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When Uwe Kräuter arrived in Beijing in 1974 for what he thought would be a two-year job, he never imagined becoming a living bridge between China and Europe for half a century. Now celebrating his 50th year in the country, the German cultural ambassador sat down with us to share his extraordinary story.
From Heidelberg to Beijing
Inspired by his grandfather's tales of China, Kräuter jumped at a chance to work at Beijing's Foreign Languages Press through university friends. “Everything felt different at first,” he recalls, “but I was always met with warmth.”
Breaking Cultural Barriers
Kräuter made history in the 1980s by translating and touring Europe with China's iconic play Teahouse—its first overseas performance. “We became heroes overnight,” he laughs, describing standing ovations across 14 German cities.
Love Against the Odds
In 1984, when cross-border marriages were rare, Kräuter secretly wed Chinese actress Shen Danping. “We had to be brave,” he smiles, recalling their whirlwind romance. Their union became a symbol of cultural connection.
Witnessing a Transformation
From bicycles to bullet trains, Kräuter has seen China’s modernization firsthand. “What hasn’t changed is people’s curiosity,” he notes. “We’re growing closer every day—that’s the real success story.”
Uwe Kräuter’s 50-Year Journey Bridging China & the World 
“Everything felt different at first,” he recalls, “but I was always met with warmth.”
“We became heroes overnight,” he laughs, describing standing ovations across 14 German cities.
“We had to be brave,” he smiles, recalling their whirlwind romance. Their union became a symbol of cultural connection.
“What hasn’t changed is people’s curiosity,” he notes. “We’re growing closer every day—that’s the real success story.”
