The recently built China Cultural Center in Belgrade has opened to the public, becoming a new hub for mutual exchange and learning about Chinese culture, drawing local visitors and Chinese working and living there.
The center is jointly built by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the provincial government of Shandong to foster deeper connections between China and Serbia. It offers classes on Chinese language, traditional Chinese musical instruments, Chinese calligraphy, and Tai Chi.
Wang Jun, CEO of a Chinese company, Long Ding Sheng Group, has been doing business in Serbia since 1998, operating a hotel and restaurant here. He explained that both his life and business in Belgrade have greatly benefited from the growing ties between the two countries over the past decade.
"Before 2010, doing business here was not very stable, with the biggest instability being our inability to obtain permanent residency. In the past decade, these restrictions have gradually eased. I feel that both the friendliness of the Serbian people towards us and the business environment here have improved," Wang said.
The China Culture Center stands on Belgrade's Confucius Street, named after the great ancient Chinese philosopher and educator.
Covering an area of 6,000 square meters, the center's construction began in 2017. Its building blends distinctive Chinese cultural elements into its design, with the exterior reflecting traditional artistry inspired by the works of a renowned ancient Chinese landscape painter.
Inside the building, a grand floral painting titled "A Prosperous and Peaceful Time" greets visitors, symbolizing harmony and growth and making the center a new emblem of friendship between China and Serbia.
Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade a new hub for Sino-Serbian connections
