Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024
Charity Name: UK Han Culture Association
Charity Number: 1173700
1. Objectives and Activities
The charity’s aim is to share traditional Chinese culture in the UK, especially through the traditional Han Chinese clothing Hanfu.
In accordance with our governing document, the trustees have continued to work toward achieving these objectives and ensuring that all activities provide public benefit as required by the Charities Act 2011.
2. Achievements and Performance
This year, we started with a stronger community base and expanded our reach further. We co-hosted large scale events, consulted on Hanfu related creative projects, organised for volunteers to help in cultural work in England.
In October, we participated in the UK Chinese Society Fair in China Town, London. Talking to other Chinese community organisations and participants, we build foundation for collaborations.
Pictures above: Our stall at the fair, and our volunteers introducing our organisation to interested fair participants.
In November, we organised for volunteers to represent Hanfu in the World Travel Market. Introducing the beauty of traditional attires to the world.
Picture above: Five of our Hanfu volunteers with a staff member at the Nihao China stall
Also in November, we organised for members to connect with each other and also with local history in London by visiting the Royal Naval College and its stunning Painted Hall. Our guide and pensioner at the College commented that it was their first time seeing traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing in person. This cultural exchange experience built up our community’s bond but also spread our representation of the traditional Hanfu clothing in London.
In Feburary 2024, to celebrate Chinese New Year, we collaborated with the University of Oxford’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) to deliver a Hanfu fashion showcase at the university’s Chinese New Year Gala. With our consultation, our colleague at the University of Oxford created evidence based audio and video commentary to accompany the fashion show, informing our audience of the rich history behind Hanfu.
Picture above: The ending pose of the fashion showcase
During March to June 2024, we collaborated with the London based, Chinese owned photography studio – Skyidea to create multiple creative projects. Showcasing Hanfu fashion and reaching out to the local fashion industry. Our expert knowledge of the history of Hanfu provided solid grounds for creative interpretation of the clothing in modern society.
Pictures below: Some of the output of the creative collaborations, as seen in publications like Vogue, Artell and in local galleries. (Photographer for picture on left: Jackie Liu)
In August, our member’s small gathering for a walk alongside the Thames River was featured in Xinhua News. Our outdoor walks in Hanfu usually attracts a lot of attention and brings awareness of the once forgotten traditional Chinese clothing.
In September, we organised our members to watch the Chinese Kung-Fu dance drama Wing Chun. Creating community bond while learning about other forms of Chinese culture and art.
Also in September, we co-hosted a larger scale Mid-Autumn Festival Event. The MidAutumn Festival used to be a big festival for the organisation. We held performance shows in the past before the pandemic, but was unable to do so since our capacity was seriously impacted. Therefore, this is a milestone in our development.
Picture above: The volunteers and performer’s group photo of the event
During the event, we provided styling and Hanfu consultation for the performances. Introducing historical replicas of clothing in Chinese history to over 100 audience members and participants. Covering China’s fashion history since the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, spanning over 1000 years.
Picture below: Our historically informed fashion show
We also showcased a demonstration of a historical ceremony for the Mid-Autumn Festival, where we celebrate the moon reaching its full on the festival day.
Picture above: The ceremony demonstration, completed with our consultation on historical accuracy and clothing styling.
The event also see representation of Chinese artists including Hantang dancer, KungFu,Er-hu musician; and also China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage crafts. Our participants commented that the event inspired them to look further into the fashion of Hanfu and create their own Hanfu looks.
We concluded the year with the success of the Mid-Autumn Festival event. Feeling more close within the community, more connection with the local culture and history in London and more confident in our outreach missions to represent and celebrate traditional Han Chinese culture and Hanfu clothing. We will continue to follow our remit and expand our reach in the upcoming year.
3. Financial Review
The charity had no income or expenditure during the financial year. All events were either organized as a free gathering, or relevant costs were split between event participants.
The closing balance remains at £0.00.
4. Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is run by a board of volunteer trustees who meet as needed to discuss governance and future plans.
During the year, there were 5 trustees in post. In October 2023, the trustee’s board meeting was held to discuss Ms Ding DING stepping down from her position as Chair of the organisation. A vote was hold for the new Chair position, and Ms Zhaoying YU was voted to take on the role. Ms DING still remains on the board of trustees.
Trustees as of 30 September 2024:
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Zhaoying Yu, Chair
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Yawen Zeng, Trustee
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Yiwei Gao, Trustee
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Ding Ding, Trustee
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Wencheng Zeng, Trustee
5. Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved this report and it is signed on their behalf.
Signed:
Name: Zhaoying YU Position: Chair Date: 28 July 2025