The Chinese language is a bridge between nations, the participants of the festival of Chinese Language and Culture are sure of this

To popularize language, culture and traditions, to showcase talents – on April 17, the Confucius Institute of Brest State A.S.Pushkin University held a festival on the main pedestrian street of Brest. A concert program and a quiz were held near the exhibition hall, and interactive platforms were operating nearby.

The People's Republic of China is a strategic partner of Belarus. The center of southwestern Polesie has also established close contacts with China. Chairman of the Brest City Council of Deputies Andrei Andreevich Filanovich, who supported the festival, emphasized that economic relations between Belarus and China continue to develop. He believes that joint study, including the history and culture of the two countries, contributes to the further development of economic relations.

Organizations and institutions are trying to establish cooperation with the eastern country. Brest State A.S.Pushkin University is proud of its cooperation with Anhui University and the functioning of the Confucius Institute. "We consider the People's Republic of China to be our main partner in many areas, both in education and in research. We are developing these relations with many universities and scientific organizations, and this is yielding excellent results," said Rector Yury Petrovich Hlubeu. – "We carry out joint projects, organize joint educational programs, participate in internships, travel, study the experience of educational activities, organize each other's science, that is, enrich each other. It is encouraging to note that this is indeed a two-way road that is bearing fruit for both sides."

The Chinese language is not just a means of communication, but a whole philosophy reflecting deep wisdom. Time shows that this language is one of the most influential. It is used by more than half a billion people, it is recognized as one of the most widespread, taking into account the number of carriers. "The Chinese language is becoming an important cultural bridge connecting the Chinese nation with all the peoples of the world. Our Confucius Institute has become the largest Chinese language teaching base in the first region," said Fang Shengliang, Director of the Confucius Institute from the Chinese side.

The Confucius Institute is young. But in five and a half years, he gained credibility. He is constantly expanding his partner network. Friends and partners came to the organized festival with pleasure. We have experience of cooperation with the Brest branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Elena Nikolaevna Pivnik, Deputy Director General for Foreign Economic Cooperation, is confident that the Confucius Institute plays a major role in building relations between Belarus and China, because it trains specialists who will be employed in the economy. Language training is very necessary for our countries so that they can successfully establish contacts, understand the mentality, cultural characteristics, and business practices. In 2025, teachers and students of the Confucius Institute decorated the economic forum-workshop "Strategic Partner - China" with an interesting exposition and master classes.

The Confucius Institute builds fruitful and effective cooperation with educational institutions. For example, a native Chinese speaker visits the lyceum in Zhabinka every week to teach classes with children. Joint events are held. The management of the educational institution and lyceum students become guests of numerous events. The main result of the cooperation is the successful passing of the international exam by the lyceum students. At Secondary school No. 28 in Brest, students enjoy learning Chinese, sometimes with more interest than English. The educational institution and some students have been awarded the Ambassador's Award of the People's Republic of China.

Every year, the International Chinese Language Day commemorates cultural dialogue. It is in the intercultural dialogue that truth is born, and it becomes a source of inspiration. Therefore, the festival program traditionally includes a lot of creativity and informative information. The participants of the event enjoyed the performances of the students of the Confucius Institute, its friends and partners. The masked act and the martial art of wushu were greeted with delight. A lot of people have organized master classes. Hanfu, the traditional Han Chinese clothing, the main features of which are wide flowing sleeves, a cross collar and a belt, seemed unusual to the festival participants. Anyone could try on their favorite clothes and take a picture in them. They are always fascinated by the writing of hieroglyphs. On April 17, they learned the "Fu" symbol. The calligraphic work "One Hundred hieroglyphs "Fu" is a wish for a hundred kinds of happiness, therefore, presented on a holiday, it is a good sign.

The great interest in Chinese culture is demonstrated by the fact that the Chinese language has a future and prospects. The festival of Chinese Language and Culture, combining Belarusian and Chinese elements, focuses on intercultural dialogue and mutual enrichment.

Julia Vovk
Photo by Natalia Petrova