Established in 2018, China Stage is a platform dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and building lasting connections between the Balkan countries and China. Among the many distinguished artists presented through the series was Yuja Wang, whose five performances at KotorArt Festival marked one of its early highlights. Since then, China Stage has developed into a meaningful framework for cultural dialogue, aligned with the spirit of the One Belt, One Road initiative. 

• Scale & Reach: More than 100 renowned and emerging Chinese artists have performed across the Balkans, presenting programs ranging from classical and jazz to world music, traditional Chinese repertoire, and musicals for children. Likewise, distinguished artists and ensembles from various Balkan countries have brought their music to China, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange between the two regions.

• Audience: Thousands of international visitors in Montenegro have attended China Stage programs, while reciprocal tours and presentations across China have strengthened visibility for Balkan artists.

• Partners & Support: Collaborations include leading Chinese and international institutions such as the China Shanghai International Arts Festival and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, the Shanghai Foreign Culture Exchange Association, Shanghai Orient Culture Business Co. Ltd, Overseas Education Exchange Center, Global Intercultural Performing Arts Cast, Gao Zheng Zhi Research Institute, Yangzhou University, cultural tourism partners in Wuxi and Hefei, and many others.

Exchange & Professional Collaboration

China Stage is not limited to concerts. It also enables professional exchange through masterclasses, lectures, workshops, and competitions. Highlights include the final stage of the Ciao International Competition hosted in Montenegro in 2023, and presentations at ChinaSPAF and the Silk Road Festival Network, where Balkan and Chinese professionals exchange knowledge and build partnerships.

Future Outlook

China Stage continues to grow as a bridge between Asia and Europe, with plans for joint commissions, co-productions, and summer tours for Chinese artists across the Western Balkans. One of the most important outcomes of this collaboration is the establishment of the Balkan–China Foundation in 2025, dedicated to nurturing long-term cultural relations and artistic exchanges between the two regions.