Under dragon’s wings

The National Library of Belarus offers a book exhibition "Under dragon’s wings” timed to the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between the Republic of Belarus and the People's Republic of China.

The exhibition features more than 300 publications in Belarusian, Russian, Chinese and English appeared in the last five years and dedicated to the history of China from ancient times to present day, the wisdom of the Chinese poetry, prominent persons, spiritual culture, ancient and modern architecture, visual and musical arts, science and economic achievements of the People’s Republic of China.

History is the root of the future, so the exhibition begins with the history. The first part contains publications of various forms and styles. Serious scientific and educational books, collected works, monograph based on original historical studies of Russian, Chinese and Western scholars will be useful to Belarusian scientists, teachers and students.

An entertaining presentation of a complete and detailed description of the history of China, from the early Paleolithic period to the twentieth century, an original and accessible form of short illustrated essays make non-fiction books interesting for a wide range of readers.

The historical part of the exhibition does not neglect the famous treatises on martial arts, the teaching of the ancient Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius, holidays, customs, habits, traditions, way of life and national dishes of the Chinese.

The modern China is represented by the latest editions about the public administration and the leader of the Chinese nation Xi Jinping, internal and foreign policy, national defense, population and Chinese nationalities, scientific and technological advances, natural resources, economic status, culture and art of China.

Numerous encyclopedia about China and popular book series of China Intercontinental Press Understanding China and Spiritual Culture of China are designed for a broad audience.

The exhibition is centered around a section dedicated to the Belarusian-Chinese relations. Two publications deserve a special attention: Belarus through the eyes of the Chinese people and China through the eyes of Belarusians, in which government officials, business managers, scientists and journalists write about their personal observations and impressions of the countries. This theme continues in The Belarusian-Chinese relations in the memories of the Belarusian ambassadors, the new publishing project of Anatoly Tozik, the director of the BSU Republican Sinology Institute named after Confucius, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belarus to China (2006–2010).

Also the exposition features: the book series Светлыя знакі: паэты Кітая (The Lucid Signs: the Poets of China); the collection of poetry One Hundred Selected Lyrics by the most famous Chinese poet Li Bai translated by Li Zuo, the philologist, calligrapher and artist well known in Belarus; the collection of Chinese prose and poetry of different epochs translated into the Belarusian language Стагоддзе на знаёмства (A Century for the Acquaintance), and the collection Пад крыламі дракона (Under Dragon’s Wings), exceptional for the artistic design and selection of the most outstanding works of one hundred Chinese poets from antiquity to the twentieth century.

For a quarter of a century, diplomats, politicians, financiers, industrialists, military men, representatives of science, education, culture and art of the two countries have demonstrated the best achievements in their fields of activity for the development of successful and mutually beneficial cooperation between Belarus and China.

We hope this exhibition will also make a contribution to the further strengthening of friendship and the development of cultural and educational cooperation between two nations.

Contact: (+375 17) 293 29 80.