Chaozhou Drum and kung fu beat louder in Budapest

The Chaozhou Drum, listed as an item of national intangible cultural heritage of China, has integrated elements of wushu (kung fu), resulting in the establishment of the Hungary-Chaozhou International Cultural Exchange and Communication Base on Sunday.

Acting as a cultural bridge, kung fu brought together the Chao Xiang Drum Club from Chaozhou, Guangdong province, and the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary. Both institutions are committed to creating a new model of cultural and sports cooperation in Hungary and across Europe.

"This marks not only a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Hungary, but is also a significant milestone for the joint development of kung fu and Chaozhou culture in Europe," said Mike Sandor, vice-president of the Chan Wu Federation, during the signing ceremony.

"We will promote the wider influence of Chinese culture in Europe and inject new vitality into the friendship between the peoples of China and Hungary," Sandor added.

Founded in 2003 as the European headquarters of the International Chan Wu Alliance, the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary includes 15 member organizations spanning wushu, tai chi, traditional Chinese medicine, tea culture, calligraphy, and lion and dragon dances.

"We strive to synchronize the rhythms of Chaozhou Drum performances with kung fu techniques, aiming to showcase both Chinese culture and Hungarian customs. Through this effort, we seek to foster harmonious cultural exchanges that resonate with people from both nations," says Li Kangdi, chairman of the Chao Xiang Drum Club.

Hungarian cultural enthusiast Julia Balo has long held an interest in Chinese traditions through language study, literature, and tai chi practice.

"Chinese culture is different from European culture, so it is essential to understand each other. I have learned a lot from Chinese culture. My favorite book is Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which applies to everyday life," Balo says.

"I began studying Chinese at the age of 50 and have practiced tai chi for over 10 years. Now, I am eager to try playing the drum," she adds.