On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of China's legal seat in the United Nations, a large-scale photo show of the World Cultural Heritage in China was opened on December 19th at Budapest's Hungarian National Museum (National Historic Museum).

The show, co-sponsored by Chinese Embassy in Hungary and Hungarian National Museum, displayed 60 photos featuring world cultural heritage in China. Among them were the Imperial Palace, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace which are the crystallization of ancient civilization; Mogao Grottoes, Dazu Grottoes, and Leshan Buddha (the world's largest statue of Buddha) which reveal superb craftsmanship excelling nature; Taishan Mountain, Lushan Mountain, Huangshan Mountain and Wudang Mountain which merge Chinese culture with natural barrier; and Jiuzhaigou, and Wulingyuan whose fantastic scenery has been known as paradise on earth. More than 300 people were attracted to the opening ceremony, including officials from Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, artists, writers, Sinologists, members of Hungary-China Friendship Association and old friends from the office of culture.

Dr. Kovace Tibor, Chief Curator of National Museum, hosted the ceremony. Dr. Baan Laszlo, Executive State Affairs Secretary of Hungarian Ministry of National Cultural Legacy, cut the ribbon for the show.

At 3:20 p.m., the chief curator declared the opening of the show. Ambassador Zhao Xidi spoke first. He said that the show was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of China's legal seat in the United Nations. At the 26th United Nations General Assembly held 30 years ago, China restored her legal seat with an overwhelming majority of affirmative votes. Quite a number of friendly countries including Hungary gave us powerful support at that meeting. China is a founding member of the United Nations as well as one of the five permanent members of its Security Council, he said. With ever increasing national strength and rapid growth in economy, China is to play a more important role in the United Nations. The photos on display here all focus on world cultural and natural heritage in China confirmed by UNESCO. The heritage belongs to the world and to mankind as well. We are bound to meticulously protect it while at the same time create new culture with sustained efforts. Hungary is a country having a long history with many scenic spots and places historic interest, among which many have been listed as sites of world cultural heritage. Therefore, there are broad prospects for cooperation between our two countries in the field of cultural development and heritage protection. The show held here signifies a good beginning of our cooperation.

Dr. Baan Laszlo in his lengthy opening address introduced to the audience some scenic spots and cultural sites in China which he has some acquaintance with such as the Great Wall, the Imperial Palace, etc. Then he said, The grand photo show held here has offered us an opportunity to enjoy the unique cultural and natural magnificence possessed by the great country China. The show has shortened the distance between the two countries in time as well as in space. As we take a very short time in watching each of the photos, our fantasy is going far away through the channel of time into the field of Chinese philosophy, which combines closely with nature. While the art of architecture and natural landscape enhance each other's beauty, the natural environment can well be accepted as a distinctive value. Through the photos we can see that more and more Chinese natural wealth has been included in the world heritage to be cared for and protected. China as a member of the Cultural Heritage Committee has made significant contribution towards saving the cultural and natural heritage that is on the brink of distinction.

The state affairs secretary said that the cultural heritage exhibition was a new link in the ever-increasing Sino-Hungarian relationship, significant in protecting, restoring and exploring cultural heritage. That was why the show was held in Hungarian National Museum, a place symbolizing the spirit of a nation. He concluded by saying If we are here to make a tour through time and space, we hope that the visitors present at the meeting can share the feelings that we have traditional inclinations for Chinese civilization.

Soon afterwards, the state affairs secretary, accompanied Ambassador Zhao and Counselor Liu, watched the exhibits with interest while Liu explained each of the photos for him.

The visitors highly praised the magnificence of the exhibits. A chief executive of Hungarian Entrepreneur Association, fascinated by the show, regretted not to have been in China before, saying he would come to China if there is an opportunity to have a look round with his own eyes. A Hungarian teacher who is learning the Chinese language told us that she had been to many places in China and that after watching the show, she felt proud of knowing the Chinese language. Another visitor thought the show is unexpectedly wonderful and so is China. Some visitors carefully took notes of each photo while watching; some took photos of each photo; some lingered unwilling to leave and some stood around Ambassador Zhao and Counselor Liu asking for more information about the show.

The show will last till January 29th, 2002.