#Brussels #Jiangsu #Belgium #Chinese culture #Brussels Festival

Celebrating Chinese Culture in Brussels: A Cultural Encounter

On Tuesday, June 13, 2025, Brussels witnessed the grand opening of the festival titled “An Encounter with Chinese Culture: Jiangsu Week of the Grand Canal Culture.” This event was organized by the Jiangsu province of China and warmly embraced by both local residents and culture experts. The festival forms part of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, celebrated in 2025. The festival is jointly organized by China’s Permanent Mission to the EU, the Jiangsu Provincial Government Information Office, and the Jiangsu International Cultural Association.

The opening ceremony was a vivid tableau showcasing the marriage of Jiangsu’s Wuxi Opera with the surreal artistry of Belgium, performed by both Chinese and Belgian artists. This collaboration was a striking representation of how cultural exchanges can transcend borders, bringing together a rich tapestry of shared heritage and artistic expression.

Visual Storytelling with Sand Art

During the ceremony, the renowned sand artist He Liping captivated the audience with an eight-meter-long sand painting. The left side of the artwork illustrated Belgium with enchanting silhouettes of Bruges, vibrant poppy fields, and whimsical Smurf characters in front of the Atomium, along with notable figures such as Tintin displayed at the Grand Place. On the right side, the painting symbolically portrayed the culture of the Grand Canal, complete with images of Changzhou and Wuxi, the picturesque Jiangsu landscape, giant pandas, and ancient bridges amidst blossoming cherry trees. This artistic portrayal not only provided a feast for the eyes but also communicated the essence of both cultures harmoniously.

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Tradition

Cao Weiping, a master of tea snacks from Changzhou, shared insights into preparing traditional dishes during the opening and subsequent festival activities. “The history of tea snacks dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when tea drinking became popular among both intellectuals and common people, naturally leading to the emergence of snacks to accompany tea. We can confidently say that our tea snacks boast a tradition of over 1400 years; they are crafted from simple ingredients and artistically shaped to reflect various fruits depending on the season,” she explained. Her presentation gave audience members an authentic taste of Jiangsu’s culinary heritage while elaborating on the deep-rooted traditions that these snacks embody.

Cultural Appreciation through Music

Spanish violinist Marina Martin, who attended the “Millennial Canal - Charms of Jiangsu” exhibition, expressed her fascination with traditional Chinese instruments, particularly the erhu, a two-stringed instrument. “I was enchanted by the violin concerto ‘Lovers’ Butterflies’ when I first heard it,” she recalled about her previous trips to China. “I believe music knows no borders, and such events truly help different peoples appreciate each other’s cultures.” Her insights reflect the universal language of music and its power to connect individuals regardless of their backgrounds.

The festival is more than just a celebration; it serves as a bridge fostering mutual respect and admiration between China and its European partners. As the festivities continue, the hopes are high that such cultural interactions will further ignite curiosity and admiration for the diverse tapestries that both cultures have to offer. Through art, culinary experiences, and shared stories, the festival stands as a testament to the richness of Chinese culture and the harmonious bond it seeks to establish with Belgium and beyond.