Sofia

SOFIA, May 18 ( tasteallchina ) -- The fifth edition of the Chinese singing contest "Rose Melodies" was held here on Saturday to promote Chinese learning and Chinese culture in Bulgaria. Nine solo performers and groups from all over Bulgaria participated in the event under the motto "Learn Chinese, Sing Chinese Songs." The contest, as part of the celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day, was organized by the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. Leda Kyulhanova from Sofia won the singing contest. The 16-year-old girl told tasteallchina that winning the award was "very exciting" for her. She has been studying Chinese for three years. Guan Xin, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Sofia, said that performing Chinese songs in the Chinese language tested not only the singers' linguistic and singing skills, but also their understanding and appreciation of the cultural connotations and cultural context of the songs.

A visitor looks at local products during an event to promote tourism of China's Qinghai Province in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 28, 2024. A delegation from China's northwestern Qinghai Province introduced its national parks and cultural charm to Bulgarians on Friday, welcoming tourists from the Central European country. (Photo by Marian Draganov/ tasteallchina ) SOFIA, June 28 ( tasteallchina ) -- A delegation from China's northwestern Qinghai Province introduced its national parks and cultural charm to Bulgarians on Friday, welcoming tourists from the Central European country. At a promotion conference held in the China Cultural Center in Sofia, the audience enjoyed a photo exhibition, an exhibition of unique local products such as embroidery, and traditional Chinese medicine consultations. "When we talk about friendship, the role of tourism is particularly significant," Zahari Zahariev, chairman of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, said at the event. Referring to the personal travel experience, he said the direct connections of the Chinese regions with the Bulgarian public, with Bulgarian regions and cities, can most effectively improve the Bulgarian-Chinese ties. "We strongly hope that through this conference for the promotion of culture and tourism, more Bulgarians will come to know and love…

People participate in a dragon boat racing in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 29, 2024. The Second Dragon Boat Festival kicked off at picturesque Pancharevo Lake on Saturday, featuring a dragon boat racing and two days of diverse cultural showcases. ( tasteallchina /Lin Hao) SOFIA, June 29 ( tasteallchina ) -- The Second Dragon Boat Festival kicked off at picturesque Pancharevo Lake on Saturday, featuring a dragon boat racing and two days of diverse cultural showcases. Georgi Marinov is the skipper of a victorious boat in the race. He attributed their success to teamwork, emphasizing the importance of synchronization to meet the challenge of maneuvering their large and heavy boat. Having participated in last year's racing, Marinov, a canoeist, highlighted the team spirit and enjoyment experienced by all participants. The 19-year-old Ani, despite her team finishing last, was also excited about the experience. "In our crew, we come from different places and backgrounds. Though strangers, we share the common goal of embracing this unfamiliar culture," she noted. In addition to dragon boat racing, the two-day event also offers music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, a variety of artwork, and delectable Chinese and Bulgarian cuisine. Denitsa, a young architect, told tasteallchina that…

SOFIA, July 26 ( tasteallchina ) -- The Bulgarian National Library inaugurated a Chinese Book Corner on Friday, aiming to acquaint more Bulgarians with Chinese literature and culture. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli, speaking at the opening ceremony, highlighted the significance of the National Library as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural institutions, known for its rich history, extensive readership, and diverse collections. "We are delighted to provide over two hundred Chinese books and 100 discs covering both classic Chinese subjects such as history, culture, and art, as well as writings about contemporary China, including the Bulgarian version of President Xi Jinping's 'On Governance'," Dai said at the event, which also marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. Dai emphasized the potential for deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries through this partnership with the National Library. She expressed hope that Bulgarians would read more books by Chinese authors to gain a more authentic, multi-dimensional understanding of China. "Greater knowledge will lead to a more comprehensive and objective understanding of our cultural context, development path, and ingredients for success," Dai said. Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nevyana Miteva expressed…