BIRMINGHAM
Truly, an International City

With over 50,000 students, more major events than anywhere else in the UK, buzzing nightlife, great cuisine, a thriving cultural scene and fantastic shopping, Birmingham is a great city to live and study in. Located in the heart of England and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Birmingham is vibrant and cosmopolitan, and is regularly heralded for being the most multicultural city in England.

The Chinese Community

The Chinese community is a very important element of Birmingham's diversity, so much so that there is an area of the city labelled 'The Chinese Quarter'. The Chinese influence in the area can be dated back to the late 1950's when the first Chinese restaurant opened. More followed and in 1969, Mr Wing Yip opened the first specialist Chinese grocery store. Having arrived in the UK with just loose change, Wing Yip has become the head of a very influential business empire and a key member of the Chinese community in the city.

The community has a significant influence, with the area hosting all things oriental: noodle bars, Cantonese, Malaysian and Japanese restaurants, specialist bakers, Eastern food bars and Chinese herbal medicine practitioners.

The Chinese Quarter is actually far more than the central focus of Birmingham's Chinese community. It is an area of incredible cultural diversity, the home to Irish, Italian, Jewish and Chinese businesses. It is home to Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre and the Birmingham Royal Ballet, as well as featuring the doughnut shaped Arcadian Centre which houses bars, nightclubs and The Glee Club - one of the best comedy clubs in the country. It's also home to Birmingham's newest museum which portrays living and working life in Victorian England.

For members of the Chinese community, help is always at hand from the Chinese Community Centre which works to improve the quality of life of Chinese people living in Birmingham. Veronica Lo, Community Development Officer at the centre comments: "We offer a wide range of services and activities to meet all needs of the different age groups within the Chinese community. We provide a focal point and our services range from welfare and benefit advice, assisting with finding employment, accessing health services and providing training and education."

Living in Birmingham

The city is booming and with its rejuvenated canals, refined squares, and vibrant cultural heritage, Birmingham is increasingly becoming one of the country's premier destinations for leisure tourists, receiving more overseas visitors than any other English city outside London. This is unsurprising though when you can count amongst your admirers the likes of Bill Clinton who said of Birmingham;

"I was astonished at the G8 [summit] when I saw how beautiful it was. The buildings, the art, the use of water, it is an extraordinary jewel of a city."

With over 50,000 students, Birmingham has a thriving young population and you will never be lost for things to do:

Nightlife: Fast becoming known as a city that never sleeps, Birmingham's nightlife offers something for everyone. Whether trying your luck in a casino, visiting one of our popular nightspots or trendy bars or attending a comedy club or theatre, the morning will definitely arrive too soon!

Music: From Bhangra to Bach, Birmingham has a wealth of music to suit your ear. A must for classical fans is a performance by the celebrated City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, whilst those into hip hop should definitely make a date at the many 'sessions' held in our bars and clubs. Or if you are into more alternative music, check out one of the many gigs that take place around the city every night.

Events and Festivals: The combination of our packed events calendar and superior facilities such as The NEC, The ICC and The NIA established Birmingham firmly on the map as Europe's finest event city. From the Motor Show to Arts Fest, The Jazz Festival to The Clothes Show, the diversity and quality of our events will surprise and delight you.

Shopping: Whatever your shopping needs, Birmingham provides perfect retail therapy. With its pedestrianised and compact design, our attractive and friendly city centre promises you a safe and pleasurable day. Catering to every budget, our wide variety of stores includes the new Bullring, Beatties and The Mailbox.

Sport and Leisure: For high-profile international and domestic and sporting events, Birmingham is a winner. As host to the Davis and Ryder Cups, the World Indoor Championship Athletics and the Gymnastics World Cup Final, Birmingham has a sporting pedigree that is second to none. With leisure activities as diverse as Go-Kart Racing and Greyhound Racing, the more adventurous and cautious alike can be reassured that the city has something for everyone.

Birmingham has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years and over £10 billion of development is planned for the next ten years. The city is one on the up and despite a population of over a million people, Birmingham is renowned for its friendliness and honest, good humour: you will always receive a warm welcome in the heart of England.