Budapest hosts Forum of the China–CEE Countries Library Association

The fourth directors’ forum of the China-Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries Library Association was held in Budapest, attended by directors, experts, and researchers from libraries in China and Central and Eastern European countries. On the afternoon of October 21, the Chinese Cultural Center in Budapest organized a cultural and artistic exchange program entitled “Dialogue and Connection,” to which more than forty guests were invited to embark on a cultural and artistic journey of discovery together.

4th Directors’ Forum of the China-CEE Countries Library Association

At the beginning of the event, the center carefully prepared an artistic performance during which guests from different countries could experience the deep connection and harmony between Chinese and Hungarian music and art.

The artistic performance began with a joint production by a trio of guqin, guzheng, and zither, as well as an interactive calligraphy demonstration, entitled “The Power of Strings.” The floating, distant sounds of the strings and the lively brushstrokes complemented each other, expressing the tranquility and power of Eastern and Western art. This was followed by renowned Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, who performed the prelude to J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite in G major. His deep, elegant melodies created a pure and elevated atmosphere in the hall. The program continued with the Bartók Béla Symphony Orchestra quintet performing excerpts from the violin concerto “The Love of Butterflies” and the work “Serenade.” This was followed by Hungarian scholar Csaba László Hidán reading excerpts from the collection “Chinese Liaodong Folk Tales.” His expressive performance brought literary color and cultural depth to the evening. Chinese singer Zhang Yu then took to the stage to perform the famous Hungarian folk song “Under the Csitári Mountains.” Her clear, moving voice transported the audience into the intimate world of Hungarian folk music. The program concluded with a spectacular dance performance entitled “Tinta tánca” (Ink Dance), a Hungarian folk trio production entitled “Forrás” (Source), and a martial arts demonstration. The lively rhythm and enthusiastic atmosphere brought the entire evening to a climax, crowning the event with thunderous applause.