Cheboksary hosted the II Forum of universities of the Volga Federal District (Russian Federation) and the provinces of the Upper and Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (People’s Republic of China). 35 representatives from 17 Chinese universities and more than 30 representatives from 23 Russian universities of the Volga Federal District took part in it.
On May 23, delegations from Russian and Chinese universities visited I.Yakovlev Chuvash State Pedagogical University (CHSPU).
The Forum participants attended the Center for Chinese Language and Culture, which operates at CHSPU. It was launched 5 years ago and since that time it has been actively involved in educational work and dissemination of information about China, its history, culture and national traditions among the people of Chuvashia. The Center also hosts Chinese language courses for students and schoolchildren and promotes scientific research in the field of Sinology and Bichurin studies.
The guests of the university had an opportunity to attend a lesson of the Russian language for exchange students from Guizhou Pedagogical University (China). During a meeting later that day, the Chinese exchange students shared their impressions about the specifics of studying in Russia with the Forum participants.
The delegation attended the I.Yakovlev Museum located at the university and took a particular interest in the huge collection of unique exhibits (there are more than 2,690 items in the main fund) and the personal library of the Chuvash Enlightener, numbering 1,904 books. Margarita Illarionova, Head of the Museum, told the guests about the life and work of I. Yakovlev, whose name the university bears, his contribution to the development of the Chuvash culture and education.
In addition, the Forum participants attended an exhibition of paintings by Irina Ryazantseva, member of the Union of Artists of the Russian Federation, Honored Educational Worker of the Chuvash Republic, Professor of CHSPU. The guests were also impressed by the exhibition Through Orthodox Faith – to Good Education dedicated to the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II, and got acquainted with exhibits of literature about China and works of Chinese exchange students studying at I.Yakovlev CHSPU.
The university guests had a wonderful opportunity to watch the performance of the folklore ensemble Juraj Checheke (Beautiful Flower) whose members sang folk songs in the Chuvash and Russian languages. Zinaida Kozlova, head of the ensemble, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, briefed the Forum participants about the history and features of the Chuvash folk costume.
Professor Vladimir Ivanov, President of I.Yakovlev Chuvash State Pedagogical University, had an official meeting with Professor Van Mini, President of Sichuan Pedagogical University. The prospect of signing a cooperation agreement and student exchange were two major topics under discussion.

Photos by E. Isaeva and T. Kugatkina