduction to the diverse cultural traditions and heritage of Yunnan.

16:25–16:30 — Chinese Classical Dance Performance: Bu Gua. A performance showcasing the movement and traditions of Chinese dance.

16:30–16:35 — Dai Ethnic Dance Performance: Wan Tao & Cultural Showcase. The festival concludes with Dai dance and an introduction to Dai culture and traditions.

Entry & Booking

The festival is primarily a walk-in event, and visitors are welcome to drop in throughout the weekend.

Selected workshops and experience sessions require a participation fee, payable on the day at the venue. Visitors wishing to take part in these activities, prize draws and other festival activities are encouraged to register in advance via Eventbrite. Places are limited and subject to availability.

Organisers

Organised by County Hall Dance & Performing Arts School. Co-organised by Sen Yoga, RCDance, Yi Crafts, Lotus Realm and Inkjoygraphy.

Finding Us

Members' Terrace, The Queen's Walk, County Hall, Riverside Building, London SE1 7PB.

You should reach the County Hall Members' Terrace via the Queen's Walk on the riverside of the building. Look out for the gate leading to a staircase upwards, signposted for the Peacock Restaurant. This entrance is found between the London Dungeon and Shrek's Adventure on the Queen's Walk.

Should you have any questions regarding this festival, please contact us at info@countyhalldancecentre.com.