China

Tourism

Greece is one of the most attractive tourist destinations for Chinese visitors, mainly due to its long history. In 2019, about 200,000 Chinese tourists visited Greece. In 2018, tourist arrivals from China increased by 30% in comparison with 2017, which was also the case in 2019. Since September 30th2017 a direct flight connection between Beijing and Athens has been established by Air China three times a week. This has contributed to significant increase of arrivals from China.

In order to facilitate visa procedures for Chinese visitors, visa Centers were established in all cities where Greece has either diplomatic or consular mission, as well as in the city of Chengdu.

Furthermore, a visa center for Greek citizens  interested in traveling to China has been set up on 25, Vranas Street, Ellinoroson, 11525, Athens, (+ 30-2106711311)

Educational and Cultural Cooperation

Bilateral cooperation in culture is particularly rich, since Greece and China represent two of the most ancient civilizations in the history of humanity.

2021 had been declared as “Year of Culture and Tourism” between Greece and China and various events had been scheduled in both countries.

In 2017 China was the country of honor in the Thessaloniki International Fair. The year 2017-2018 had been named as “Year of cultural exchanges” between Greece and China, and exhibitions were held respectively in Museums of both countries.

The Greek language is taught in several Universities and Institutions in China, including the Chair of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Shanghai (1972), the Centre of Greek Studies at Beijing University (2001), the Chair of Modern Greek Language at Beijing Foreign Studies University, as well as the Chair of Byzantine Studies at the University of Nankai in Tianjin (1992). In 2015, the Chair of Classical and Modern Greek Studies was established in Tsinghua University in Beijing.

In 2008, the Confucius Institute was established in Athens under the auspices of the Economic University of Athens.

Educational as well as cultural exchanges are strengthened via twinning between Greek and Chinese municipalities. One of the first was the twinning between the cities of Piraeus and Shanghai.

Greeks Abroad

It is estimated that the Greek citizens residing in China (mainly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong) amount to 1,000 persons approximately. The Orthodox  Metropolis of Hong Kong and South East Asia is based in Hong Kong and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Click here for information regarding the visa requirements for Greek citizens who want to travel to China.

Click here for information regarding visa requirements for citizens of China who want to travel to Greece.