Confucius Institute at the University of Aveiro Assists Global Higher Education Symposium

On October 20th local time, the University of Aveiro in Portugal held a symposium themed “Education under Globalization: Opportunities and Challenges for Higher Education Institutes in Portugal”. During the event, the Confucius Institute at the University of Aveiro presented the wonderful “Moments of China” Cultural Exhibition to the symposium.

Tea’s Fragrance Soaks Hearts and Lingers on Lips

Tea art booth attracting onlookers

Chinese tea not only has its unique charm featuring clearness, fragrance, or mellowness and thickness which brings every possible and changeable taste to one’s teeth and mouth like that of colorful life, but also embodies the profound Zen ideology of Chinese tea culture. In front of the tea table, numerous participants observed colors of tea, smelled its aroma and tasted its flavor. Under the guidance of the tea art teacher from the Confucius Institute, they were sharing their knowledge and understanding of the Chinese tea as if they were tea lovers who had drunk tea for many years.

Elegant as Drifting Cloud and Agile as a Startled Dragon

The calligraphy teacher explaining the meanings of Chinese characters

The Chinese calligraphy booth became a highlight of the event. The calligraphy teacher patiently introduced China’s Four Treasures of the Study, demonstrated how to hold a writing brush and the “Eight Principles of Yong”, and wrote the Chinese character “Fu” on pieces of red paper as gifts for the participants who were interested. The scholars not only had a great interest in Chinese calligraphy, but also asked a variety of questions and had a discussion on word formation measures of Chinese characters. For a time, the small booth seemed to have turned into a micro academic forum.

Chinese Paintings Show Great Originalities and Craftsmanship

Chinese landscape painting in pencil with rich artistic conception

At the booth of traditional Chinese painting, an overseas Chinese student drew landscapes of mountains, water and pavilions full of the charm of Chinese culture using only a pencil, which was highly praised by researcher Catarina Mendes. She said, in her understanding, Chinese painting emphasized on conveying a sense of emotion rather than focusing on expressive forms. She thought that it was extraordinary to produce a piece of Chinese painting full of “emotions” using only a pencil as if the Chinese ink were used.

Beautiful and Pleasant Music Lingers in the Air and Attracts Fish in Water

A little “boy attendant at school” learning to play the Erhu

At the booth of traditional Chinese instruments, teachers from the Confucius Institute put on an ensemble of traditional instruments of Guzheng, Erhu and Pipa for the participants. The musical composition was sometimes passionate and spirited, and sometimes deep and melodious, adding poetic flavor to the event venue.

A performer in traditional Han-style costume

In addition, the Confucius Institute at the University of Aveiro organized an exhibition of Yun Brocade, seals of Chinese characters written in Zhuan Shu, silk folding fans and other items featuring typical Chinese style, and provided Chinese delicacies such as dumplings and mooncakes for guests to enjoy.

Display of chinoiseries

Holding Chinese cultural exhibition during the symposium on education by the Confucius Institute at the University of Aveiro not only conformed to the theme of education under globalization and deepened cultural exchanges, but also helped the participants gain a better understanding of the Confucius Institute and Chinese culture, acquainting them with China in depth.

Photos by Li Beilei