Chinese yoyo is a popular pastime in China and a growing performance art across the globe. While generally a solo act involving high-skill technical elements, Sands Institute Coordinator and instructor Andy Jiang combines yoyo tricks with full-body flow movements, acrobatic elements, and dance-like choreography to make yoyo more accessible to watch, learn, and appreciate. In this workshop series…

The Sands Institute is collaborating with our Chinese partner Beijing Normal University (BNU) to send 15 UNLV students to study at BNU from December 12 to 23, 2026. Students will receive hands-on instruction related to Chinese culture, language, and history while experiencing it first-hand on visits to landmarks such as the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.  The entire…

This free* eight-session course introduces participants to the foundations of traditional Chinese ink painting, including essential brush techniques, ink control, composition, and the symbolic meanings behind classic subjects such as bamboo, orchids, plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, birds, landscapes, and seasonal flowers. Designed for beginners and art enthusiasts alike, this …

Chinese calligraphy (中國書法) has been practiced for more than two thousand years and is regarded as one of China's highest art forms. Combining language, history, philosophy, and artistic expression, calligraphy reflects the beauty of written characters while cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and balance through the movement of the brush. This free eight-session course introduces…

Through engaging lectures, listening examples, videos, live demonstrations, and interactive activities, participants will discover the distinctive sounds, aesthetics, stories, and even politics behind Chinese musical traditions. The course will also feature guest musicians and scholars who will share their expertise, demonstrate traditional instruments, and offer unique perspectives on Chinese…

This interactive workshop teaches Chinese history and culture through the lens of traditional Chinese art. From bronze and ceramics to painting, calligraphy, and jade, each art form reflects profound cultural values and historical narratives. Join us to discover how these timeless artistic expressions serve as a vibrant gateway to the heart of Chinese civilization. Register now! September…

Whether you're traveling, meeting new people, exploring a new culture, or just curious about a fascinating language, we’ve got you covered with a FUN and FREE conversational Chinese experience. Designed for beginners, this course will get you speaking from day one—no prior experience needed! You’ll focus on real-life, everyday conversations that you can use right away, helping you sound like a…

  As we wrap up our Tai Chi workshop series, the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV invites you to join us for the final two sessions! Whether you’ve attended before or are just curious to try something new, this is a great opportunity to experience the calm, focus, and flow of Tai Chi. These sessions will continue to explore gentle movements, breathwork, and balance…

Learn practical, everyday spoken Chinese in this fun, beginner-friendly course hosted by the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV. Students will practice real-life conversations using Pinyin through interactive activities and role-playing, no prior experience required.  February 7 - March 14 | Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register and view full event details. 

  China in My Lens — Photo Contest Open to All UNLV Students The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture invites UNLV undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the China in My Lens Photo Contest. This contest celebrates personal perspectives and visual stories connected to China. Submissions may reflect travel, study,…