The Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged awaited visitors with several interesting activities: anyone interested could join the calligraphy course to learn the method of painting Chinese characters and those who were brave enough had the chance to test their China-related knowledge in our quiz-corner. Additionally, testing Chinese language learning software installed on Huawei tablets kept those visitors busy who were interested in Chinese technology. Our so-called „transformation corner” proved to be the most popular and most successful program: everyone could try on traditional Chinese wedding costumes and pose for a professional photo taken by our photographer Aurél Iványi. Even the host of the Festival, László Jáksó, could not resist wearing the costume for a couple of minutes enjoying the „limelight” of cameras. To encourage visitors start learning Chinese, the Director of the Institute, Lívia Szentmártoni welcomed everyone to her lecture titled „The language of opportunities: Chinese is the brand-new favourite!”.

Our Institute’s stand was also visited by HE. Xiao Qian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Hungary and Krisztina Berta, deputy state secretary for EU and international affairs of the Ministry of Interior: they joined the attendants of the calligraphy course and also took some photos with the associates of the Confucius Institute and visitors dressed up in the costumes.

The Festival had an overwhelming success with more than 9,000 visitors during the day and the evening gala was viewed by not only thousands on the premises but approximately 45,000 viewers watching it online.

All photos taken in the traditional costumes can be downloaded from our Institute’s Facebook page.

We would like to thank Huawei Technologies Hungary Ltd. for their kind assistance, cooperation and the tablets and presents donated for the Festival visitors.