Under the warm Parisian sun, locals gather at the China Cultural Center to practice Tai Chi, guided by Professor Zhou Qingjie from China Foreign Affairs University. As they mimic the slow, flowing movements, they delve into a core aspect of traditional Chinese philosophy—the harmony between humans and nature, known as “Tian Ren He Yi.”
These scenes are becoming more common, reflecting a growing trend of cultural exchange between Chinese and European civilizations. What was once formal diplomacy is now blossoming into everyday interactions that deepen mutual understanding.
From Curiosity to Shared Experiences
Over the past five decades, China-EU relations have been enriched by mutual learning and shared development. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have emerged as a vibrant force in strengthening these ties.
In Berlin, the “LANTING – Chinese Calligraphy Culture Salon” exhibition attracted German visitors eager to explore ancient Chinese art. They didn’t just admire the calligraphy; they picked up brushes to try writing Chinese characters themselves.
At Belgium’s Pairi Daiza Zoo, three rare golden snub-nosed monkeys from China’s Qinling Mountains began a 10-year stay. Eric Domb, the zoo’s founder, likened them to “characters from a modern-day ‘Journey to the West,'” referring to the classic Chinese novel. He sees these monkeys as “ambassadors” of China-EU friendship, highlighting shared values in biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Chinese cultural exports are also resonating with European audiences. The animated blockbuster “Nezha 2” was released in Greece, the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Spain, receiving strong reviews and solid ticket sales. Meanwhile, dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival drew large crowds in several European countries.
A Two-Way Journey of Discovery
This cultural momentum is reflected in the tourism sector. The 2025 Budapest China Tourism and Culture Week kicked off in the Hungarian capital, with officials praising the growing ties. “China has become one of the most important source countries for tourists coming to Hungary,” said Szabolcs Szilágyi of the Hungarian Tourism Agency. Budapest now has direct flights to seven cities in China, serving as a key hub between central and eastern Europe and China.
Switzerland, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with China, is hosting the Switzerland-China Year of Culture and Tourism. Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri expressed hopes of welcoming more Chinese travelers through streamlined visa services and green travel initiatives.
Spain’s Valencia region is also keen to attract Chinese visitors. “We are active on all major Chinese social platforms,” said Miguel Ángel Pérez Alba from Visit Valencia. “We’ve established sister city ties with Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an to deepen people-to-people relations.”
According to industry reports, tourism between China and Europe is robustly recovering. More Europeans are exploring China’s rich history and culture, while Chinese travelers seek personalized and immersive experiences across Europe.
China’s unilateral visa-free policy for 24 EU member states has further boosted exchanges. In 2024 alone, over 97 million trips were made between China and Europe, reinforcing the foundation for bilateral ties and mutual understanding.
Youth Connections Bring Fresh Energy
Youth exchanges are injecting new vitality into China-EU relations. Students from Ireland, France, Germany, and Hungary have been visiting China in increasing numbers, engaging in cultural experiences and forging new friendships. “The visits help our students understand the real China,” said Patrick Egan, a teacher from Ireland’s Rockwell College. His school plans to send 20 students to China each year moving forward.
In 2016, China signed agreements on the mutual recognition of higher education degrees with 19 EU member states, paving the way for more balanced student mobility between China and Europe.
Meanwhile, interest in the Chinese language is booming across Europe. France has over 60 international classes teaching Mandarin in public schools. In Spain, more than 60,000 students are learning Chinese, making it one of the EU’s most enthusiastic adopters of the language.
Building Bridges for the Future
As people-to-people exchanges flourish, they not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen the bonds between China and Europe. Through shared cultural experiences, tourism, and youth connections, both sides are building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation.
These growing ties highlight the importance of mutual respect and open dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world. As more people engage directly with each other’s cultures, the foundation for strong China-EU relations becomes ever more solid.
