On May 21st, a cultural event themed "Music and Culture—A Special Presentation from Hainan and the Dragon Boat Festival" was brilliantly staged at the University of Vienna. It brought unique greetings from China's tropical island of Hainan to the Austrian audience, commencing Hainan culture's European journey.

This event was co-hosted by the Confucius Institute in Vienna and Sanya Silk Road Show Culture Development Co., Ltd., with special support from the Sanya Tourism Association Federation, Silk Road Band, Interdisciplinary Art Center of Sichuan University of Culture and Art, and Hainan Jinxiu Zhibei. Artists Liu Qiang, Sun Rui, and Ling Chen from the Silk Road Band presented a culturally rich feast full of exotic charm for the Viennese audience. The performance, with its diverse and colorful content, showcased the unique appeal of Hainan's multiculturalism.

The program featured a diverse and captivating lineup of performances. It included the traditional Chinese erhu masterpiece "Horse Racing," the festive pipa solo "Golden Snake Dance," the classical Chinese recitation and shakuhachi performance of "Ge Xi Mei Ling," the breathtaking "Music Sea Treasure Hunting," and the ensemble "Yazhou Morning Melody." Additionally, Hou Xinzhi from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna delivered a soul-stirring solo vocal performance of "Hainan Love Song." Through this rich tapestry of musical forms and regional characteristics, the event vividly showcased the natural beauty, national customs, and cultural charm of Hainan. It resonated deeply with the audience, earning enthusiastic and sustained applause.

Dr. Padraig LYSAGHT, the Austrian Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna, and Professor Richard Li, the renowned Austrian Sinologist and President of the Hainan Friendship Association of Austria, delivered opening remarks respectively. The event was presided over by Maria GASSER, the Director of the Office of the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna, who, during the cultural introduction segment, provided the guests with a detailed account of the historical origins and traditional customs of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival.

Huang Mei, a tourism promotion representative from Sanya, introduced the city's rich and diverse cultural tourism resources in her speech. She highlighted that with the advancement of the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Hainan has introduced a visa-free entry policy for citizens from 59 countries. Wen Xiaoyan, the chief planner of this event and the Artistic Director of Sichuan University of Culture and Art, presented a Hainan Rosewood abacus and a calligraphy piece titled "As You Wish" to Dr. Padraig LYSAGHT, the Austrian Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna. She mentioned that Sichuan University of Culture and Art places great emphasis on cooperation with universities around the world. This event is a beneficial attempt of cross-regional collaboration among Sichuan, Hainan, and Vienna. It has been highly praised and has achieved the expected results.

The event also featured an exhibition of Hainan Li and Miao ethnic costumes, Li brocade, coconut shell handicrafts, Dragon Boat Festival mugwort sachets, and pictures of Hainan's landscapes. The audience also tasted black tea from Wuzhi Mountain, Langui Ren, and Partridge tea, all from Hainan. A special raffle was set up for the audience, with custom-made Dragon Boat Festival sachets and other characteristic cultural and creative products prepared for the lucky winners. The immersive experience allowed the audience to savor the flavors and warmth of the traditional Chinese festival. Many expressed their enjoyment of the event.

A Sinology student, Klara, said: "The music and dance from Hainan are so charming that I am filled with longing for this tropical island." A music enthusiast, Michael, praised: "The ethnic songs and dances from Hainan have a unique charm. It's a cultural experience full of natural power and ecological atmosphere." A Chinese parent, Ms. Li, exclaimed: "Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival and making zongzi with my children overseas makes us feel the warmth of home."

On May 22nd and 23rd, the Hainan cultural exchange activities continued, making their way into the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) in Austria and the QSI American International School in Slovakia. Liu Qiang, a first-class national actor and flute player, meticulously prepared 12 highly representative traditional Chinese wind instruments for display, including the Hainan Li ethnic group's nose flute and vertical flute, as well as the unique Tulong instrument from the Jingpo ethnic group in Yunnan. He subsequently performed "Music Sea Treasure Hunting" using eight of these instruments, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese ethnic music. The audience was deeply captivated by the exquisite performance and the fascinating instruments, especially the Hainan Li ethnic group's nose flute and vertical flute, which left everyone in awe. Many audience members eagerly raised their hands to come on stage and experience playing these instruments themselves.

This brief journey through Hainan culture left an unforgettable impression on the audiences in Austria and Slovakia. It not only allowed the audiences of both countries to closely experience the colorful charm of Hainan's regional culture but also further bridged the gap between the hearts of the Chinese and European peoples. It injected new vitality into deepening Sino-European cultural exchanges and friendly interactions among the people.