Bristol University's Chinese Society has become an important part of the student community over the past decade.
Working to "serve students and expanding and promoting Asian and Black Minority Ethnic (BME) culture" the city has seen the Chinese student population grow from 500 to more than 3000.
Alex Pang, honourary president of the society, says being a part of the community has helped him and many others turn Bristol into their home.
READ MORE: Chinese New Year 2022: When is it and how to celebrate it in Bristol
Having done his undergraduate degree, post-graduate degree and PhD at Bristol University, Alex is well involved in the runnings of the society and their relationship with the university and Bristol's Chinese community.
Speaking of the city, Mr Pang said "Bristol is great at supporting the Chinese community; it is so diverse and vibrant. I've settled down here and got married and had kids, it's a second home."
He has multiple roles in the society, including international recruitment in which he oversees the universities relationship with potential overseas students. Chinese society members such as Alex act as a link for students who move to an unfamiliar city "we help as soon as they by arranging coaches to transport them from the airport" he said.
As well as this, the society ensures that Chinese students feel as though they belong to a community whilst studying, whether arranging day trips or hosting events in collaboration with the local community.
Lunar New Year is a particularly celebrated time for the community and the Chinese Society and every year there are collaborations between the students and the wider city.
Alex said "the main focus is working with the city council, the museum and local schools to promote and introduce Chinese culture,
"The museum does a yearly parade and children from all around the city get involved, there are a host of costumes from a range of Chinese dynasties".
The society has also hosted other events that celebrate Chinese culture, including a gala show and live broadcasting events. They also work with local nightclubs to host events with a recent event at SWX attracting hundreds.
As well as this, the society acts as a bridge between the university and the wider Chinese community in Bristol. The students have close relationships with all of the managers of local Chinese restaurants and businesses.
"We collaborate to support them and they also support us by providing resources or sponsorship for our events," Alex told Bristol Live.
They have also worked with Bristol International Student Centre, which is a charity group. Particularly during the pandemic, their work has been greatly appreciated - as they helped gather donations for the masks and PPE to give to students.
The increase of Chinese students at Bristol University is a testament that they feel welcome and like Alex are happy to make Bristol their home and the society prides itself in contributing to this.
And they emphasize that their work is facilitated by the warmth and diversity of the city.
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