Selina Yuet Kwan Lee has lived in Northern Ireland for 59 years. Throughout much of that time, she worked in the catering industry. Following her retirement, she devoted herself to voluntary service within the Chinese community, serving as Principal of a Belfast Chinese Language School and Chairperson of the Oi Kwan Women’s Association.

Dr. Ri Fang Hao’s contribution explores the deep cultural, historical and symbolic significance of the Chinese guardian stone lion. Drawing on mythology, Buddhism, folklore and architectural tradition, she reflects on how these sculptural figures have evolved from exotic symbols introduced through the Silk Road into powerful guardians of homes, institutions and communities.

Through the Bridges to China project, Kelly shares her personal connection to Chinese cultural artifacts and the deep meanings they carry. Her story explores the traditions of ancient Chinese scholars and the symbolic importance of art in Chinese culture. Kelly's narrative offers insight into how cultural objects serve as bridges between past and present, and between different communities in Northern Ireland.

Sharon is a dentist from the beautiful city of Hangzhou. Since childhood, she has been immersed in the cultural atmosphere of this historic city and deeply influenced by her father. She has always had a great fondness for Chinese culture. Sharon enjoys Chinese calligraphy and painting, as well as singing. She used to be a member of Xizi women's choir. Now she joins in the Queen's wellbeing choir.

Liang Wang works at The Language Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. In his role as Language Support Officer, he undertakes both academic teaching and professional services for students and staff members, as well as members of the public. One of the key remits of his role is to promote a multicultural campus through language and intercultural exchange, not only within Queen’s but also across communities and with civic partners, by organising and facilitating language- and culture-based events and activities.

Originally from Hong Kong, Sally Gillespie has lived in Northern Ireland for 35 years. She previously worked in the catering industry and now works as a freelance interpreter for the NHS. Sally is deeply involved in community life. She currently serves as Secretary of the Northern Ireland Chinese Chamber of Commerce and as a management committee member of the Chinese Welfare Association.

Emily Cong is a chartered accountant who has lived in the UK for over fifteen years, eight of which have been spent in Belfast. Through Bridges to China, Emily shares her personal connection to Chinese objects in the Ulster Museum, alongside a set of yi jiao RMB notes she received from her grandmother. Her stories centre on family values and intergenerational relationships in Chinese culture.

Yushan Tang moved from China to Northern Ireland in 2009. As a business founder and psychology researcher, living between cultures has shaped her deep interest in how memory, identity and objects are connected through lived experience.

Wei Deng is originally from Sichuan, China. She graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an MA in Arts Management in 2020 and is now a guzheng artist based in Belfast. Being part of Bridges to China has been a profound experience for Wei. Exploring Chinese material culture and heritage has influenced her creative practice, opening new artistic possibilities in her music.

Lili was born in China and has been living in Northern Ireland for over twenty years. Before moving to the UK, she worked as a computer programmer at the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate in Cambridge. After settling in Northern Ireland, she held technical roles with organisations including Ulster Bank and Biopanda Reagents.

Stephen is 54 years old and was born in Ireland to Hong Kong Chinese parents who immigrated in the 1960s in search of a better life. Unlike many other participants in the Bridges to China project, Stephen did not grow up in Hong Kong or mainland China. Instead, he experienced what is often described as a “British Born Chinese” upbringing — shaped both by his Chinese heritage at home and by Irish society more broadly.

Sylvia Yue’s contribution to Bridges to China centres on a traditional Chinese baby sling used by her mother when she was an infant. Embroidered with Chinese characters meaning 'happy child' or 'blessed child', the sling carries her parents’ hopes and wishes for her life. Passed down through generations and later used to carry Sylvia’s own daughter, the object reflects themes of care, continuity and the transmission of love and blessings within family life.

She also has a really cool Mum.

Fenglian Zhang, originally from Guangzhou, China, has been living in Northern Ireland for the past 19 years. Since retiring, she has been actively involved in community service and currently serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Oi Kwan Women’s Group. Her main focus is volunteering and supporting the Chinese community in Belfast.