Exploring the natural world through literature and exchange between UK and China, this exhibition is the culmination of a 9-month project that forges a lasting partnership between Manchester and Nanjing, both UNESCO Cities of Literature and UNESCO Cities of Lifelong Learning.

Artist exchange is central to the project, uniting poets, illustrators, and playwrights from both cities to create new work. As part of the exchange, artists from Manchester visited Nanjing in Spring 2025. Creative collaborations explore the ecological theme of Real Contentment, inspired by Han Dong‘s poetry.

Artwork including poetry, illustration and writing by KS2 young people in Manchester and Nanjing will also feature in the exhibition, created to themes such as ‘Year of the Snake’, ‘Myths and Creatures’ and their favourite parts of Manchester.

A new bilingual illustrated poetry collection and play will be released later this year. The programme is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants.

Please check the host venue’s website for relevant opening times.