A Gateway to the World: Reading Event Held in Germany
Recently, with support from the Information Office of the People’s Government of Qingdao, the A Gateway to the World (German edition: Ein Tor zur Welt: Qingdaos Aufstieg aus persönlicher Sicht) reading event was successfully held in Mannheim, Germany.
The event aimed to provide the German public with a clearer and more multidimensional understanding of Qingdao, while strengthening friendship and cultural exchange between China and Germany. Wu Pengfei, Deputy Consul General at the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt, and Dr. Norbert Egger, former First Deputy Mayor of Mannheim and honorary citizen of Qingdao, attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt, Wu expressed sincere respect to Dr. Egger, describing him as an old friend of the Chinese people. He noted that over the years, Dr. Egger has consistently promoted China–Germany friendship through genuine goodwill and concrete actions. His efforts have helped many Germans better understand China and its culture, contributing significantly to local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. Wu expressed hope that China–Germany friendship would continue across generations, inspiring young people to work together for a more peaceful and prosperous world through exchange, cooperation, and mutual learning.
Dr. Egger shared the inspiration behind writing A Gateway to the World. He explained that he has been fascinated by Chinese culture since his student days, but observed that China is often viewed through a Western lens in Germany and Europe. His goal, therefore, was to use his own experiences to present the real China — and the real Qingdao — to German readers. The book highlights Qingdao’s German connections, its history, culture, tourism, economy, science, urban development, transportation, and social progress. During the event, Dr. Egger also showcased photos from his many visits to Qingdao, illustrating the city’s rapid and transformative development.
The event also featured displays of Qingdao’s cityscape, postcards, and promotional materials. These visual elements gave participants a vivid impression of Qingdao’s beauty — red-tiled roofs, green trees, blue seas, and clear skies — as well as the unique charm of a modern, international metropolis.
Source: City of Qingdao
