Visitors to Liverpool during 2018 will have an opportunity to see the spectacular Terracotta Army exhibition at the World Museum in William Brown Street. Find a local Blue Badge tours guide to help you make the most of this exhibition and everything else China-related the city has to offer.
The Terracotta Army
The life-sized terracotta warriors guarded the burial tomb of China’s First Emperor Qin Shi Huang, from their secret underground location, for more than 2000 years. Stumbled upon by a Chinese farmer in 1974, the discovery has revealed how the Emperor strived for immortality.
Now on show in the UK for the first time in more than ten years, the life-sized stone exhibits are part of a year long celebration in Liverpool marking a decade since the city was European Capital of Culture.
Twinned With Shanghai
Liverpool was twinned with Shanghai in 1999, when China gifted a spectacular Chinese Arch to Liverpool. It is the largest such structure outside of mainland China. Standing 14m tall with five roofs and 200 dragons it marks the entrance to the very first chinatown in Europe.
The Asian hotspot is the oldest Chinese community in Europe. It is home to many Chinese restaurants and sprawls into the surrounding areas in the form of Chinese grocery stores and Asian businesses. The Pagoda Centre is a stone’s throw from chinatown and hosts Tai-Chi classes and Chinese craft sessions.
Chinese Seafarers
Liverpool owes its links to China to shipping company Alfred Holt and Co. It was the first to import tea, cotton and silk from Shanghai.
Before the Second World War, tens of thousand of Chinese merchant sailors joined up to the British Merchant Navy and worked for companies like Alfred Holt’s shipping line. The majority of them set up home in Liverpool, starting families with local women. In a cruel twist of fate, the post-war government ruled that the seamen would be forcibly returned to China. Despite this Liverpool still has one of the largest Chinese populations of any city in the UK.
#ChinaDream
During 2018 there is a full programme of Chinese themed events. Chinese arts, culture and music will be staged under the banner “China Dream”. To celebrate the relationship between Shanghai and Liverpool young Chinese people, artists and musicians will take part.
Every February Chinese New Year celebrations draw large crowds. 2018 did not disappoint, with the Year of The Dog being welcomed with lasers and pyrotechnics. The Year of The Pig, 2019, is keenly anticipated by visitors and residents!
Other Chinese Themed Attractions Nearby
At Port Sunlight on The Wirral, The Lady Lever Art Gallery houses an impressive Chinese collection. Chinese porcelain dating back to the 17th century and ceramics from earlier dynasties were collected by Viscount Leverhulme. Exhibits vary so contact the museum direct to discover what is on display.
From February to June 2018 there is a contemporary Chinese Art Exhibition at St George’s Hall. A short walk from the Terracotta Army venue, and free to enter, visitors can see “Presence”. It showcases the work of 19 Asian artists. Modern sculptures, paintings, installations, videos and photographs are on display in the vaults of the spectacular hall.
Five Asian Restaurants With Personality in Liverpool
We’ve curated a collection of Asian restaurants that all have something different to offer.
Chamber 36 is situated on the edge of Chinatown. The stylish venue’s offer includes cocktails and small Asian plates. They have a bar area; check for live music and other special events.
Offering possibly the most spectacular view in the city Matou is at The Pier Head, one side overlooks the river whilst the terrace faces Liverpool’s trio of famous buildings ‘The Three Graces’. Food is Pan-Asian and the majority of visitors rate it as excellent.
Ma Bo is on Nelson Street in the heart of chinatown. Run by the same family for nearly thirty years it’s a no frills authentic taste of China loved by locals and visitors alike.
If you are looking for a bite to eat, the Big Bowl Noodle bar on Berry Street is popular with students and tourists. It gets good reviews for vegetarian options but can get busy so phone ahead if you’re on a tight schedule.
The Chung Ku is in a modern purpose built venue on Riverside Drive. You’ll find it on the waterfront about a mile south of the Albert Dock. Choose from its typical Chinese menu and dine overlooking the River Mersey from the panoramic restaurant.
Martin Wynn
Priya
