By Lauren Henrickson

(Feb. 24, 2016) — The University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI), Explorium of Lexington and Lexington’s Children’s Theatre (LCT) have partnered to provide an experiential event for Lexington’s kids on Saturday, Feb. 27, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore Chinese culture by participating in a variety of activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From calligraphy, paper cutting and martial arts to learning how to play elegant Chinese instruments like the erhu and guzheng, attendees will be able to enjoy and explore Chinese culture and traditions.

“Besides UK’s campus and the K-12 schools we work with, we are reaching out to the community,” said Lina Yu, community outreach coordinator for UKCI. “These events allow them to not only appreciate Chinese culture, but to discover more and try it themselves.”

There will also be a tea ceremony, as well as Chinese cuisine provided by Whole Foods Catering.

To continue the celebration after the hands-on activities, guests can join the Lexington Children’s Theatre for a performance of Disney’s "Mulan Jr." beginning 2 p.m., on the Learning Stage.

A variety of tickets are available for these events:

• Tickets for the Explorium AND LCT’s production of Disney’s "Mulan Jr." are $18.
• Tickets for the Explorium are only $8.
• Tickets for LCT’s production of Disney’s "Mulan Jr." are only $12.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UKCI provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UKCI and future events, join the institute's listerv and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).