Tibetan cultural exchange delegation visits Vienna

A Chinese delegation on a Tibetan cultural exchange visit concluded its two-day stay in Vienna on Tuesday. The visit was aimed at promoting a better understanding of Tibet and its history through lectures and dialogue.

Hao Shiyuan, an academy member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and head of the delegation, gave a lecture on Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism at Vienna University during the first day of the visit.

"I learned for the first time that there are radio and TV broadcasts, newspapers, and even mobile phone apps, available in Tibetan languages," said Rudolf Schneider of the university, adding that this form of lecture and direct exchanges with scholars from China would help eliminate biases among some Westerners.

Richard Trappl, director of the Confucius Institute at Vienna University, expressed hope of organizing more such exchanges, which would bring together Chinese and Austrian scholars and elites, put away misunderstandings and forge ahead with cooperation based upon mutual trust and friendliness.

Trappl, who first visited Tibet in 1982, said he had witnessed huge changes in Tibet when he was there in 2014, especially in infrastructure, nature conservation and cultural preservation.

"The magnificent natural landscapes and its mysterious cultural heritage are of unique appeal. Most of us care more about the ecological conservation and cultural preservation in Tibet," he said.