The Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna hosted a Lunar New Year reception on February 6, celebrating the Year of the Horse with nearly 200 guests. The event, held in the university’s historic Great Festival Hall (Großer Festsaal der Universität Wien), brought together university officials, diplomatic representatives, and community members.
The celebration opened with lion dances performed by the Austrian Shaolin Temple Cultural Center, followed by a morin khuur solo by guest performer Onon. Dr. Padraig Lysaght, the institute’s Austrian Director, and Professor Yao Xiaozhou, its Chinese Director, delivered remarks summarizing the institute’s 2025 achievements and outlining plans for the upcoming year.
Ambassador Qi Mei of the Chinese Embassy highlighted the occasion’s significance, mentioning that 2025 marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria. She commended the Confucius Institute for its contributions to cultural and educational exchange over the past two decades and thanked the university and partner institutions for their continued support. “The institute has been a vital bridge for strengthening ties between our two nations,” Ambassador Qi remarked, extending warm greetings to all attendees for the new year.
Dr. Barbara Good, Head of the International Office at the University of Vienna, also recognized the institute’s significant role in Sino-Austrian relations. She thanked past directors, faculty members, and collaborative partners for their dedication and expressed optimism for the institute’s continued development in the year ahead.
The reception featured performances celebrating both Austrian and Chinese cultural traditions. Guests enjoyed a violin performance by a visiting artist, traditional guzheng (zither) pieces performed by institute faculty, and a martial arts demonstration by the Austrian Shaolin Temple Cultural Center. Attendees also watched a video featuring highlights of the institute’s 2025 activities and programs. A raffle offered prizes including complimentary Chinese language courses, tickets to the Spanish Riding School and the Steyr Music Festival, and selections from HartlWein vineyard. The event concluded with a reception featuring authentic Chinese cuisine.
The reception is part of the institute’s broader celebration of its 20th anniversary. Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute remains dedicated to advancing language and cultural exchange between China and Austria, fostering deeper mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
