Chongqing - The "Cultural Bridge between the Danube and the Yangtze River" event took place on October 31, 2025, uniting diplomatic, academic, and cultural representatives from China and Europe in a celebration of cross-border dialogue and cooperation. The gathering was hosted by the Consulate General of Austria in Chengdu, the Consulate General of Germany in Chengdu, the Consulate General of Hungary in Chongqing, and the Consulate General of ltaly in Chongqing, with support from the Embassy of Hungary in Beijing and the Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center Beijing.

Der Wiener Männergesang Verein from Austria. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Rivers as Symbols of Shared Civilization

In his opening remarks, Günther Lazelsberger, Consul General of Austria in Chengdu, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of rivers. "Rivers like the Danube and the Yangtze have long served as vital symbols of political, economic, and cultural connections between our peoples - past, present, and future,” he stated.

Günther Lazelsberger, Consul General of Austria in Chengdu, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of rivers. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Li Mingquan, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, reinforced the theme of unity through exchange. "Rivers nurture civilizations, while dialogue fosters consensus. Today's gathering is a vivid example of cultural exchange and mutual learning, injecting new vitality into cooperation between Chongqing and European nations," he said.

Li Mingquan, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, reinforced the theme of unity through exchange. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Science as a Universal Language

A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics, who highlighted the natural alignment between science and cross-cultural collaboration. Recalling the legacy of Hungarian scientists in the Manhattan Project, he humorously referred to Hungarian as seeming "like a language from another planet" to outsiders - a barrier that translators like Professor Yu have helped overcome.

Dr. Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics, highlighted the natural alignment between science and cross-cultural collaboration. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Dr. Krausz noted that his research team in Munich and Budapest includes members from nearly 30 countries, with China, Hungary, Germany, Austria, and Italy ranking as the top five in representation. He announced the launch of a joint laboratory with Chongqing University and the Three Gorges Hospital, aimed at advancing predictive and preventive medicine. Similar partnerships are being developed in Hong Kong, Austria, and Germany, forming a global research network dedicated to transformative healthcare.

Cultural Dialogue: Building Understanding Through the Arts

A cultural conversation featured Hungarian writer Turczi István and Chinese translator Yu Zemin, who underscored the power of literature in bridging cultures. Turczi shared his vision of expanding cultural ties through annual events such as film festivals, music performances, and dance, inviting broader participation from across Europe and Asia.

A cultural conversation featured Hungarian writer Turczi István and Chinese translator Yu Zemin. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Yu Zemin reflected on how translating works by Hungarian Nobel Prize-winning author László Krasznahorkai sparked Chinese interest in Hungarian literature. "Translation doesn't just convert language - it opens corridors between cultures," Yu observed.

Artistic Performances Showcase Shared Heritage

The event concluded with artistic performances representing China, Italy, Austria, and Germany, including a piano duo by Spina & Benignetti, choral works by Der Wiener Männergesang-Verein, and opera excerpts, illustrating the rich cultural tapestry shared along the Danube and Yangtze.

Spina & Benignetti Piano Duo from Italy. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The Danube-Yangtze cultural bridge event not only celebrated artistic and literary exchange but also laid a foundation for lasting scientific partnership. As Dr. Krausz remarked, "Connecting across borders through science and culture - this is how we create a better future for all."