Painting exhibition in Brussels to ring in Chinese New Year of Dog

A painting exhibition was held at the China Cultural Center in Brussels, featuring Chinese spring festival-themed art to celebrate the Year of the Dog.

The exhibition presents traditional Chinese paintings, representing many symbolic elements linked to the spring festival, such as good fortune, prosperity, longevity and happiness.

"Since inauguration, the China Cultural Center in Brussels bears on its shoulders the mission to promote Chinese culture. It brings quality Chinese culture to European and Belgium audiences," said Tan Shu, director of China Cultural Center in Brussels, on Thursday.

The exhibition, which lasts until March 2, also presents sculptures designed using special techniques such as fruit pit carving and crystal carving.

The "Bright torch" app uses augmented reality (AR) technology via mobile phone or tablet, making Chinese traditional intangible heritage such as Su embroidery, Yuhang paper umbrella and Yongchun incense come to life.

"Chinese spring festival is the most important festival in the Chinese culture, with lots of century-old traditions. The exhibition provides an opportunity to step into the shoes of the Chinese people getting ready for the spring festival," said Xiao Yeying, director of Shanghai Mass Art Center and director of Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center -- one of the organizers.

Folk culture experiences projects like Chinese knot sachet, Luodian lanterns, Shanghai paper-cutting and Duo Yun Xuan woodblock watermarks allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the homely Chinese New Year's spirit.

In the opening ceremony of the exhibition, performances were held including three a cappella songs by vocal band from Baoshan District, Shanghai.

Yang Jinmei, who moved to Belgium in 1998, often comes to the China Culture Center with her daughter to participate in such events.

"Chinese culture has been closer to us since the center was established. These cultural events make us feel at home. I hope there will be more events for us Chinese settled abroad," she said.