My bond with China began in my teenage years. Growing up in a rural village in Hungary, I had no access to mobile phones or the internet. The evening news and documentaries on television were my only windows to the world beyond. On those small screens, I caught glimpses of China’s unique culture and the vibrancy of its society, which profoundly fascinated me. I silently set a goal for myself: one day, I would step onto Chinese soil and witness its essence with my own eyes.

This yearning became an inexhaustible source of motivation throughout my academic journey. At university, I majored in sociology, and I devoured every book on China available in the library. Coming from the countryside, I paid special attention to rural development in China. From the texts, I could discern the remarkable transformation taking place in the country and appreciate the simplicity and kindness of the Chinese people.

At the time, very few people in Europe paid much attention to the distant land of China, and my academic focus seemed highly unconventional. It was then that I resolved to become a storyteller between Hungary and China, bringing the real stories of China’s development to a wider audience.

In 1998, I was awarded an exchange program spot at Renmin University of China (RUC). When I set foot in China for the first time, I experienced an inexplicable sense of belonging, as if I had returned home after a long absence. My Chinese was still quite basic at the time, yet no one laughed at me. My classmates listened patiently, initiated conversations, and always offered me kind encouragement, which warmed my heart. The unreserved inclusivity and goodwill I encountered deepened my affection for China day by day.

After returning to Hungary, I continued pursuing a Ph.D. in Sinology. Around the same time, Hungary’s first Confucius Institute was established, providing me with an opportunity to put my years of learning into practice: I began teaching Chinese, organizing Chinese cultural events, liaising with local Chinese communities, and building platforms for grassroots exchanges. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to Chinese language education and to promoting Hungary-China exchanges across various fields. It’s no exaggeration to say that the first half of my life is inseparably intertwined with China.

Watching Hungary-China cultural exchanges flourish over the years has brought me immense joy. Looking back on my youth, it was challenging to study Chinese or travel to China, yet today, cooperation in education, tourism, and trade between the two nations is thriving, producing remarkable results. Hungary is now home to seven Confucius Institutes, boasts the establishment of a Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school, and has made Chinese an elective foreign language in several secondary schools—incorporating it into the Hungarian high school graduation exams. Furthermore, three of Hungary’s top universities now offer Chinese studies programs. The number of tourists traveling between the two nations has multiplied, and visa-free policies and direct flights have created convenient channels for people to connect. For Hungarians who admire China, there are now countless opportunities to explore the country firsthand. Seeing the seeds of passion I once nurtured bear such vibrant fruit today fills me with gratitude and pride.

I have personally witnessed the astonishing speed of China’s development. Years ago, I traveled across China’s north and south on slow green trains, spending several days experiencing the local culture and sampling regional delicacies. Today, high-speed rail lines whisk passengers at 350 kilometers per hour, covering thousands of kilometers in mere hours. The contrast between the slow pace of the past and today’s rapid transformations epitomizes the sweeping changes China has undergone in just a few decades.

Over the years, countless warm moments have been etched into my memory. I recall how, upon arriving in Beijing, I bought a red bicycle and rode it through the old neighborhoods, stopping under the red walls of the Forbidden City—a dream I had cherished since middle school finally fulfilled. A group of friendly tourists invited me to join them, treating me with warmth and kindness. In Qinhuangdao, Hebei, I attended a rural wedding, where villagers pulled me onto the dance floor to celebrate with the couple, enveloping me in their unrestrained joy. On another occasion, I traveled with an elderly gentleman who, due to hearing difficulties, spoke loudly throughout the journey. Yet, no one showed annoyance or disapproval. Instead, everyone extended patience and understanding.

These ordinary yet poignant moments have crystallized into four words that, in my view, capture the essence of China: development, kindness, inclusivity, and cooperation. I have witnessed China’s remarkable progress, yet the sincere hospitality and respect for others that characterize the Chinese people have remained unchanged. The Chinese people cherish their centuries-old cultural heritage, face challenges with resilience and composure, and tirelessly strive for a better life. What resonates most deeply with me is the ingrained spirit of collaboration in Chinese society. Whether in work or daily life, there is a consistent emphasis on unity, harmony, and collective effort.

The resilience and courage I have drawn from Chinese culture have helped me overcome every challenge I’ve faced. To young people in China, I want to say this: cherish your unique history and culture—they form the most precious foundation of the Chinese nation. No matter how distant your dreams may seem, as long as you stay determined and work steadfastly toward them, your efforts will bear fruit in the end.

I remain deeply optimistic about the future of cultural exchanges between Hungary and China. As ties between our two nations continue to deepen, I firmly believe that people from both countries, especially the younger generations, will gain more opportunities for mutual learning and collective growth. I aspire to serve as a bridge connecting the Danube and the Yangtze Rivers, carrying the understanding and friendship between our two nations forward, from one generation to the next.