“The Charm of Chinese Kung Fu” Performing Tour at the University of Porto Confucius Institute

North Campus, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, October 19^th 2019: Hosted by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, jointly undertaken by the Confucius Institute at the University of Porto and the Capital Institute of Physical Education, the “Charm of Chinese Kung Fu” performing tour in Europe was held at Porto, Portugal. Vice Presidents of the University of Porto, Maria Fernandes and Juana Carvalho, as well as Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, YI Zongyong, joined in the event. Teachers and students from the University of Porto, martial arts enthusiasts and hundreds of overseas Chinese enjoyed the performance together.

Maria delivered a welcome speech

Initially, Maria delivered an address to appreciate the meticulous preparations of the Confucius Institute Headquarters and students and teachers from the Capital Institute of Physical Education. She pointed out that China and Portugal have a long history of friendly communication, and the two nations have a lot to learn from each other. As an important carrier of China’s outstanding traditional culture, Chinese Kung Fu is widely loved by the public. She hoped that students and teachers from the University of Porto can have a further understanding of Chinese martial arts and other Chinese culture, and to create a better platform for in-depth communication and cooperation with Chinese universities, including GDUFS.

Some wonderful moments in the performances

And then, the grand performance by students from the Capital Institute of Physical Education raised its curtain. From fierce fights between ancient hunters and animals to smooth and poetic martial arts dancing; from the restrained movement of T’ai Chi to exquisite Northern boxing; and from the fierce movement of sword and knife to the swaying of soft silky sleeves, the combination of the eight magnificent performances was a demonstration of the origin and history of the Chinese martial arts. But more importantly, the performances demonstrated China’s unflinching courage and inflexible will as well.

Group photo