Hungarian scholars experience Chinese cultural charm in Sichuan

Scholars from a Hungarian think tank delegation visiting Sichuan province spoke highly of China's practices in wildlife conservation and cultural heritage protection.

The 14-member delegation visited the Sanxingdui Museum, Sichuan University Museum, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and Kuanzhai Alley from Thursday to Friday, immersing themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture.

Artner Annamaria, head of the delegation and senior research fellow at the Institute of World Economics of E?tv?s Loránd University, expressed her admiration for China's long-term policies on environmental and wildlife protection while visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

She noted that China is a pioneer in promoting sustainable development, with the panda base serving as proof of the country's success in this field.

Calum Thomas Monteath Nicholson, research director and British visiting scholar at the Danube Institute, said he was glad to see the giant pandas being looked after so well at the panda base.

"I don't really believe in zoos, but this place is so nice, with world-class facilities," Nicholson said, adding that he appreciates the efforts to help the pandas survive.

Peter Szitas, Senior Research Fellow at the Danube Institute, said he was impressed by the amazing artifacts at the Sanxingdui Museum.

"It's so good that you are keeping your past as a valued treasure and showing it to the nation and to the tourists," he said. "I deeply believe that only that nation which has a past and which takes care of its past has a future."

Szuhaj Anna, assistant research fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, said she was amazed by the face-changing performance while having dinner at a hotpot restaurant in Kuanzhai Alley.

Face-changing, which involves performers rapidly switching masks to depict different emotions, is the most iconic stunt in Sichuan Opera.

"It was so impressive. I'm still trying to find answers to how the performer did it in just one second," Szuhaj said, adding that she really enjoys the experience of having traditional Chinese food while watching traditional performances.