East & Southeast Asia Season
An ancient cradle of humanity, East and Southeast Asia are home to 2.2 billion people and some of the world’s most influential cultures, histories, and traditions. Spanning 19 countries and territories, these regions have shaped global politics, economics, philosophy, art, cuisine, and wellbeing practices for millennia. From the rich histories of China and Japan to the dynamic cultures of Indonesia and the Philippines, their legacies transcend borders. Whether you're drawn by family heritage, a love of travel, or curiosity sparked by global media, City Lit invites you to explore and celebrate the profound significance and contemporary impact of East and Southeast Asia.
47 courses available
China and AfricaThis course studies the evolution of Chinese involvement in Africa, from the 1950s to the present day. Themes explored include diplomatic and defence relations, trade and commerce, politics and ideology.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00- An introduction to JainismThis course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.
Keeley Street
Sat 17 Oct 2026Ketan VariaFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £71.00 Concession £58.00 - Japanese Etiquette
Travel with confidence and cultural insight!
Ever wondered how to bow correctly, what to say when entering a shrine, or the polite way to enjoy a meal in Japan? This immersive workshop introduces you to the essential customs and etiquette that shape Japanese society. Perfect for travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s traditions.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Japanese beginners: holiday Kit
Make the most of your trip to Japan!
Planning a visit? This short, intensive course is your ultimate survival kit for Japan. Learn the essential phrases and cultural tips to navigate common holiday situations with confidence-from ordering food to asking for directions-and even enjoy friendly chats with locals.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the worldTrace the movements of the Chinese diaspora from the 10th century to the present day and dive into case studies highlighting the Chinese communities’ integration and influence in different regions of the world.
Keeley Street
Sat 31 Oct 2026Qiuyang ChenFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the presentIn large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.
Keeley Street
Sat 31 Oct 2026Tariq HassanFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - Ancient China/modern fantasies
Explore the material culture of imperial China and its influence on modern and contemporary visual cultures.
Keeley Street
Tue 3 Nov 2026Meitao QuFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00 - Korean beginners: short introduction
Get a short introduction to the Korean language and discover aspects of Korean language culture in these either an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.
Keeley Street
Thu 5 Nov 2026Jiyeon KimFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Japanese beginners: short introductionGet a short introduction to the Japanese language and discover aspects of Japanese language culture in these online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.
Keeley Street
Fri 6 Nov 2026Hisaka BuntingFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Chinese: writing for beginnersLearn the basics of Chinese characters on this lively classroom-based course in the heart of London. This interactive workshop provides plenty of opportunity to practise yourself, and is suitable for complete beginners.
Keeley Street
Sat 14 Nov 2026Ting PoonFull fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Chi Kung for balance and relaxationWould you like to add some stillness to your existing chi kung practice?
At this workshop we will follow the support cycle of the five elements earth, metal, water, wood and fire. We will slow down and connect to stillness, become more grounded, centred and relaxed, get a better energy flow and become more aware of ourselves, others and our surroundings. We will also do some standing and sitting meditation.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Chinese beginners: short introduction
Learn Chinese either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
Get a short introduction to the Chinese language and discover aspects of Chinese language culture in these live online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.
Keeley Street
Tue 17 Nov 2026Joyce LeeFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Japanese woodcut printmakingAn introduction to the beautiful and delicate printmaking world of Japanese Woodcut. Explore this water based, non-toxic process and build an appreciation for the handmade. You will learn how to design, carve and make a multi-coloured print. Beginners welcome.Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £227.00
- Japanese: writing for beginners part 1Come and improve your knowledge of the basic Japanese writing system, Hiragana and Katakana. Suitable if you are studying Japanese at beginners level.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00
- China in the World Wars and the World Wars in ChinaUncover the complex role of China in the World Wars, explore the profound transformations within its society, and delve into the enduring effects of these conflicts on modern China. This course guides you through these turbulent times, revealing overlooked events and evolving gender dynamics.
Keeley Street
Sat 21 Nov 2026Qiuyang ChenFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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