Ms. Солдат Татjана at the Serbian Cultural Center in Beijing

Serbia, a bright pearl of the Balkan Peninsula, is not only the homeland of Nikola Tesla, the father of alternating current, but also the host of the renowned EXIT Festival, hailed as one of Europe’s top music events. Rich in history and vibrant with cultural diversity, Serbia offers a unique blend of the ancient and modern, the traditional and exotic.

Today, the Serbian Cultural Center in Beijing brings this dynamic cultural legacy to life in China. Visitors can enjoy authentic Serbian coffee, explore a vast collection of Serbian literature, history, and art, and participate in regular exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings. Ms. Солдат Татjана, Director of the Center, shared her reflections on the center’s mission and the future of China-Serbia cultural exchange.

Interview

798arts: How do you feel about the Serbian Cultural Center's work in Beijing?

Татjана: The atmosphere in 798 Art District is incredible—vibrant, diverse, and full of cultural vitality. We often welcome visitors from countries like Ukraine, Germany, Italy, and Argentina, all curious about Serbian culture. However, most of our audience is Chinese. That’s why I insist that all our exhibitions and performances include Chinese translations—to truly share and respect our culture here.

Moving into 798 gave us a new home. We hope to make it even more dynamic and welcoming, so more people will visit. For many tourists, 798 is a must-see destination in Beijing.

Book corner of the Serbian Cultural Center in Beijing

798arts: What inspired you to study Chinese and come to China?

Татjана: I was influenced by my parents and developed a deep affection for China early on. I began studying Chinese in university. With the rise of the Belt and Road Initiative, Serbia now has a strong need for Chinese translators. I came to China in the 1990s and have lived here since. My daughter also grew up here. The deep-rooted “ironclad friendship” between our countries truly continues across generations.

Serbian and Chinese cultures share much in common—respect for family, a strong sense of roots, and similar holiday traditions.

798arts: How have cultural exchanges between China and Serbia evolved over the past decade?

Татjана: Ten years ago, few Serbians knew much about China. Even as Chinese majors, we relied on textbooks. But things have changed—more exchange programs, more performances, and more interest in Chinese culture. Today, it’s common to hear Serbians speaking Chinese. In Belgrade, even street signs often include Chinese characters.

Now, when Serbian artists visit China, they directly engage with Chinese audiences. I believe that people-to-people connection is the foundation of cultural understanding.

Concert at the Serbian Cultural Center in Beijing

798arts: What activities does the Center organize, and what is its mission?

Татjана: Our goal is to offer Chinese friends a diverse selection of Serbian cultural experiences—from traditional and modern visual arts to theater, music, and literature. Most of our programming is recommended by the Serbian Ministry of Culture, which carefully selects works that truly represent our nation.

Serbians are naturally hospitable. When guests come, we want to give them the best. In China, that means showing our best cultural expressions with pride.

798arts: What’s the most important principle in international cultural exchange?

Татjана: Sincerity and directness. Sincerity means wholeheartedly sharing our cultural heritage. Directness means enabling Serbian artists to engage face-to-face with Chinese audiences—to share stories, answer questions, and receive feedback. This direct communication makes cultural exchange much more meaningful and real.