From Silence to Voice: The Bilingual Book Launch of "Haha! Britain"

Breaking the Silence with Laughter and Reflection

For centuries, the Chinese presence in Britain has been marked by quiet perseverance. Now, shatters that silence with humour, wit, and heartfelt storytelling. This pioneering bilingual anthology, curated by The and River Cam Breeze, brings together 42 Chinese authors, reflecting on the joys, struggles, and cultural collisions of life in the UK.

A deeply collaborative effort, the book showcases 37 translators, working under the guidance of top British and Chinese publishing editors. The cover design, supported by Feng Tang, reflects the dynamic spirit of the collection, while the calligraphy by Qu Leilei pays tribute to the rich literary heritage of the Chinese diaspora.

Join us for a thought-provoking afternoon as we celebrate the voices behind Haha! Britain.

Event Highlights

Opening Remarks

Frances Wood – Former Curator of Chinese Collections at the British Library (1977–2013), historian, and sinologist. Author of Did Marco Polo Go to China? and a leading expert on Chinese history and culture.

Stephen Perry – Chairman of the 48 Group Club, dedicated to fostering trade and cultural exchange between the UK and China. A key figure in Sino-British relations, continuing the “icebreaking” legacy of his father, Jack Perry.

Tian Tian – Editor, Illustrator and cover design of Haha! Britian. Tian is a researcher in archaeology and history with expertise spanning ancient Egypt and Late Imperial China.

Panel Discussion

Cindy Yu – A British-Chinese journalist and Broadcast Editor at The Spectator, Cindy hosts the podcast Chinese Whispers, exploring Chinese politics, society, and culture. Born in Nanjing and educated at Oxford University, she frequently comments on China-related issues for BBC, Sky News, and RTÉ. Cindy will serve as the moderator for the panel discussion.

Hugo de Burgh – Founder of the China Media Centre at the University of Westminster, former BBC producer, and expert on investigative journalism. Author of China’s Media in the Emerging World Order.

Luise Schäfer OBE – Fluent in Chinese, with 40+ years of experience in East Asia. Former British diplomat, business leader, and Co-Chair of the Mulan Foundation Network, mentoring women of Chinese heritage in the UK.

Diya Wen – Award-winning broadcast journalist, TV presenter, and producer. Former host of Oriental Horizon on CCTV, with a career spanning BBC, Phoenix TV, and Chinese digital media. A contributor to Haha! Britain.

Winnie Cao (Cao Jinyue) – Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and China Desk Lead at Blick Rothenberg. Deputy Editor of River Cam Breeze and co-writer of the book’s foreword.

Xuemo – Renowned Chinese novelist, member of the Chinese Writers Association, and expert on spiritual traditions of western China. Author of Desert Rites and White Tiger Pass, with works translated into multiple languages.

Meet the Authors & Book Signing

Following the discussion, guests will have the chance to meet the authors, translators, and contributors behind Haha! Britain. A group photo will capture this literary moment, marking a milestone in British Chinese storytelling.

Books will be available for purchase, with authors present for signings—an opportunity to connect with those who have shared their personal reflections in this remarkable anthology.

A Celebration of Identity & Storytelling

As poet Du Fu once wrote:

“In a foreign land, I bring forth the colours of spring;

From my homeland, I greet the hearts of distant guests.”

This event is more than just a book launch—it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and shared experiences. Through humour, reflection, and storytelling, Haha! Britain amplifies voices that have long remained unheard.

Reserve your place now and be part of this landmark conversation!

Info: Frances Wood – Former Curator of Chinese Collections at the British Library (1977–2013), historian, and sinologist. Author of "Did Marco Polo Go to China?" and a leading expert on Chinese history and culture.

Stephen Perry – Chairman of the 48 Group Club, dedicated to fostering trade and cultural exchange between the UK and China. A key figure in Sino-British relations, continuing the “icebreaking” legacy of his father, Jack Perry.

Tian Tian – Editor, Illustrator and cover design of "Haha! Britian". Tian is a researcher in archaeology and history with expertise spanning ancient Egypt and Late Imperial China.

Info: Hugo de Burgh – Founder of the China Media Centre at the University of Westminster, former BBC producer, and expert on investigative journalism. Author of China’s Media in the Emerging World Order.

Luise Schäfer OBE – Fluent in Chinese, with 40+ years of experience in East Asia. Former British diplomat, business leader, and Co-Chair of the Mulan Foundation Network, mentoring women of Chinese heritage in the UK.

Diya Wen – Award-winning broadcast journalist, TV presenter, and producer. Former host of Oriental Horizon on CCTV, with a career spanning BBC, Phoenix TV, and Chinese digital media. A contributor to Haha! Britain.

Winnie Cao (Cao Jinyue) – Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and China Desk Lead at Blick Rothenberg. Deputy Editor of River Cam Breeze and co-writer of the book’s foreword.
Xuemo – Renowned Chinese novelist, member of the Chinese Writers Association, and expert on spiritual traditions of western China. Author of Desert Rites and White Tiger Pass, with works translated in

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The British Library, Pigott Theatre, London, United Kingdom