Spanish Sinologist spreads joy in literature

It was then she began her study of Chinese classical literature and made the University of Granada a major center of Sinology in the country. She currently teaches Chinese literary theory and criticism besides many other China-related courses.

She attributes her love of Chinese literature to the depth of the personalities, the intensity of the emotions and the natural beauty highlighted in hundreds of Chinese stories she has read.

"In Tang Xianzu's work I found that China in the 16th century was quite similar to Spain at that time. It was the beginning of the development of the commodity economy and it was the time of the awakening of personalities of young people who were seeking free love," says she.

Given her extraordinary work in translating Chinese classic literature, Relinque was given a special award by the Chinese government in 2017.

"I try to let my students see the complexity which dominates nearly all of the literature which comes from China, and I hope I can help them feel the same happiness that it gives me," says Relinque.

"I want to show them that, despite the distance between our countries, the Chinese are not distant, but incredibly welcoming."

Now Relinque travels to China several times a year.

Speaking about the future, she says: "Spain should pay more attention to China. On the other hand, I ask my students to study Chinese history, because the country's today and tomorrow lie in history."