A four-day Chinese language and culture experience course began on Monday at the Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad, bringing together around 50 students, guests and staff from both China and Pakistan. The course is designed as a hands-on celebration of shared heritage, blending language lessons with cultural activities.

The programme runs from 10 June 2025 to 13 June 2025 at the Lok Virsa Museum, H-9, Islamabad. Organised by the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre and supported by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, the course targets young learners aged 16 to 30. Sessions include basic Mandarin vocabulary, calligraphy, traditional tea ceremony demonstrations and folk music exchanges.

  • Dates: 10–13 June 2025 (four days)
  • Location: Lok Virsa Museum, H-9, Islamabad
  • Participants: Around 50 students and guests
  • Organisers: Pakistan-China Friendship Centre & Chinese Embassy
  • Age group: 16–30 years
  • Activities: Mandarin lessons, calligraphy, tea ceremony, folk music

What you will learn

The course is not just about memorising words. It is structured to give participants a taste of daily life in China. On the first day, students practiced basic greetings like 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and 谢谢 (xièxie), followed by simple sentence patterns. By the second day, they moved to numbers, dates and time expressions, which are essential for travel or business. The third day focused on food and dining vocabulary, including how to order dishes in Mandarin. The final day wrapped up with cultural etiquette, such as gift-giving customs and table manners.

Calligraphy sessions introduced participants to the art of Chinese writing, using brush and ink. Tea ceremony demonstrations showed the difference between green tea and oolong, and how to hold the cup properly. Folk music exchanges included performances on the guzheng (Chinese zither) and erhu (Chinese fiddle), giving students a sensory connection to the language.

Who can join and how to register

The course is open to Pakistani and Chinese students aged 16 to 30. There is no fee for participation, but seats are limited. Registration closed on 5 June 2025, but organisers say they may open a second batch if demand is high. To express interest for future courses, email info@pakchina-friendship.org or call +92 51 111 222 333.

Participants were selected through a simple online form that asked for basic details and a short statement on why they wanted to learn Chinese. Priority was given to students enrolled in language programmes or those planning to study in China. The organisers also encouraged university language departments to nominate students.

Why this matters for Pakistan

Pakistan and China share deep economic and strategic ties, with projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) driving demand for Mandarin speakers in business, logistics and tourism. According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), only 12 Pakistani universities currently offer Mandarin as a full degree programme, and fewer than 500 students graduate with Mandarin proficiency each year.

This course offers a low-pressure way to test interest before committing to a full programme. For professionals in trade or hospitality, even basic Mandarin can improve job prospects. Tourism operators in northern Pakistan, for example, report that Chinese visitors now make up 15% of their clientele, but few staff can communicate beyond basic English.

What’s next

Organisers plan to expand the programme to Lahore and Karachi later this year, pending funding. They are also exploring partnerships with universities to offer credit-bearing short courses. A follow-up session on business Mandarin is scheduled for August 2025, targeting professionals in export and import sectors.

For updates, follow the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre on Facebook (@PakChinaFriendship) or check the Chinese Embassy’s website at www.pak.china-embassy.org.

What you should do now

  • Check your eligibility: Are you aged 16–30?
  • Save the dates: Future courses may run in Lahore (July 2025) or Karachi (September 2025).
  • Start learning basics: Download free apps like HelloChinese or Pleco to practice before enrolling.
  • Contact organisers: Email info@pakchina-friendship.org or call +92 51 111 222 333 for waitlist or future batches.

This is not just a language course. It is a bridge between two cultures that are shaping Pakistan’s future. If you are curious about China, this is your chance to dip a toe in without a long-term commitment.