Guangxi makes a splash at celebration in Vienna

Dancers perform at the celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day in Vienna. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Vienna International Center has become a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture this week as the Austrian capital hosts a four-day celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day.

The event, with the theme "Diverse Cultures and Romantic Scenery — Guangxi, China: A Vivid Story of Civilization and Development", was co-organized by the Chinese Mission to the UN in Vienna, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region government, and the UN Information Service in Vienna.

Running until Thursday, the celebration features a range of cultural activities, including martial arts demonstrations and performances of Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera and Yue Opera.

Opening day festivities on Monday saw the center transformed into a bustling marketplace with activities like calligraphy demonstrations, rubbings and tea tastings drawing enthusiastic crowds. Exquisite Chinese handicrafts like silk scarves, embroidered balls and Fu characters proved popular with visitors.

Li Song, China's top representative to the UN in Vienna, emphasized the unifying power of the Chinese language during the opening ceremony. He highlighted its role as a bridge between past and present, and its potential to foster a shared future for Chinese and other civilizations. The focus on Guangxi showcased the region's role as a melting pot of cultures and its close ties with Southeast Asian nations, he said.