With the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, and at the invitation of the China Cultural Center in Belgrade, a delegation from the National Museum of China's Calligraphy and Painting Institute, comprising experts Zhao Jianjun, Tan Fei, and Fan Li, along with Chen Yiyi from the International Department, visited Serbia from 22 to 27 July 2025. The visit aimed to deepen cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Serbia, promote the "Hello, China" tourism brand, and mark the 70 years of China-Serbia friendship. The trip formed part of a series of on-site creation projects celebrating this important milestone.
During their trip, the delegation engaged in extensive field visits and cultural exchanges with Chinese enterprises operating in Serbia, injecting artistic vitality into the "ironclad friendship" between the two nations through concrete actions. The visit also served as preparation for the "Painting Exhibition Celebrating 70 Years of China-Serbia Friendship" to be held at the China Cultural Center in Belgrade this October, providing valuable inspiration and materials for the artworks to be featured.
On 25 July, the Institute's experts delivered an academic lecture and artist dialogue at the Cultural Center. The lecture, themed on the motif of "Travel" in traditional Chinese painting, guided audiences through celebrated landscapes depicted in classic works, from the Fuchun Mountains and West Lake's Ten Views to the peculiar pines of Mt. Huangshan, the cascading waterfalls of Mt. Lushan, and the ever-changing vistas of classical gardens. By exploring scenic landmarks that appear repeatedly in masterpieces, the lecture offered an immersive "journey through paintings" to appreciate China's natural beauty and cultural depth, vividly revealing the stories and cultural imagery embedded in ancient artworks. The presentation sparked great interest among Serbian audiences in Chinese culture.
Following the lecture, Chinese and Serbian artists engaged in in-depth dialogue under the theme "Civilizational Roots and Paths of Mutual Learning," discussing ways to expand new avenues for cultural exchanges and mutual learning.
This cultural exchange program enhanced Serbian audiences' understanding of traditional Chinese culture and fostered greater cultural appreciation and friendship between the two nations. It also highlighted the mission and responsibility of the artists of the NMC's Calligraphy and Painting Institute in transmitting China's cultural legacy and advancing intercultural dialogue.