News

On February 17th, at Moletai Art Gallery was opened „Chinese art in the Baltic countries“ exhibition. The exhibition was organized by a group of cultural initiatives "Square“ and Confucius Institute at Vilnius University initiative. In the opening ceremony participated Moletai mayor Stasys Zvinys, Confucius Institute at Vilnius University director professor Zhang Donghui, Confucius Institute project manager Vilma Sniukstaite, cultural initiatives „Square“ director Tomas Daunora, art collector of teapots Armandas Burba and many participants from Moletai.

During an opening ceremony, guests could try Chinese tea, which was prepared by Armandas Burba according all Chinese tradition. The exhibited works of art were presented by the exhibition organizers, and the mayor was happy that for the first time in the history of Moletai, town‘s inhabitants have truly unique opportunity to see the works of art brought from China.

"Chinese art in the Baltic countries“ will provide visitors with a variety of Chinese art and  such artists as Chen Minxin painting, Jianwen Xu graphics artwork, Gu Jing Zhou and his students Shi Xiao Ma, Zhou Xiao Ming ceramics and Yang Zhihong paper cuttings work. Paper cutting Master Yang Zhihong is China’s Liaoning province folk artist, Jianping County of Liaoning provincial intangible cultural heritage centre manager. At Moletai this exhibition is open until 10 March.

In the end of January Confucius Institute at Vilnius University teachers went to different Lithuanian schools. There they met schoolchildren and told them about Chinese New Year’s celebration traditions. Over all teachers visited three schools – Vilnius lyceum, Panevezys nature school and Vilnius Mikalojus Dauksa School.

At Vilnius lyceum and Panevezys nature school to young listeners Confucius Institute at Vilnius University professor Zhang Donghui and project manager Vilma Sniukstaite presented Chinese traditions, showed traditional paper cuttings and later audience was asked to answer different questions and gave prizes for correct answers.

At Vilnius Mikalojus Dauksa School it was a big celebration. All participants and guests were welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of China and Confucius Institute at Vilnius University director professor Zhang Donghui. Later was shown the performance of the school’s folk ensemble "Bruknele” (director - teacher Veiveriene Lina) and junior choir "Karusele "(director - teacher Stase Skurulskiene). In addition to these beautiful performances on stage was held another performance of Lithuanian Association of USU "Shaolin" and wellness association „Tai Ci”. After the concert, guests visited the Chinese language and culture study.

On the 27^th of May the celebration of Pentecost was held in M. Dauksa High School. To attend this celebration were invited representatives of VU Confucius Institute - Audrius Beinorius, Zhang Donghui, Vilma Šniukštaitė, Bo Shuyan, Ambassador Liu Zengwen with his wife, vice-director of the Administration of Vilnius Danuta Narbut and the head of the Education Department of the Vilnius Department of Education, Culture, and Sport Džeraldas Dagys.

During celebration a colourful performance of students was held in the school yard. Students, dressed in traditional clothing, demonstrated their talents, entertained the crowd with songs and dances. The guests were also invited to join the round dance.

After an impressive performance, the guests discussed the opportunities of establishment of Confucius Classroom in M. Daukšos High School. We are glad that the Municipality supports the idea of establishment of the first Confucius Classroom in Lithuania. We hope that the teacher-volunteer from China will be able to start working from the 1^st of September.

We are pleased that we had an opportunity for making contribution to the development of Chinese studies of VMU (Vytautas Magnus University) Centre of Asian Studies by expanding C. Sugihara library‘s book collection.

During the visit in VU Confucius Institute on the 29th of April, we have donated one hundred books to the Centre of Asian Studies. The collection of books includes a huge variety of Chinese culture and history books, pictorial encyclopedias, selections of classical Chinese poetry and tools for learning Chinese language.

The Centre of Asian Studies is our new social partner. Therefore, we expect a successful collaboration and mutual help in the future. 

VMU (Vytautas Magnus University) and its students had organized East Asia events which were held at the second and the third weekend of May. These events were organized for all people interested in East Asia countries and these faraway cultures which have been cherished for centuries. During the weekends, everyone had a chance to widen their knowledge of this area. East Asia events took place in Kaunas and they attracted numerous Lithuanian and foreign students, professors and even representatives of the region of East.

„East Asia Day“ which is annually organized by the Centre of Asian Studies was the first event which took place in the VDU Great hall on the 9 of April. During the event, the representatives of cultural organizations, politics and public sectors were reading papers on the relations of Lithuania and East Asia countries. Many people had a chance to speak out concerning this question including Japanese ambassador Kazuko Shiraishi, Indonesian ambassador prof. Bomer Pasaribu,  ITB vice-chancellor prof. dr. Akhmaloka, director of the Lithuanian Buddhist community „Kwam um Dzen“ Alvydas Turskis and the representative of VU Confucius Institute and the teacher Bo Shuyan. Apart from them, an opportunity to speak their minds and share their experience had Andrius Pukis and Adomas Lapinksas who are the fellows and public activists and also a former student in South Korea Agne Zabulionyte.

On the 16th of April, there was another interesting event which was organized by „Wu Wei“club which has been founded with the initiative of VDU students. The purpose of this club is to expand people knowledge of China as well as to unify all people interested in this culture. During the event, participants had been making presentations and had discussions on various Chinese culture aspects. Participants were also enjoying Chinese tea ceremony.

The last but not least event had been held in the birthplace of C. Milosas on the 16-18th of April which is known as „East Asia Spring Forum“. This event was organized for the first time by the students of East Asia Language and Culture Program (RASK). Many students took part in the event including students from Lithuania, Japan, China and Korea. There were also such honourable people as Chinese ambassador Liu Zengwen with his wife, director of Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui, employees of the Centre of Asian Studies, VDU professors of Chinese language and others. During the weekend, participants were making presentations and participated in various discussions which were of great importance for everyone – it gave an amazing opportunity to know East Asia region, learn how to write CV, letter of motivation and finally, to share international experience with others.

On the 5-7th of May, Vilnius had an annual event known as Orientalists days (OrDi 2014) which is organized by the VU Centre of Oriental Studies. This 3-day lasting event is always welcomed by the admirers of Far East region. During Orientalists days, everyone has a chance to participate, widen their knowledge and gain skills in the different areas of East Asia such as education, business, diplomacy and culture.

Vilnius University Confucius Institute also made a contribution to the success of this event by letting people know and try out the movements of Taijiquan which are specially intended for health nurturance. Confucius Institute organized public Taijiquan exercise which was leaded by the successor of Daoist Huashan school traditions Master Xiang Xueqiu.

On the 7th of April, the last day of OrDi 2014, 10.30 in the morning everyone interested in this Chinese martial art gathered in the M. Sarbievijus yard of Vilnius University and cheerfully exercised in the great company of Master Xiang Xueqiu. 

Under the collaboration between VU Confucius Institute and „Sveikas miestas“, a huge celebration of World Taijiquan and Qigong Day was held in the heart of Vilnius, Town Hall square, on the last Saturday of April. During the celebration, a few hundred people gathered in Town Hall square where they had a chance to know a variety of Chinese time tested wellness systems as well as secrets of martial art techniques.

The beginning of World Taijiquan and Qigong Day celebration was marked by amazing dance of lions which was performed by quests of Lithuania‘s Niat-Nam federation. The dance was followed by welcome speeches said by Vilnius mayor Arturas Zuokas, director of VU Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui, minister counsellor of Chinese ambassador Huang He and director of „Sveikas miestas“Mantas Paulauskas.

As soon as everyone said their welcome speeches, wellness society „Tai-chi“ together with Master Wang Xiyin showed sporting and wellness Taijiquan to the audience. Their performance was full of various combinations which include movements done with fans and swords.

In the afternoon, collaborating with our Confucius Institute, the successor of Daoist Huashan traditions Master Xiang Xueqiu presented techniques of wellness and longevity fostering.

After this, traditional Lithuania‘s Wushu association „Shaolin” presented the Qigong set of eight brocade patterns. Then, they showed set of movements which are known as soft fist of Shaolin. This set has been practised for centuries and it is not only unique for its martial movements but also for the involvement of Qigong practise.

Later, Bobo Honibalo‘s school of martial arts had a chance to present extremely old and unique style of Yang Taijiquan. These quests were demonstrating techniques of pushing hands as well as set of movements which includes weapons.

Another ancient Taijiquan style which was presented to the audience was Chen Taijiquan. „Chen Xiaowang“ association demonstrated exclusive Chen Taijiquan movements, the use of them in real fight and also showed the set of movements which involves two-edged sword.

During the second half of celebration, „Tai Chi Chuan club“ of Ryga joined everybody and the head of club Igoris Triskinas demonstrated sets of martial movements without using weapons and then the set of Dao and Qigong movements with one-edged sword.

After this fascinating performance, accredited teacher of Chinese „Dayan qigong“ association in Lithuania showed Dayan – wild goose Qigong.

Towards the end of celebration, quests of Nita-Nam federation were demonstrating wellness system and the techniques for developing and improving vital energy qi.

The end of World Tajiquan and Qigong Day was marked by the performance of „Wudang tao“ studio’s quests from Kaunas. The members of this studio presented a unique Taijiquan style which is believed to be originated in the Wudang mountains. During the performance, members of “Wudangtao“ have showed the set of movements which involves swords and sticks.

On the 29th of April, there was signed a memorandum between VU Confucius Institute and VDU Centre of Asian Studies concerning collaboration while establishing Confucius Institute teaching office in the Centre of Asian Studies.from now on, teachers from Confucius Institute in China will be teaching in the Centre of Asian studies. At this moment, two Chinese teachers are working there – Wang Baidi and Wang Jingyang.

We are happy with the beginning of our collaboration and we hope that even more Lithuanian people will have an opportunity to learn Chinese language. 

VU Centre of Oriental Studies for the first time organized Baltic Alliance for Asian Studies conference which was held on the 3-4th of April, in Vilnius. Scholars from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Armenia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Unites States, gathered under 10 panels, presented 50 papers.

The themes of the panels involved a wide range of Asian research conducted at the universities in three Baltic countries. There were discussions focused on the poetry and painting under Tang and Song, interpretations of  Buddhist textual heritage, traditional systems of knowledge in Asia, expression of identity in Asian visual culture and art, perceptions and representations of Asian countries in Europe, contemporary philosophical issues from East Asian perspective, translations of Asian literary texts in the Baltic countries, religious heritage of Turkic speaking nations in Eastern Europe, Islamic political discourse in Greater Central Asia, also anthropological field research made in Asia were presented.

Director of VU Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui from Liaoning University made a presentation about Tao Yuanming poetry: „Coming back to nature and harmony – reading Tao Yuanming poetry“. Confucius Institute is glad having an opportunity to contribute to such important scholastic events and stimulate collaboration among Asian studies scholars.

The first Baltic Alliance for Asian Studies unifies Asian studies research centres in Vilnius, Vytautas Magnus, Latvia, Tartu and Tallinn Universities. Alliance is aimed at fostering Asian research in Baltic countries, stimulating international visibility, enhancing co-operative research which would be based on mutual collaboration, establishing competitive regional research infrastructure of Asia. These goals have been pursuing by developing Asian studies, research, networking, sharing experiences and resources, co-ordinating scholastic publishing, motivating academic mobility and dispersion of research works.

This weekend, Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts was held in the capital of Latvia where representatives of Wushu style Taijiquan from Lithuania‘s „Taichi association“ became the favourites in this category. Taichi association“ prizewinners came back to Lithuania with 14 medals. More than 1000 representatives of different martial arts from Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Italy, Russia, Afghanistan, Poland, Bulgaria, Moldavia and Lithuania were participating in this Olympiad.

One of the most important parts in the Olympiad was the 4th open contest of Ryga‘s Wushu cup in which the most attention was paid to Taijiquan – one of the most popular styles of Wushu. As the head of „Taichi association“ Vladislovas Lobanovas said, this contest is a great example of martial art style which gives opportunity to people of all ages to participate: „Taijiquan is a perfect choice for those who are concerned with martial aspects, who are searching for the philosophical roots of martial arts and sportive or even meditational practice. This Wushu style has no age limit, everyone is free to gain whatever is relevant to him. People of all ages were participating in the Olympiad, either those who have just overstepped the second decade, or those who already are seventy years old. Thus, age is not an obstacle for participating in a contest. In my point of view, participants of this contest should become a great example for most of the sports enthusiasts in Lithuania“, - said V. Lobanovas which was one of the judges in The Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts.

Lithuanian team was also accompanied by the vice-president of Lithuania‘s sportive and traditional Wushu federation. One of the judges was a member of Xian Wushu association Wang Xiyin who is teaching Taijiquan in Lithuania for almost 20 years. His pupils have won a number awards in the contest.

The first place of Women Taijiquan 24 forms Taolu contest was taken by Dale Rimkeviciene, the second – Elena Eimont,the third – Dale Rimkeviciene.

The first place of Men Taijiquan 24 forms Taolu contest was taken by Arunas Junda, the second – Gintaras Kalvelis, the third – Dalius Mazeika.

The first place of general Taijiquan 42 forms (Gui-Din) category was taken by Vitalij Versinin, the second –Janina Vanaite, the third – Lina Gudaite.

The first place of Taijiquan 42 forms group performance (Zi-Ci-Xian-Mu) was taken by the members of „Taichi association“. In this particular contest the representatives of our country took the second place.

The organizer of this event is Aleksandras Susoladovas who is the president of sports centre „Marsals Asahi“. The event was sponsored by Latvia‘s martial arts union and local government of Riga. 

VU Confucius Institute had a honour to welcome a senior student of Beijing Physical Education University, multiple prize winner of China‘s Wushu contests, the winner of China‘s Wushu Championship in 2006 and Wushu instructor Liang Wenming.

Liang Wenming is specializing in sportive Wushu branches – Taijiquan, Tuishou, Changquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and other arms control systems such as Gunshu, Duangun and Jianshu. Liang Wenming is the author of numerous publications in Wushu field, he had also been giving lectures in Beijing Physical Education University, Zhaitang Central School of Mentougou region, „Shaolin EPO Wushu“ college of Dengfeng city (Henan province) and has became a vice-chancellor of honour in „Sun Wutong“ Wushu school of Brest (France) in 2012. Liang Wenming is currently working at Confucius Institute in Bergen, Norway.

VU Confucius Institute gave an opportunity for everyone to attend Liang Wenming lectures which are either theoretical, or practical. There has been two lectures - one of them intended for people who have experience in Wushu, another – for the beginners. Participants had a chance to widen their knowledge of Wushu and practise the basics of Qigong and Taijiquan.

Collaborating with VU Confucius institute, Sports University of Lithuania has given an exceptional opportunity for everyone who is willing to deepen their knowledge of Chinese martial arts.

A senior student of Beijing Physical Education University, multiple prize winner of China‘s Wushu contests, the winner of China‘s Wushu Championship in 2006 and Wushu instructor Liang Wenming was visiting LSU (Lithuania‘s Sports University) on the 1-4th of April. During the 4-days visit in Kaunas, Liang Wenming not only presented such martial arts as Qigong and Taijiquan but also had been teaching participants how to use their knowledge in practise. Thus, all people had a chance to learn and try out movements of traditional Chinese martial arts. At the end of the course, every single participant got a certificate which proves that they attended courses and had gained experience during it. 

On the 31st of March, VU Confucius Institute had organized a seminar of longevity and wellness fostering (Qigong) practised by Daoist Huashan school. The seminar took place in the ambassador‘s mansion-house of Belgian Kingdom. During the seminar, participants had an extraordinary opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain some experience in this particular martial art from Master Xiang Xueqiu - a successor of Daoist Huashan school tradition.

Longevity and wellness fostering (Qigong) practised by Daoist Huashan school has a history of more than 2 thousand years. For long centuries it had been accessible only to the nobility and Daoists. The master of Huashan school Xiang Xueqiu belongs to the China‘s Qigong Scientific Research Institute who is aimed at preserving this technique of wellness fostering. Xiang Xueqiu is the most important pupil of Bian Zhizhong who is known as a great Master of the most important hui chun gong technique (this is how it is called in China). As a result, Xiang Xueqiu was been given a right to teach this art all over the China.

Among others, Master Xiang Xueqiu distinguishes for her warmness, cheerness and special attention to her pupils. As a result, every single participant enjoyed working with her. During the seminar, everybody became familiar with the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is reflected in Qigong practise – 14 meridians, yin-yang and the theory of 5 elements. The main principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are implemented in Qigong practise because of precise reason – Qigong exercises are of great utility for physical and mental health. The place in which seminar was held had a nice atmosphere where participants were not only learning the secrets of Huashan school art while listening to Daoist music, but everyone also had a chance to taste special tea made by Xiang Xueqiu.

The representatives of Lithuania‘s traditional Wushu association „Shaolin“ have won 10 prizes in Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts which took place in Riga on the 5-6th of April.

Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts was organized for the first time. More than 1200 representatives of different martial arts from Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Italy, Russia, Afghanistan, Poland, Bulgaria, Moldavia and Lithuania were participating in this Olympiad. It was one of the biggest martial arts event ever held in Baltics countries by the number of participants.

One of the most important part in Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts was the 4th open contest of Riga‘s Wushu cup contest. Even 20 representatives of traditional Shaolin martial art have became one of the prize winners. The representatives of Lithuania‘s traditional Wushu association „Shaolin“ measured their strength in the category of traditional Wushu styles.

In children group, the second and third places were taken by the representatives of Lithuania‘s traditional Wushu association „Shaolin“ – Gustas Pranckietis and Liudvikas Racys.

In women Taolu group, Lithuanians have shared all prizes. Golden medal was taken by Paulina Traskeviciute, silver medal –Vaiva Zostaute, bronze medal – Dovile Grazeliunaite.

In traditional Wushu Taolu men group, all the winner places were also taken by Lithuanians. Egidijus Kanaporius has won golden medal, Evaldas Karosas – silver medal, Tomas Vosylius – bronze medal.

In the traditional arms contest group of adults, the first place was taken by Karolis Lapenis, the second – P. Traskeviciute.

According to the coach of Lithuanian team, the head of Lithuania‘s traditional Wushu association and the president of Lithuania‘s sportive and traditional Wushu federation Tomas Lapinskas, it is really delighting that the skills and excellence of „Shaolin“ club members certainly are not weaker than those of competitors from neighbour countries. Surely not, they even surpass them by their mastery: „We have been participating in foreign contests for a few years now and the talent of our athletes is always highly evaluated. There are not many serious competitors in the traditional Wushu Taolu category. In my point of view, the biggest factor which determines such our high results in the contests is the fact that our club instructors have been annually taken internships in China." – the country of martial arts. 

According to him, it is really nice to see that traditional Wushu has also founded a place in sports contests. The main reason for that is people’s interest in the roots of traditional Chinese martial arts which is highly increasing in recent years: „Not only the roots of contemporary sportive Wushu but also the roots of almost all Eastern martial arts are resided in traditional Chinese martial arts. Speaking about Shaolin martial art, it is one of the most archaic traditional Wushu example which has preserved all of the inseparable components such as philosophy, specific etiquette, close relation with Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and also practical application of martial movements“, - said the head of association.

The organizer of Baltic Olympiad of Martial Arts is Aleksandras Dudoladovas who is also a president of sports centre „Marsals Asahi“. The event was sponsored by Latvia‘s martial arts union and local government in Riga.

On the 24^th of March the lecture on “China’s role in a global world” was held in VU Confucius Institute. The lecture was dedicated for 12^th grade students from Contemporary School Centre (SIMC) who are interested in Chinese history and geography. The lecture was given by the Confucius Institute teacher and project manager Vilma Sniukstaite. 

On the 24^th of March the lecture on “China’s role in a global world” was held in VU Confucius Institute. The lecture was dedicated for 12^th grade students from Contemporary School Centre (SIMC) who are interested in Chinese history and geography. The lecture was given by the Confucius Institute teacher and project manager Vilma Sniukstaite. 

On the 16th of March VU Confucius Institute had a lot of work since early morning. The head of Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui, Chinese language teachers Bo Shuyan, Wang Baidi, Wand Jingyang, Wang Ziyan and project manager Vilma Sniukstaite were preparing for the international Chinese proficiency test (HSK).

This year the exam was taken by incredibly large number of people – including sixteen Chinese language students. The exam included written and oral parts. In total, there were 28 exams which were taken.

HSK – is an international Chinese language exam, which main purpose is to determine the Chinese language level of non-Chinese people, to evaluate their ability to communicate in casual, academic or work atmosphere using Chinese language. The results for this exam are needed for:

1. Applying to universities in China;
2. Applying for scholarships which would allow study in China.
3. May be required when looking for job.
4. A good way to check the current knowledge of Chinese language.

The exam consists of two parts: speaking and writing. There is an opportunity either to choose one of two or take the entire exam.

HSK is distributed into 6 levels, one of them is chosen after evaluation of personal Chinese language abilities. 

On the 4th of March, Tuesday, students received an unusual Chinese language lesson at M. Dauksa School. During this lesson, pupils were learning Chinese language not by sitting in school desk but by cooking traditional Chinese dumplings.

The head of Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui and prof. Bo Shuyan were teaching students how to prepare dumplings. Moreover, the Chinese ambassador Liu Zhengwen also demonstrated his cooking skills. Even if students were struggling to prepare dumplings, they immediately received the aid either from Confucius Institute professors or the ambassador, to overcome any difficulties they faced. Teamwork allowed make lots of dumplings and they tasted even better while working in the company. This lesson was appreciated by school principal Regina Mikalauskiene, teacher Ieva Rute, Andzela Kuzmiene and project manager of Confucius Institute Vilma Sniukstaite.

On the 5^th of March Ieva Rute’s photography exhibition called “Mountains lost in silver” was opened in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this exhibition, traveller, photographer and a professor of VU Centre of Oriental Studies and Confucius Institute Ieva Rute, revealed the beauty of the Chinese mountains which she captured from never seen angles. Photos were taken in Chinese Yellow (Huangshan  黄山)  and Lotos （Huashan 华山） mountains in 2010.

It seems there is nothing else left that one didn’t see in the photographies of mountains because there are numerous of such pictures on the Internet, in the albums of travellers even in the advertisements these days. Ieva Rute has proved that it isn’t true, there are so much more to see.  The author of this exhibition used pinhole camera, the oldest principle of photography which is known as “camera obscura”. This allowed the artist to avoid bright and colourful photos and made them look quite mysterious, photographies seem to have a special aura in it.

 This principle of photography is so special because of the fact that photographer cannot see the real frame which is going to reflect on the tape. Due to this, it makes challenging to use such techniques because author has to predict how the photo will look like. Moreover, this principle is time consuming due to the fact that the light has to reach inside the box through the small hole which is made by needle in order to capture the desired view. This sort of photographical principle is rarely used nowadays because the technologies are highly advanced. Nevertheless, author still has chosen this technique and this decision tells us her approach towards mountains and how she wants to show them to others. To achieve this, what is important is not to make a detailed visualization of particular object, but rather express the feeling and idea in the photo. The art pieces that were displayed in this exhibition shows not the actual mountains, but the person who is looking at them, making the photos more powerful – it let not just to see the captured view but to reach the viewer’s mind which would normally ask what he is really seeing in one or another photo, what it means to him. The author believes that perfect composition where flawless beautiful mountain landscape is illustrated, would pale next to the feeling which is reflected. Moreover, photos are kind of unfinished, the viewer is challenged to concentrate on his felling and to finish the view with his imagination on his own, speculating what was left behind the white and black spaces, - this is how the author shares her thoughts about her exhibition.

During the opening ceremony, the welcome speeches was said by the director of URM Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania department Ina Marciulionyte who expressed her delight with close relations between Lithuania and China. Chinese ambassador Liu Zengwen and temporal director of Asian Art Centre Indre Pennock also said a speech in this exhibition. Moreover, the head of VU Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui, the head of VU Centre of Oriental Centre as well as director of Confucius Institute prof. Audrius Beinorius also visited this exhibition.

VU Confucius Institute is happy with the art pieces made by Ieva and we wish her great success in the future.

While the Chinese New Year was approaching, the celebration rituals were introduced not only in the events “Mystical China” held in Panevezys but as well in Vilnius Lyceum. The director of VU Confucius Institute prof. Zhang Donghui, project manager Vilma Sniukstaite and Chinese language lecturer Bo Shuyan participated in this event.

V. Sniukstaite was telling stories to the audience how loudly and colourfully Chinese people celebrate their New Year. At the same time, prof. Zhang Donghui and Bo Shuyan were asking questions in order to check how much guests know and manage to remember. The participants who had provided correct answers to given questions were rewarded with traditional Chinese souvenirs – red happiness nodes. After the lecture, participants from Confucius Institute were invited to join for a cup of tea and have a nice talk with teachers.

On the 12^th of February, the last event of “Mysterious China” cycle was held in the Art Gallery of Panevezys. There was the lecture called “The intersection and harmony between the Chinese and contemporary Western medicine” given by the Confucius Institute’s doc. Dainius Butvilas. Up to one hundred people came to listen and deepen their knowledge of Chinese medicine.

During the lecture, D. Butvilas introduced Western medicine approach to a human being and his diseases. The lecturer was speaking not only about the advantages of every branch of medicine but he also did not forget to note its disadvantages. Every single participant could try out exercises of particular medicine branch. At the end of the lecture, D. Butvilas gave an advice not to search for the best or superior medicine branch, but rather learn how to combine them.

Vilnius University Confucius Institute is thanking Art Gallery for such warm, pleasant and successful cooperation and wish beautiful and industrious Green horse year for the whole gallery team.