Cultural Relations and Greek Community

Cultural relations between Greece and China are founded on the mutual respect that exists between the two ancient and important cultures represented by the two countries. Greek-Chinese bilateral cultural relations are based on the Cultural Cooperation Agreement in effect and the relevant Cultural Exchange Programmes.

Of particular importance is the study of Greek letters and language at Chinese Universities and Institutes (Chair of Modern Greek at the University of Shanghai, Centre of Greek Studies at the University of Peking, and a Greek Language Department at Beijing Foreign Studies University). The Universities of Athens and Peking have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Ahead of the establishment of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Athens, China’s most notable educational/cultural presence in our country is the Confucius Institute for the study of the Chinese language, within the framework of the Economic University of Athens. 

The Holy Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia – under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate – is based in Hong Kong.

The Greek side is intent on increasing Chinese interest in Greece as a tourism destination. In recent years, a number of initiatives (filming of documentaries of Greece as a tourist destination, group tours by Chinese journalists of selected resorts) have been taken and are beginning to bear fruit.