Wednesday, June 26, 2024
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Last summer, 24 students from Confucius Institutes at Adam Mickiewicz University and Vistula University in Poland embarked on a two-week journey to Tianjin Municipality, China. They participated in the “Chinese Bridge” summer camp, designed to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture. Through Chinese language classes, cultural excursions, and engaging activities, the students explored and appreciated the rich cultural heritage of China, fostering international friendships and exchanges between Chinese and foreign students.
“My journey in China is over, but my journey of learning Chinese culture has just begun,” said a member of the camp during the graduation ceremony.
Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighted the rich histories and deep cultural traditions shared by China and Poland during a visit to China’s National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on Monday. Accompanied by Agata Kornhauser-Duda, wife of Polish President Andrzej Duda, who is currently on a state visit to China, Peng noted the increasing vibrancy of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
During their visit, they enjoyed performances that included traditional Chinese folk music, Peking Opera, and piano compositions from both countries. Additionally, at Tianjin University of Technology, 24 Polish students participated in Chinese language courses, cultural lectures, and engaged in activities such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Tai Chi, enhancing the flourishing people-to-people exchanges between China and Poland.
“The exchanges between Chinese and Polish students are conducive to promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries,” said Liu Qun, an official of the university’s school of language and culture.
Today, numerous universities in Poland offer Chinese language courses, with Confucius Institutes frequently organizing summer camps and educational trips to China. These initiatives aim to foster educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations, deepening mutual understanding and friendship.
Agata, expressing her admiration for Chinese traditional culture, eagerly anticipates further exchanges and cooperation between Poland and China, aiming to strengthen bilateral friendship.
Recently, China and Poland unveiled an action plan to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing collaboration in cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Poland has emerged as a significant source of tourists visiting China, with an 80% increase in travel bookings from Polish travelers during the recent summer break.
In a move to boost tourism recovery, China announced an extension of its visa-free policy to Polish citizens from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This policy allows holders of ordinary passports to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days, facilitating business, tourism, family visits, and transit.
