Life of Slovenian sinologist celebrated

Wang Huiqin (L) introduces her painting about Hallerstein to a guest in Beijing Language and Culture University, Oct 28, 2014. [Photo by Liu Xiaozhuo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An exhibition of paintings entitled "Hallerstein - Slovenian in Forbidden City" opened at the Beijing Language and Culture University on Tuesday.

The display depicts the life of Slovenian sinologist Ferdinand Augustin Haller von Hallerstein (1703-1774), who visited China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and his contribution as the pioneer of communication and friendship between the countries.

The paintings are by Wang Huiqin, a Chinese artist living in Slovenia for almost 20 years who has long been attracted by the Jesuit missionary and astronomer.

"Hallerstein is just one of the historical figures to make great contributions to cultural exchanges between China and the world. We should not forget what they did. Their artistic works and anecdotes should be researched and are of great value to be spread among the younger generation," she said.

The exhibition is sponsored jointly by the Confucius Institute of Ljubljana and the Beijing Language and Culture University.

Danijela Voljc, head of the Institute, said cultural exchange, which mainly includes language education, is not the only aim. "We want to set up a platform for young people of the two countries to share more things, like science and business," she said.

The Institute cooperates with the University of Ljubliana to release a series of books about how to do business in China.

Maja Makovec Brencic, vice-president of the University, said exchange and communication between China and Slovenia should not be limited to culture as China has the potential to provide business opportunities to Slovenia. "We want to prepare our young people with more knowledge of how to do business with China," she said.