Activities during the 2010 Chinese Language Year have shown Russians the charm of Chinese language and culture, according to Education Counselor at the Chinese Embassy Pei Yufang.

Pei told Xinhua in a recent interview that she could absolutely feel the Chinese language and culture become more attractive for Russians.

"Once a Russian friend was handing over to me his business card but suddenly changed his gesture. He explained apologetically that he had just learnt in Chinese culture class that the card should be politely presented with both hands," Pei said.

The diplomat, who has been working in Russia for eight years, offered further evidence of the popularity of Chinese Language Year in Russia.

A few years ago, the government-sponsored Chinese learning program received few applications in Russia, but now more and more parents asked her to help admit their children to the Chinese language schools, Pei said.

"Like spring rains moisten things gently and silently, Chinese language and culture are becoming popular in Russia gradually," the Chinese diplomat said.

Details can reflect the whole story, while the figures also speak. During the Chinese Language Year, which kicked off at the start of 2010, more than 200 events have been held in Russia, according to Pei.

In her opinion, language schools and classes are the pioneer in introducing Chinese culture to foreign lands.

In 2010, five new Confucius Institutes were established in Russia, bringing the total here to 17. There were three Confucius auditoria and one Confucius radio station across all the eight federal districts of Russia, Pei said.

In addition, some 130 Russian universities offer courses in Chinese with more than 10,000 students studying the language. In Moscow alone, 13 schools teach Chinese to more than 2,000 students. In the Far East and Siberia, Chinese language has been an even more common subject in schools.

On the other hand, language contests and art performances were the best ways to stimulate Russians' interest in the Chinese language, Pei said, pointing out that language year events had been held from the Far East and Siberia to the westernmost parts.

In the Kremlin, the original Chinese history opera, Mulan Psalm, was presented to Muscovites in September, making its debut in Russia after performances in New York and Vienna. In almost all major cities of Russia, outstanding Chinese artists and young performers from China's colleges presented Chinese cultural feasts to Russian audiences.

"More and more Russians are beginning to enjoy Chinese food and opera, watch TV programs to learn Chinese, and travel to China. In this sense, the language years have built great confidence in the long-lasting friendship between China and Russia," she said.

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