On 24th September (local time), the Confucius Institute of Ural Federal University held a grand theme activity to celebrate Global Confucius Institute Day. Deputy Director of People's Congress Standing Committee of Guangdong Province, ZHANG GuangNing, led a delegation to attend the opening ceremony and took group photos with students and teachers from the Confucius Institute, expressing his support and affirmation for their work. Additionally, Executive Principle of Ural Federal University, Kolthoff, and the first Russian Dean of the Confucius Institute, Sergei Smirnov, gave speeches respectively. Sergei Smirnov said that the Confucius Institute deserved much of the credit for increasing cultural communication between China and Russia in recent years. And he hoped that students could learn Chinese well through their experiences at the Confucius Institute and take part in cultural exchanges between China and Russia.

 

 

 

ZHANG GuangNing, Kolthoff (fifth left, sixth left) took group photos with teachers of the Confucius Institute

Six cultural exhibition stands were set at this event which included paper-cutting, Chinese knots, calligraphy, seal cutting, tea art and audio books. For many people, it was their first time being so close to the charm of the Chinese culture and art.

Learning to write Chinese characters

Tasting Tea

Experiencing the culture of paper-cutting

Weaving a Chinese knot together

Wonderful Chinese

The other highlight of this activity was a brilliant show performed by the students from Ural Federal University, both Chinese and foreign teachers and students from the Confucius Institute. Graceful Chinese Dancing, excellent Chinese martial arts, attractive Chinese folk songs and the pleasant sounds of a flute brought a Chinese cultural feast to audiences.

Umbrella Dancing (Blue and White Porcelain)

The Chorus from the university sang The Moon Tells My Heart

Appreciation of a Chinese musical instrument——bamboo flute

Chinese Martial Arts

Beautiful Fairy Tale

Had fun together!

The whole activity ended at 3 pm and it was a complete success. At the same time, the popularisation of Chinese language and culture obtained more attention in Yekaterinburg.