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.
100 courses available
- Chinese beginners: module 1
Learn Chinese Mandarin either an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions. Experience learning Chinese by enrolling on a taster.
This course is designed for beginners who have little or no prior knowledge of Chinese.
Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about the language and culture, this course will equip you with the essential skills to communicate confidently in Mandarin.
Our emphasis on speaking ensures that you'll be able to engage in meaningful conversations from the very first lesson. You'll learn useful phrases, expressions, and idioms, enabling you to communicate effectively in various social and everyday situations.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Korean beginners: module 1
Learn Korean either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions. Experience learning Korean by enrolling on a taster.
This course is designed for learners who have completed a beginner-level Korean course and would like to consolidate their knowledge before progressing further.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 
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 £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00- Shiatsu: taster workshopShiatsu is a Japanese healing art, deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of traditional Chinese medicine. This therapeutic form of body work involves applying pressure to the body using a practitioner’s thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet. Discover the basics of how to give this relaxing and therapeutic pressure point massage.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00
- Korean 5: advanced practice
Learn Korean on this lively online course.
Develop your intermediate Korean on this communicative course. Suitable if you have studied Korean for about 5 years.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxesExplore the elegant sewing patterns found in Japanese binding. Learn how to make books, make a fold-out case, sew traditional and contemporary designs, and experiment with creating your own. This course is suitable for beginners.
Keeley Street
Thu 1 Oct 2026Kate RochesterFull fee £349.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £227.00 - Gua Sha body massage: taster workshop
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which a tool is used to scrape people’s skin in order to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. It can also help to relieve muscular pain and tension. Come along and learn some techniques to use on family and friends.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Chinese History Friday Lates: The Opium Wars
What is the significance of opium in Chinese History why were wars fought over it in the 1800's? Join Dr Chen to discover the history of opium in China in this Friday Late session.
Online
Fri 2 Oct 2026Qiuyang ChenFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - Japanese Literature 1900-1950
On this course we will study the development of Japanese literature in the first half of the 20th century through four great novels: Natsume Soseki’s Kokoro, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s Kappa, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s The Makioka Sisters and Yasunari Kawabata’s Snow Country.
Online
Fri 2 Oct 2026Lewis WardFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - 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
- The art of Chinese gardens: nature and philosophy
This lecture will examine how the intersections of art, architecture, philosophy and sensory experience of Chinese gardens show continuity and change from the early modern period to the present day. In early modern China, gardens were more than places of retreat, they functioned as major social, cultural and economic sites. In our time of ecological crisis, gardens play a crucial role in mitigating pollution. This lecture is part of the 2026 Art History Festival organised by the Association for Art History.
Online
Tue 6 Oct 2026Xinrui ZhangFull fee £0.00 - Climate change and COP31: a beginners' guide
Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.
Online
Wed 7 Oct 2026Anita PunwaniFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - Haiku for wellbeing
Writing Haiku poems can provide a peaceful distraction from life's challenges by focusing on creative writing. Composing Haiku can produce a feeling of achievement, and help you to get in touch with the natural world and show us our place within it. This workshop is part of the 2026 Mental Wealth Festival hosted by City Lit and partners.
Keeley Street
Wed 7 Oct 2026Tasha KavanaghFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £5.00 Concession £5.00 - Chinese calligraphy: explore the Nature and World characters
Experience the calming practice of Chinese brush calligraphy while discovering the origins of Mandarin Chinese characters. Learn the basics of character writing and uncover how ancient symbols were inspired by the natural world. This creative and mindful session encourages focus, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of language and culture.
This session is part of the 2026 Mental Wealth Festival, hosted by City Lit and partners.
Keeley Street
Fri 9 Oct 2026Xiaolan BiFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £5.00 - Gua Sha body Massage: CPD Workshop
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which a tool is used to scrape people’s skin in order to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. It can also help to relieve muscular pain and tension.
This course is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £149.00
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