Bridges among cultures are not supported by iron, wooden or concrete pillars. Understanding between two people from different cultures, regions and customs also requires more than just a common language or a good interpreter. A necessary condition for turning a dialogue of two strangers into a dialogue of two friends is common reference points – to future plans, current challenges or past experiences. One can hardly find a better substitute for culture – culture through which people of one country present themselves to the people of another country –  when looking for something that, inadvertently, creates a common bond of whose existence we often barely know. 

The most successful promulgator of Czech culture in China is, without a doubt, the Little Mole (Krteček). For many Chinese people, this small animated figure is the only thing they know about the Czech Republic. And one has to admit that, even fifty years after he “dug” his way up to the surface and saw the light of day for the first time, he continues to make us proud. This animated character speaks to the Chinese of all generations without any of the aggression or silliness of his younger colleagues. He is the longest serving Czech Ambassador in China – and it is the Monkey King which plays a similar role in the Czech Republic. Which one of today’s 30-somethings would not know the TV series which in the nineties occupied the screens of Czech Television. And if one’s cultural knowledge goes beyond the TV screen, they would surely know the art of Zdeněk Sklenář, who is well-known even in China and to whom the Monkey King provided life-long inspiration.

Liu Xiaon is more than just an actor who portrayed this legendary figure in two parts of the TV series. His identity has forever been marked by the role of the Monkey King. And because he took on only the good aspects of Sun Wukong’s personality and leaves his hotheadedness to the fictional character, it is always very pleasant to talk with him about the current state of Chinese culture and society as a whole and discuss the preparations for His Excellency’s trip to the Czech Republic.