For three days everyone interested in Chinese culture was invited to visit and participate in activities organized by the VU Confucius Institute.
The first event was an open lecture by Professor Dr. George Pertrakos called “Regional and Urban Development in China and Comparison with European Experience”. The professor shared insights on the differences and similarities between Chinese and European urban and regional systems and defined perspectives for further development. The comparative studies of Chinese and Western urban development gain even more importance in the Silk Road initiative context.
The second day was devoted to creative calligraphy and Chinese painting workshops with Chinese artists An Haining and Li Ke. During the calligraphy classes, participants learned about the history of Chinese writing development and the subtleties of calligraphy art, they also learned how to write the happiness hierarchy fu (福). During the Chinese New Year, this character is written on a red paper and is hung on the door upside down as it is believed that this way happiness will come to the house. The painting workshop did not disappoint the participants, and our talented volunteer, Li Ke, perfectly conveyed the details of Chinese painting. The participants were given the opportunity not only to experience this magical activity but also to see the traditional Chinese hanfu 汉 服 that Li Ke was dressed in.
The third day of the event culminated in a culinary workshop where we not only learned but also tasted. Our brilliant teachers, under the guidance of lecturer Cui Lan, demonstrated their culinary skills and made sure that the participants were involved. Those who have visited China probably can't forget baozi (包子) ... This culinary workshop was dedicated to the Chinese steamed buns, which no one could resist. These activities were a fun way of exploring Chinese culture and communicating with like-minded people.
