Celebrating Chinese Culture in Brussels: The Grand Canal Culture Week

On June 13, 2025, Brussels welcomed an exciting event titled "An Encounter with Chinese Culture: Grand Canal Culture Week from Jiangsu." This celebration marked a significant milestone in the 50-year diplomatic relationship between China and the European Union, drawing cultural enthusiasts and experts from both regions.

The opening ceremony featured a stunning blend of Jiangsu’s Wuxi Opera intertwined with Belgian surrealist art, presented by a collaboration of talented artists from China and Belgium. This fusion not only showcased the traditional art forms of Jiangsu but also highlighted the creativity and uniqueness of Belgian surrealism.

He Liping, a renowned artist, captivated the audience with a live sand art performance, creating an eight-meter composition that depicted both the charm of Belgium and the cultural richness of Jiangsu. On the left side, she illustrated the fairytale atmosphere of Bruges, red kites, blooming poppies, Smurfs near the Atomium, Tintin at Grand Place, along with symbols of the European Union. On the right, she depicted Jiangsu’s canal culture, featuring cities like Changzhou and Wuxi, surrounded by cherry blossoms, giant pandas, and ancient bridges.

The enchanting visuals were complemented by Cao Weiping, a Changzhou-based artist specializing in tea snacks, who demonstrated the art of preparing these traditional delicacies. She explained, "Tea snacks have their origins in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a time when tea became popular among scholars and common people alike, leading to a demand for special snacks. This tradition now spans over 1400 years and relies on everyday ingredients, intricately carved into shapes representing different fruits suitable for each season."

The event also welcomed Spanish violinist Marina Martin, who expressed her fascination with a display titled "Millennia Canal, The Magic of Jiangsu," which showcased a variety of Chinese instruments, including the traditional erhu. "The first time I listened to the violin concerto 'The Butterflies in Love,' I was mesmerized," she recalled, reminiscing about her previous visits to China. "I believe music transcends boundaries, and such events foster mutual appreciation and understanding between diverse cultures."

In addition to performances and exhibits, the week-long event will feature workshops, culinary experiences, and seminars designed to deepen the cultural exchange between the two regions. Attendees can look forward to interactive sessions that allow them to learn directly from artists and chefs, providing a rich, immersive experience of Jiangsu’s cultural heritage.

Celebrating the enduring connection between China and Europe, the Grand Canal Culture Week emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange in building bridges between nations. Both regions can expect this event to enrich their understanding of one another, creating lasting connections through shared arts and traditions. The fusion of Jiangsu’s heritage with Belgian creativity illustrates the potential for collaboration in today’s globalized world.

As this cultural celebration unfolds in Brussels, it illuminates not only the historical ties between China and the EU but also the shared journey towards a future where cultural diversity is celebrated and cherished. The Grand Canal Culture Week is poised to be a memorable experience for all.