Chinese Cultural Market Transforms Zappeion into Athens’ New Cultural Landmark
Mid-Autumn Chinese Cultural Market
On September 13–14, 2025, the jacaranda-lined walkway in front of the historic Zappeion Hall in Athens was transformed into a vibrant “Chinese Cultural Market,” drawing thousands of visitors over two unforgettable days. Organized by the Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival, the event turned central Athens into a lively hub of cultural exchange — where the colors, sounds, and aromas of China met the elegance of Europe.
This creative cultural showcase followed the great success of May’s Immersive Chinese Creative Market and represented another milestone in the Festival’s ongoing mission to bring Chinese culture closer to everyday Greek life. Through performances, exhibitions, interactive experiences, and cultural consultations, the event presented a multidimensional portrait of China — rich, diverse, and full of vitality.
The stage area became a highlight of the weekend, with members of the Sino-Hellenic Performing Arts Alliance Athens Troupe presenting an impressive lineup of Chinese dances. From graceful classical routines to lively ethnic performances and elegant qipao and opera-inspired dances, each piece celebrated the depth and diversity of Chinese artistic expression. A special exhibition of traditional ethnic costumes drew large crowds, giving audiences a vivid glimpse of China’s 56 ethnic groups and their harmonious coexistence.
Local children also joined in the festivities, donning traditional Chinese outfits and taking to the stage to sing and dance. Their spontaneous performances delighted the audience and embodied the spirit of cross-cultural friendship. Chinese community members living in Greece also participated enthusiastically — performing music, opera, and dance pieces such as At Last, Under the Next Corner, and Wishing on the Moon. The crowd was especially thrilled by a Peking opera performance, with many Greek spectators asking in surprise, “Was that live singing?”
The event’s musical program was equally diverse, featuring guitar, violin, pipa, ocarina, and martial arts demonstrations, as well as a drama performance by students from the Alliance’s Youth Theatre Class. The result was a dazzling portrait of talent, creativity, and cultural harmony — a perfect reflection of the Chinese community’s energy and contribution to Greek cultural life.
Beyond the performances, the interactive experience zone drew long lines of visitors eager to try traditional Chinese activities such as calligraphy, paper cutting, hanfu dressing, and the ancient “pitch-pot” game. A three-meter-tall panda mascot became the star of the event — posing for photos with endless crowds and sparking laughter and joy. “Meeting a panda in Athens — that’s the best surprise of the day!” exclaimed one visitor.
Exhibition booths offered not only cultural displays but also practical information. The Air China booth introduced the latest direct flights between Athens and Beijing, along with China’s 30-day visa-free policy for Greek citizens, exciting many locals eager to travel. The Fenjiu booth invited guests to taste China’s famous baijiu, impressing first-time tasters with its rich aroma and depth. Meanwhile, the Huaxin Chinese School showcased its teaching achievements and offered trial lessons, inspiring many young Greeks to begin learning Chinese.
Over 50 volunteers — including second-generation Chinese-Greek youth fluent in Greek and newly arrived immigrants — contributed to the market’s success, ensuring a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The market also became a meaningful gathering point for the overseas Chinese community, fostering pride, belonging, and a renewed sense of cultural connection.
“The Chinese Cultural Market is not just a festival,” said Ms. Wang Wanping, Director of the Sino-Hellenic Performing Arts Alliance. “It’s a bridge between civilizations — a space where people can touch, feel, and experience Chinese culture firsthand.”
As part of the Festival’s mission to deepen China–Greece cultural ties, the event once again proved the power of art and community to bring cultures closer together. From the blooming jacarandas of Zappeion to the upcoming grand performance Tiangong Kaiwu Το Έπος της Κίνας at the Athens Christmas Theater this November, the Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival continues to build a living dialogue between civilizations — one performance, one market, one smile at a time.
