CCTV9英语新闻：北京的欧洲语言和文化节

2015 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. To celebrate this event, the European Languages and Culture Festival was held at Beijing's Foreign Studies University. 

Beijing Foreign Studies University is a microcosm of Europe in China. It is the only university in China where all 24 official languages of the 28 EU member states are taught.

The opening ceremony of the European Languages and Culture Festival saw EU dignitaries united by carols of the Beijing Foreign Studies University choir.

The China EU Friendship Garden

"On behalf of Beijing Foreign Studies University, I'd like to extend my warmest welcome to all the guests here to witness the opening ceremony of European Languages and Culture Festival and the China EU Friendship Garden," said Peng Long, Chancellor of BFSU.

The China EU Friendship Garden is no ordinary garden. Designed by Agata Wozniczka's BudCud studio, in the 400 square-meter-space, 28 gingko biloba trees are carefully planted around intricately landscaped fauna.

Ginkgo biloba trees are known to be resilient and can have a life-span of up to 2,500 years. These 28 ginkgo trees, representing the 28 member states of the European Union, will thus no doubt augur well for longevity of friendship between China and EU. 

The ambassador of the European Union to China, Hans Schweisgut, has already witnessed the role culture has played in invigorating the relationship between China and EU member states.

"Culture is something which is part of the European identity. At the same time, culture is also an expression of our diversity. So there are many cultural activities of all member states. And we also try to supplement this by creating European identity," said Schweisgut.

European Languages and Culture Festival in BFSU

"So we have quite a few initiatives. And I think what we're celebrating here today to have this cultural festival of EU culture and languages at 'Bei Wai' is a wonderful initiative." 

Beijing Foreign Studies University, or ‘Beiwai’ as it is known in China, offers a curriculum with the most number of European languages in the country. In fact, the university is often dubbed ‘the school of ambassadors’, with many graduates going on to work in the foreign ministry.

At the European Culture Carnival, BFSU students are already mobilizing their linguistic, culinary and diplomatic might to promote their language and culture to the public.

Among the highlights of the festival is a retrospective photo exhibition. The photos chronicle not only the key moments in the relation between China and the EU, but also how Beijing Foreign Studies University has played a key role in shaping the relations.

The 200 precious photographs narrate important chapters in the history between China and the EU, from business and trade to culture over the past 40 years. And these reflections of past achievements will no doubt also be a road map for the future.

The 200 precious photographs narrate important chapters in the history between China and the EU, from business and trade to culture over the past 40 years. And these reflections of past achievements will no doubt also be a road map for the future.