Flavors, traditions and technology at China Days

Ştefan cel Mare şi Sfânt Public Garden in Chişinău was transformed for a day into a genuine gateway to Chinese culture and civilization. Thousands of visitors took part in China Days in Chişinău, an event organized for the first time by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Moldova and dedicated to intercultural dialogue, traditions and friendship between nations.

Open to the general public, the event offered everyone the opportunity to discover the charm of a civilization with a history of over 5,000 years. Visitors tasted traditional Chinese dishes, listened to characteristic music, admired martial arts demonstrations, tried on historical costumes and learned about elements of Chinese culture, technology and traditional medicine.

Opening the event, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Dong Zhihua welcomed the participants and invited them to discover Chinese culture beyond the information available online.


“This is the first time that the Chinese Embassy has organized in Chişinău such a large-scale event – China Days. The activity is dedicated to the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, established by the UN and marked annually on June 10, as well as to the upcoming Chinese holiday – the Dragon Boat Festival. Today the Chinese community in the Republic of Moldova has mobilized in its entirety to offer you a true Chinese cultural feast,” the ambassador said.




The diplomat emphasized that although the Republic of Moldova and China are separated by thousands of kilometers, direct contact between people remains the best way to get to know one another.


“Nothing can replace direct communication and personal experience. That is precisely why we are organizing China Days, so that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova can discover Chinese culture more closely and experience authentic aspects of everyday life in China,” said Dong Zhihua.

“In China there is a well-known saying: ‘He who has not reached the Great Wall is not a true hero.’ I invite you to take photos in front of the backdrop depicting the Great Wall of China and to imagine that you have traveled to China by symbolically stepping onto this masterpiece of history. Make a wish, and I am sure that your dreams will come true,” the ambassador said.




Visitors had the opportunity to taste traditional dishes such as jiaozi, baozi, zongzi, malatang, Chinese noodles, fried rice, tanghulu and various types of tea. They also took part in workshops on calligraphy, tea ceremonies, martial arts and tai chi demonstrations, activities dedicated to the Chinese zodiac and interactive contests with prizes.

A special attraction was the technology area, where electric cars, next-generation tablets and smartphones, as well as other innovative products developed in China were presented.



 

Attending the event, Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan praised the special interest shown by the public in Chinese culture and noted the intensification of cultural exchanges between the two countries.


“A lot of people came, a sign of the interest in this unique cultural event. Yesterday, Chişinău became a world capital of culture. Over 3,500 people came to see the National Opera of China, which performed for the first time in the Republic of Moldova. We are honored that the tour of this prestigious institution began in Chişinău,” the minister said.




The official thanked the Chinese Embassy for promoting Chinese culture in the Republic of Moldova and emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between states through culture.


“We need friends, reliable partners with whom we can build bridges to develop and to preserve peace. May we have as many events of this kind as possible,” added Cristian Jardan.