German sinologist's third visit to Mount Tai facilitates cultural understanding

Wolfgang Kubin (middle), a German poet, translator and well-known sinologist visits Mount Tai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wolfgang Kubin, a German poet, translator and well-known sinologist, was invited to visit Mount Tai in Tai'an, Shandong province from April 23 to 24.

According to Kubin, this trip deepened his understanding of Chinese culture. It was his third visit to the famous Chinese mountain. He said that he went to Mount Tai in 1981 and 2002, and each visit inspired him to write stories about the site and Chinese culture. And this time, he learned more about the mountain's cultural essence from experts' introductions.

Kubin was invited by the committee of the Mount Tai library program. The program, supported by the Mount Tai scenic area management committee, collects and publishes relevant materials and books.

Kubin was also invited to give a lecture about Chinese and European literati's different views on nature at Taishan University on April 25.

Kubin fell in love with China, and especially the great Chinese poet Li Bai, when he heard an English version of a Li Bai poem in 1967. Since then, he has been to many Chinese places to follow Li Bai's footprints and study Chinese culture.

Besides, he has contributed to Sino-German communications by training Chinese and German interpreters, translators and diplomats. He won the Johann Heinrich Voss Award for Translation, the highest honor for translators in Germany, and the Chinese Government Friendship Award issued by China's State Council.

Inspired by his third trip to Mount Tai, Kubin said he planned to write a book about his favorite Chinese poet, Li Bai, and Mount Tai, which motivated Li Bai. The mountain will be included as an important part of the book, and he expects to visit it once more next year for further cooperation with the Mount Tai library program committee.

Wolfgang Kubin poses for a photo on the top of Mount Tai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]