The program "China Year in Russia," wrapped up last month. But the program set up by the Chinese and Russian governments continues to reap rewards as cultural ties between the two countries grow stronger.  

Fifty-year-old Wei Dehan has been studying Chinese culture for thirty years. He was among the first Russians to open a Chinese tea house in Moscow. That was in 1995. He also teaches Chinese language and Tai Chi.

During the "China Year in Russia", Wei Dehan launched a Russian magazine introducing Chinese culture, custom and scenery. It's well received among local readers. The magazine covered most of the 200 events during the the year-long cultural exchange program. Those events ranged from stage performances to the opening ceremony of the Confucius Institute.

Wei Dehan drives to his teahouse in downtown Moscow every day. Business at the teahouse is booming, step by step with the growing interest among local people in Chinese culture. A girl called Linna wants a job at the teahouse. She is a Chinese language major. She's looking for a long term career to capitalize those language skills.

(CCTV.com)