On April 24, 2026, during the KRONACH leuchtet 2026, Consul General Qiu Xuejun received an interview with Ms. Uli Noll of Radio EINS - the local radio station for Coburg, Kronach and Lichtenfels in Oberfranken, Bavaria.
Q: How did you get to know the KRONACH leuchtet?
A: I have heard the Kronach Light Festival (KRONACH leuchtet) from my colleagues at the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, and many of my colleagues have visited Kronach and attended the Festival before. I have learned that theFestival started twenty years ago. It has become well known not only in Germany but internationally as well and it has attracted many tourists at home and abroad. I very much forward to coming for a visit and this time I am happy to be able to make it.
Q: What is your impression of the Festival?
A: I myself and my colleagues are deeply impressed with the festival and with all the artworks and light installations here on display. They are very interesting and attractive. Many international artists and students participate in the Festival, making it a very good occasion for cultural exchanges.
Q:Did you see something that isparticularly impressive for you?
A: Through display boards, information brochures andvideo playing, I have learned and am impressed with the history from the 14th century till present about Kronach, and the life of historical figures in this region, especially the famous artist Lucas Cranach the Elder during the Renaissance era. This is a very good way to show people the history of this town.A lot of veryserious subjectsare being discussed through the work of artists. They have expressed their thoughtover many important issues, such as history and the present, war and peace, nature and mankind, truth and falsehood. These works are thought-provoking and help people in thinkingdeeply about the world.
Q: How would you say to other people to go to Kronach and look at Leuchtet ?
A: I encourage Chinese tourists to come to Kronach and visit the Light Festival and it will be a very valuable experience for them. And I encourage Germans to go to China as well.
President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative in 2023, which advocates for respect for the diversity of world civilizations, advocates the common values of all mankind, advocates for inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and advocates for strengthening international cultural exchanges and cooperation. China has adopted the Visa free policy for German tourists for up to one month. We should encourage two way exchange of visits between Chinese and German people, which will help deepening mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.