European Culture Street Comes to Hangzhou

From April 17 to 18, 2026, the European Union brought a vibrant celebration of European culture to the people of Hangzhou. The Delegation of the European Union to China, in collaboration with all 27 EU Member States, co-hosted the 2026 European Culture Street with Hangzhou Foreign Affairs Office at Qianjiang New City, Hangzhou.

Under the theme "One Street, Many Stories", the one-and-a-half-day event offered visitors an immersive journey across Europe, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the EU through interactive booths, live stage performances, an EU Geographical Indications (GI) exhibition, and hands-on activities for all ages. The event also served as a platform for cultural dialogue and people-to-people exchanges between Europe and China, and visitors explored European Culture through interactive experience and lively exchanges.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Mattias Lentz, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to China, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening EU-China relations: “Since its launch in 2017, European Culture Street has become one of the signature initiatives of the European Union’s cultural diplomacy in China, from Beijing to Shanghai, from Guangzhou to Chengdu.  It has brought together audiences of all ages to celebrate the diversity, creativity and cultural heritage of Europe. It has also become a vibrant platform for dialogue and mutual understanding, key elements of the EU–China people-to-people relationship.“

European Union, 2026

[Image caption: Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to China addressing the audience at the opening ceremony]

H.E. Ms. Koula Sophianou, Ambassador of Cyprus – the country holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union – also addressed the audience, stating: "This theme “One Street, Many Stories.” reflects perfectly the essence of Europe itself — a mosaic of cultures, traditions and histories, united by shared values and a common vision — a vision of peace, equality and respect for our fundamental values. The European Union’s motto, “United in Diversity,” captures this spirit. It reminds us that diversity is not a source of division, but a source of strength, creativity and resilience."

European Union, 2026

Mr. Xing Huidong, Member of the CPC Leadership Group of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, Executive Vice President of Zhejiang Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, attended the opening ceremony and noted: "It (The European Culture Street) creates a bridge for the people of Zhejiang to experience and learn about Europe‘s multicultural richness. This is not only a vivid reflection of the deepening people-to-people exchanges between Zhejiang and EU Member States, but also an important opportunity for Zhejiang to strengthen cooperation with Europe and expand international exchanges. It will undoubtedly help our friendship continue to grow through mutual learning and engagement."

European Union, 2026

European Union, 2026

[Image caption: Dignitaries from the EU and Hangzhou at the opening ceremony]

Diplomats from EU Member States – including Ambassadors, Consuls General, and senior officials from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the European Union – attended the event and engaged warmly with visitors at their respective booths.

The 2026 European Culture Street also collaborated with Zhejiang International Studies University, whose student volunteers contributed significantly to the smooth operation of the event, assisting with visitor guidance, interactive activities, and information services.

Highlights of the Event

• 27 EU Member State Booths: Each booth offered a unique window into the culture, traditions, and creativity of its country. Visitors explored traditional crafts, sampled local delicacies, and engaged in conversations with diplomats and booth staff.
• Live Stage Performances: Nearly 9 hours of live music across one and a half days filled the air with jazz, rock, classical, and folk melodies, bringing a festive springtime atmosphere to Hangzhou.
• EU Geographical Indications (GI) Exhibition: Under the theme "Taste Tradition, Guard the Origin", visitors discovered authentic European food and drink products protected under the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications, each with a story rooted in its place of origin.
• Interactive Zone & Passport Game: Visitors collected stamps from 29 booths including 27 Member States, European Union and the GI in their European Culture Street Passport, turning their journey into a fun and interactive experience.
• Green Initiatives: The event integrated sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable materials, waste sorting guidance, and a "cycle for popcorn" interactive activity that promoted green living in a fun and engaging way.

European Union, 2026

[Image caption: Visitors engaging with EU Member State booths]

European Union, 2026

[Image caption: Stage performance at the European Culture Street]

European Union, 2026

[Image caption: Visitors participating in the passport stamping game]

The 2026 European Culture Street reaffirmed the EU’s enduring commitment to cultural dialogue and people-to-people exchanges with China. By fostering spaces for interaction, creativity, and shared experiences, the event vividly brought European culture to life in the heart of Hangzhou.

The European Culture Street is a flagship event of the EU Delegation’s ongoing ‘EUPOP’ public and cultural outreach project, managed by the EU’s Foreign Policy Instruments service.