Ties That Bind: China honors the legacies of Hungarian architect Laszlo Hudec and poet Sandor Petofi
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China and Hungary celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. In this episode of "Ties That Bind," our reporter Cen Ziyuan discovers how Hungarian culture has left its mark on Shanghai. 

CEN ZIYUAN Shanghai "Welcome back to the TIES THAT BIND series. Our mission today is to trace the history of Hungarian cultural influence in Shanghai. Let's get started."

CEN ZIYUAN Shanghai "Liberty and love. These two I must have. For my love, I'll sacrifice my life. For liberty, I'll sacrifice my love. This is a poem written by renowned 19th-century Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi. It was popularized in China by Lu Xun, a writer and literary critic, and leading figure in modern Chinese literature."

This statue in Shanghai's Lu Xun Park was donated by the Hungarian government in 2007 to celebrate the country's long-lasting friendship with China.

CEN ZIYUAN Shanghai "Hungarian-Slovak architect Laszlo Hudec is another European name known to Shanghai residents. He lived in the city for around three decades from 1918 and designed more than 60 buildings here. I am meeting up with Bence, who is from Hungary and currently studying in China. Together, we explore some of Hudec's designs."

CEN ZIYUAN, CGTN Reporter "How long have you been in China?"

CEN ZIYUAN CGTN Reporter "I know you've been to Shanghai many times and are well aware of the Hudec's architecture in the city. Why is this building so unique?"

CEN ZIYUAN CGTN Reporter "It is your fifth year in China. Name one of your personal highlights."

In 1933, Hudec designed the Grand Cinema. He was seen as a pioneer of Art Deco in China, a style that influenced architecture and design around the world. The Park Hotel right next to the cinema is another city landmark designed by Hudec. It was Shanghai's tallest building for more than five decades.

BENCE LENGYEL, Postgraduate Student, Renmin University of China "I think he is truly inspirational and I am happy that I can share the same cultural heritage as him. I think his own idea and designs is what makes him so famous in Shanghai."

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