The Institute of Oriental Languages and Cultures organised a China Day on 12th February, the first day of the 2023/2024 spring term. The Chinese Lunar New Year, considered to be the most important Chinese holiday, is the Year of the Wooden Dragon this year, therefore, the programmes were also organised around the dragon symbol. Participants of the event could listen to lectures on the significance of the Year of the Dragon, the cult of the Dragon King, dragons in Chinese medicine and the Dragon Boat Festival, among other topics, by the lecturers from the university's Department of Chinese Studies and invited renowned professionals in the Béla Buda Lecture Hall of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The programme included lectures on Chinese culture as well as a food and tea tasting of Chinese New Year gastronomic specialities. Participants could have a go at drawing the character of the dragon led by Janisz Horváth, the local master of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, while those willing could learn the series of Tai Chi exercises from Taoist Tai Chi instructors.
The highlight of the day was a dragon dance demonstration in the hall of the Károlyi-Csekonics Palace, where the audience could learn the different forms and methods of dragon dance under the guidance of a Chinese expert.
On China Day, the Institute of Oriental Languages and Cultures celebrated the 25th anniversary of the launch of Chinese language education with varied and exciting programmes. The first Chinese language courses became available to students in the academic year 1999/2000. In 2013, the Chinese specialisation was launched in the BA programme of Oriental Languages and Cultures, and in 2020, the Chinese field of study. In addition to classroom teaching, the Károli Chinese Club has been offering actual and attention-raising programmes for 4 years now. Hungary's strategic partnership with China offers a long-term perspective for students, therefore the number of young people choosing Chinese studies is increasing year by year.
