On April 8, 2026 the opening ceremony of the Li Bo (Li Bai) Kyrgyz-Chinese Research Center for Literature, History, Archaeology, and Ethnology was held at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn.
The event was attended by Professor Dogdurbek Chontoev, Rector of KNU, and members of the Chinese delegation, led by Dai Jiangbing, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Historical Society, Vice Chairman of the Educational and Methodological Council for History under the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.
In his welcoming speech, Rector of KNU noted that this event is of particular significance for strengthening scientific and cultural ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and the People’s Republic of China. The opening of the Li Bo Center symbolizes not only respect for China’s rich cultural heritage but also our shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding between peoples through science, education, and humanitarian cooperation. He continued: “It is a great honor for Kyrgyz National University to implement this project jointly with Hebei Normal University, one of the prestigious educational and scientific centers of the People’s Republic of China. I am confident that the Center’s activities will become an important platform for joint research, the exchange of experience between scholars, academic mobility, and the training of highly qualified specialists in the humanities. We also give great importance to the participation of representatives from leading Chinese universities as Hebei Normal University, Northwest Normal University, and Fudan University in today’s event. Your visit demonstrates high level of interest in developing scientific cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic. I am confident that the opening of the Li Bai Center will be an important step toward strengthening academic ties, developing joint projects, and expanding humanitarian dialogue between our countries.” In conclusion, he expressed sincere gratitude to all partners for their contributions to the project and wished the Center successful and fruitful work, new scientific achievements, and international recognition.
During the ceremony, Dogdurbek Chontoev awarded Mr. Dai Jiangbing the “100th Anniversary of Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn” jubilee medal for his significant contribution to the country’s scientific, educational, and socio-cultural development.
Following the opening of the center, a short concert was held, where students performed excerpts from the Epic of Manas and recited Li Bai’s poems in Chinese. A roundtable discussion was also held, attended by faculty and students from the Institute of History and Regional Studies. During the roundtable, members of the Chinese delegation presented their works and donated them to the Center. In response, the institute’s faculty donated their works to members of the Chinese delegation. An exchange of opinions took place, and proposals were made regarding areas of collaboration in joint expeditions and publications.
The event was also attended by:
- Director of the Research Center for Modern and Contemporary Chinese Figures and Archival Documents at Fudan University, member of the Shanghai Research Institute of Culture and History, Doctor of History, Professor Wu Dingpiying;
- Director of the Institute of Central Asia at Northwest Normal University, leading specialist of the Tian Shu Research Group at the Chinese Academy of Historical Sciences, Doctor of History, Professor Tian Shu;
- Director of the Institute of International Exchange at Hebei Normal University, Director of the Central Asia and Caspian Region Research Center, Doctor of History, Professor Qi Xiaoyan;
- Director of the Li Bo Center for the Study of Literature, History, Archaeology, and Ethnology at Hebei Normal University, Professor Cheng Hong;
- Statistician of the Shanghai Electrical Machinery Manufacturing Company Yu Xuzuan;
- Vice-Rector for Research at KNU Kamchybek Uulu Myrzabek;
- Director of the Institute of History and Regional Studies of KNU Kushubekov Alymbek;
- Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Relations Keldibekov Baktybek;
- Director of the Research Center for Literature, History, Archeology and Ethnology named after Li Bo Kozhokulov Sadyrbek.
