On May 6, 2024 local time, held by the Chinese permanent mission in Vienna, the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the United Nations Information Agency at Vienna, a series of the 2024 UN Chinese Language Day activities taking the “Open, inclusive culture and poetic, picturesque landscape--stories of civilization and development in Guangxi” as the theme, grandly launched in Vienna, headquarters of the United Nations.

Ambassador Li Song, the representative of the Chinese Permanent United Nations Office at Vienna and other international organizations, vice president Miao Qingwang of the People’ s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, secretary general Shi Zhongjun of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations of China Center, executive secretary Freud of the organizing committee of the COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY, and senior officials from Vienna’ s major international organizations including the drags and crime department of the United Nations Office at Vienna, the International Atonic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and others totaling more than 700 fine guests attended the opening ceremony.

Participating leaders take photos with guests

The opening ceremony of Guangxi field with topic prominence, exquisite production, distinctive features and grand atmosphere, becomes a classic of UN Chinese Language Day activities in recent years. The ceremony was launched in a warm atmosphere of Guangxi subject three opening dance. People from various countries successively walked in to look at development achievements and elegant graphics including Guangxi in-depth cultural exchange and mutual learning, Guangxi cultural tourism resources, world tourism city Guilin and so on, participated in interactive experience such as calligraphy, rubbing, tea-tasting and the like. Huashan rock painting, Guilin scenery, minority costume, Liu Pao tea and other exhibition projects with Guangxi features were spoken highly by all guests from various countries. 

Vice president Miao Qingwang introduces Guangxi cultural tourism resources to guests

Guests experience Guangxi intangible cultural heritage techniques

Literary and art workers from Guangxi presented cultural programs with Chinese characteristics and Hainan style to the audience at the opening ceremony.

The scene of activities

Artistic performance

During the United Nations Chinese Language Day activities, the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center held a thrilling Shaolin Kungfu performance in the Vienna International Centre on May 7. The performance not only showed superior techniques of Shaolin Kungfu but also conveyed profound connotations of Shaolin culture.

Host Lu Jingming explains Shaolin culture in Chinese and English

Live show: drumbeat rhythm and the spirit of Shaolin sword

Live show: Shaolin Shield and Broadsword

Master Yanliang takes photos with president Wang Haiju (right) of the United Nations Chinese Language Association and chair Glenda Quezada (left) of the United Nations Health Club

The Shaolin Kungfu performance is part of the United Nations Chinese Language Day activities aiming to boost the international propagation of Chinese culture and strengthen conversations and connections between different cultures. The event also includes other ways of cultural presentation to further celebrate and promote the richness of Chinese history and cultural heritage. The Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center would continually distribute to the promotion of cultural diversity and containment through Shaolin Kungfu and other cultural activities.

The United Nations Chinese Language Day activities are set to run from May 6 to 9. In addition to activities of the opening day and Shaolin Kungfu performances by the Austrian Shaolin Kungfu Center, the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award art troupe would also bring special performances including Peking Opera, Kun Opera, Yue Opera and Hu Opera. (Report by Lu Jingming and pictures from the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center)