Ningbo cultural and tourism promotion event successfully held in Budapest
On September 22, the “China Ningbo: The Starting Point of the East — 2025 Ningbo Cultural and Tourism Promotion (Hungary)” was successfully held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The event was organized by the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, with support from the China Cultural Center in Budapest and the Chinese Embassy in Hungary.
The event opened with enchanting traditional Chinese music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With the theme “The Starting Point of the East,” the Ningbo delegation showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage, unique natural landscapes, and diverse culinary and tourism resources.
Jin Hao, Director of the Chinese Cultural Institute in Budapest, emphasized in his welcoming speech that the institute was delighted to host the event and hoped that it would contribute to strengthening Hungarian-Chinese relations.
ChinaCham Hungary
Erika Tóthfalusy, Vice President of ChinaCham Hungary – the Hungarian-Chinese Economic Chamber – emphasized that tourism serves not only as an economic engine but also as a cultural bridge. She expressed hope that the meeting with the visiting delegation would lead to shared success and concluded with a seasonal greeting: “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone.”
Hungarian–Chinese Friendship Association
Balázs Konfár, Secretary of the Hungarian–Chinese Friendship Association, noted that bilateral ties are at a high point, recalling recent visits by President Xi Jinping to Hungary and multiple trips by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to China. He underlined the association’s long-standing role in nurturing people-to-people links and highlighted several indicators of deepening cooperation: China is currently the largest foreign investor in Hungary; around 3,000 Chinese students are studying in the country; five Confucius Institutes are operating nationwide; and there are 21 weekly flights connecting seven Chinese cities with Hungary, including Ningbo.
Ningbo
In his speech, Ying Jianyong, the director of Ningbo’s Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism emphasized that Ningbo, as a gateway city on the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, carries the cultural legacy of the Maritime Silk Road and serves as an important hub for exchanges between Asia and Europe. In recent years, Ningbo and Hungary have continuously deepened their cooperation in culture and economy, becoming trustworthy friends and reliable partners.
Director Ying Jianyong presented Ningbo as one of the world’s largest ports and a city repeatedly recognized as China’s “happiest,” reportedly earning that distinction 15 times in recent years. He pointed to the city’s 8,000-year history, including 2,500 years of maritime heritage, and its historic role in the trade of silk, tea, and porcelain. Ningbo, he added, is also a cultural hub with a rich culinary scene, offering access to as many as 500 varieties of seafood throughout the year.
Through a bilingual Chinese-Hungarian multimedia presentation, the audience gained a deeper understanding of Ningbo’s geographical advantages, urban charm, and tourism highlights. The presentation covered Ningbo’s strategic role as a key node of the “Belt and Road Initiative,” its history of friendly exchanges with Hungary, and new opportunities for future cooperation. Particularly impressive were Ningbo’s scenic mountains and seas, culinary culture, and diverse tourism resources, which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.
China Eastern Airlines
In a brief presentation, the airline’s Budapest director outlined China Eastern’s network in China and its Hungary–China services, highlighting that, according to the director, Ningbo is the most affordable destination from Hungary when flying with China Eastern; the audience was also encouraged to consider the carrier’s other routes and connections.
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Conclusion
The Ningbo delegation warmly invited Hungarian friends to visit Ningbo, to experience the harmony of tradition and modernity, and to feel the charm of the “Starting Point of the East.” This event not only enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Hungary but also opened new opportunities for cooperation in cultural tourism and trade.
Read here for more news about China-Hungary relations.
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Mid-Autumn Festival marks 76th anniversary of China–Hungary ties in Budapest
written by Robert Zou and Alpár Kató
FAQ
1) What is the “Starting Point of the East” Ningbo Cultural and Tourism Promotion in Budapest?
It’s a showcase organized by Ningbo’s Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism—supported by the China Cultural Center in Budapest and the Chinese Embassy—highlighting Ningbo’s heritage, Maritime Silk Road roots, cuisine, and travel experiences for the Hungarian audience.
2) Why is Ningbo significant for travelers?
Ningbo is one of the world’s largest port cities and a key Maritime Silk Road hub, offering rich culture, coastal scenery, and year-round cuisine (including extensive seafood). Growing China–Hungary links—student exchanges, Confucius Institutes and multiple weekly flights to Chinese cities, including Ningbo—make it an accessible gateway to East China.
How can I plan a trip from the EU to Ningbo?
Search connecting flights to Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) via major hubs (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Doha, Istanbul). Compare fares/schedules across carriers, check Schengen-area Chinese visa requirements and any transit rules, and book lodging near key districts (Old Bund, Tianyi Square, Dongqian Lake, Xiangshan coast).