Ancient capitals across Eurasia deepen China-Serbia friendship

As one of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Serbia shares a long-standing friendship with China. In October 1980, Beijing and Belgrade officially established a sister-city relationship, opening a new chapter in cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two historic capitals across Eurasia.

Over the past four decades, Beijing and Belgrade have strengthened cooperation in culture and tourism, building closer connections through shared history, natural beauty and vibrant traditions. Beijing, embraced by the Yanshan Mountains and the Yongding River, is home to such world-renowned heritage sites as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, showcasing the depth of Chinese civilization. Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade reflects layers of Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, with landmarks such as the Belgrade Fortress and the Church of Saint Sava standing as symbols of its diverse cultural heritage.

Cultural exchanges between the two cities have continued to flourish. Chinese intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, symphony orchestra performances and traditional brand showcases have been presented in Belgrade, while Serbian folk art, cultural products and Balkan music have appeared in Beijing's 798 Art District. The establishment of the Serbian Cultural Center in Beijing has further expanded mutual understanding, allowing traditions such as Tai Chi, calligraphy and guzheng music to interact with Serbian folk customs and artistic expression.

Since China and Serbia introduced mutual visa-free travel in 2017, people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly convenient. China has grown into one of Serbia's largest sources of tourists, while a growing number of Serbian visitors are eager to explore Beijing's rich history and cultural landmarks. Supported by the Confucius institutes and various exchange programs, the two cities have also expanded cooperation in the fields of education, sports, youth activities and international forums, further deepening friendship among their peoples.

Today, Beijing and Belgrade continue to build bridges between China and Central and Eastern European countries. Through cultural dialogue and tourism cooperation, the two ancient capitals are bringing renewed vitality to cross-cultural exchanges and showcasing the enduring charm of civilizations connected across mountains and seas.