Chinese communities have been calling the UK home for much longer than many realise. Many are able to trace their heritage to regions across East and Southeast Asia, which has led to a rich and diverse culture across the UK.

In this new free display at the British Library we reflect on this long history through photographs, manuscripts and interviews with those who have lived through it. 

Meet remarkable individuals from British Chinese communities across the UK. Listen to personal accounts of merchant seamen. Get to know the local business owners who set up Europe’s first Chinatowns. Be inspired by the scientists, artists and writers breaking new ground. And uncover the challenges that British Chinese people have encountered through the centuries, and continue to face today.

Join us to celebrate the history and impact of this vibrant community, and to understand what it really means to be Chinese and British.

Simplified Chinese translation booklet (PDF)

Traditional Chinese translation booklet (PDF)

Free entry, drop in any time. Check our opening hours.

Visit the exhibition at a library near you. See our full list of venues.

探尋英國華人社群與文化的免費展覽

華人的起源可以追溯至東亞和東南亞各個地區 。 這些多元的背景造就了英國豐富且多樣的文化。

本展覽藉由個人故事和對國家具有重大意義的歷史時刻，通過手寫書信、照片和口述歷史，探尋作為華人與英國人意義為何。

探寻英国华人社群与文化的免费展览

华人的起源可以追溯至东亚和东南亚各个地区。这些多元的背景造就了英国丰富且多样的文化。

本次展览借由个人故事和对国家具有重大意义的历史时刻，通过手写书信、照片和口述历史，探寻作为华人与英国人意义为何。

Accessibility

You can view and download a digital copy of the Chinese and British large print guide (PDF).

Supported by

Image credit: © Henry W and Albert A Berg Collection of English and American Literature, The New York Public Library.

Chinese and British has been curated by Dr Lucienne Loh at the University of Liverpool and Dr Alex Tickell at the Open University in collaboration with the British Library.