Co-sponsored by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) and British Council, Tianjin Normal University (TNU) hosted the inauguration ceremony for the UK's 2025 "Mandarin Excellence Programme" (MEP). A delegation of 114 teachers and students from six UK schools has arrived at TNU to commence a 10-day deep immersion program in Chinese language and culture. Participation has doubled compared to 2024.

TNU has curated dynamic Chinese language classes and traditional cultural workshops—including martial arts, opera, folk songs, dance, and painting—for the summer camp. Participants will collaborate with volunteers at Xinhua High School and visit cultural landmarks such as Huangyaguan Great Wall, The Haihe River, Ancient Culture Street, and Five Great Avenues. These activities offer firsthand exposure to Tianjin's heritage while providing practical Chinese language practice.

Established in 2016 by the UK Department for Education, the MEP develops high-achieving Chinese language specialists through partnerships with University College London's Institute of Education and the British Council, supported by CLEC. The programme combines UK-based instruction with immersive study tours in China. To date, it has empowered over 15,000 students from nearly 80 English secondary schools to master Mandarin.

Approximately 1,200 students from 63 UK schools are participating in the 2025 programme. They are undertaking immersive language and cultural activities across 18 Chinese institutions in 11 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Dalian, Xi'an, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming. Guided by Chinese teachers and peer mentors, students will strengthen practical communication skills while deepening their understanding of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary society.

By Jierui He