It’s Chinese Language Week from 25 September to 1 October, a time to celebrate Chinese culture and language, music, and much more.（这篇文章也有中文版）
Chinese Corner books for learning Chinese
Read books from the Chinese Corner to help you learn Chinese. You are welcome to reserve and borrow the books.
Chinese books
Reserving a book is free. You can pick up Chinese books in simple and traditional scripts from any of the Wellington City Libraries branches. Waitohi Johnsonville, Te Awe and Arapaki libraries also have Chinese books on display. Feel free to come to the libraries and immerse yourself in the beautiful Chinese decorations.
Live Music Performance – Waitohi library
Come to Johnsonville Waitohi library and prepare to be amazed by ancient zither music instruments and other Chinese music and cultural performances. Listen to ancient Chinese music played in the background while you enjoy the traditional treasures of the tea ceremony, poems and much more. No reservation required.
The NZ Chinese Culture and Arts Association is delivering a live music and cultural performance at Wellington City Libraries. The NZ Chinese Culture and Arts Association has been performing with Wellington City Libraries since 2016 and have performed at Parliament, Te Papa and many other high-profile venues.
Zheng, a Chinese zither, has 21 strings and originated from the Chunqiu dynasty. It is still played until today; its pentatonic melody is bright and it’s sound spreads afar.
Gu Qin is an ancient Chinese zither instrument and was highly recommended by Confucius.
The tea ceremony is also called ‘Kung Fu tea’, which originated in China and then became popular in east Asia. The tea ceremony performance is commonly seen at formal events. The tea ceremony elements are an ideal combination of practicality and aesthetically pleasing.
- Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm, Sunday 25 September 2022
- Location: Waitohi Johnsonville Library
Traditional Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
Two Chinese artists will demonstrate traditional artworks and techniques, and FREE craft bags and bookmarks of the artists’ work will be available (limited supply). Presented in partnership with China Cultural Centre in Wellington. As part of the experience, at 3:30pm our librarians will play some Chinese music from the Johnsonville Library terrace.
- Time: 4:00 – 5:30pm, Tuesday 27 September
- Location: Waitohi Johnsonville Library
Chinese Chess
A Chinese Chess table will be available at Arapaki Library. English instructions are available so anyone can come along and play this ancient Chinese board game.
- Time: 8:00am – 6:00pm between 27 September to 30 September
- Location: Arapaki Library
Overdrive eBooks
Read the special selection of Chinese Language Week books about Chinese and New Zealand culture on OverDrive, on your computer or your smartphone. Click here.
Mango Languages
Mango languages is an online language system with tutorials for 77 languages and dialects. It provides language learning in common contexts, such as greeting, food and transport. You can also learn Chinese Mandarin, Chinese Cantonese, and Chinese Shanghainese.
DragonSource Magazines
DragonSource has over 3000 Chinese magazines online that include many popular magazine titles, such as Reader’s Digest, Elle Chinese, Vogue Chinese, photography, Xinmin Weekly, cars, history and much more.
Updated monthly and at the time when the print cover is updated. Read online for free. Click here
Nihao/Neihou, Chinese Language Week is 17-23 September this year, celebrating Mandarin, Cantonese and other Chinese dialects! There are many ways to be involved in this exciting week – attend an event, read a book or an eBook, and learn a Chinese phrase! (网页中文简体版）（网页中文繁体版)