Belgrade’s rich history and cultural influences have shaped its diverse architectural heritage, which encompasses a unique blend of styles including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modernist. Interestingly, the city also boasts an authentic Chinese house, stunning its visitors and sparking intrigue about its origin.

In the 1920s or 1930s, a wealthy Serbian tradesman was so enamored by a beautiful house he saw in China that he had it dismantled, shipped to Serbia, and reassembled. Today, this unique structure in Belgrade’s neighborhood of Dedinje houses the Belt and Road Institute, located at Tolstojeva Street No. 23.
If you’re just passing by, you might not easily spot it due to the tall fence. However, if you’re tall enough, you can still catch a glimpse of it from the street.
@beinbelgrade In Belgrade you can see an authentic Chinese house that a wealthy Serbian tradesman shipped all the way from China in 1920s/1930s. Today it houses the Belt and Road Institute. The location is Tolstojeva Street No.23 in Dedinje neighborhood. #china #serbia #chinesehouse #belgrade #chinesearchitecture #dedinje ♬ hendriksvibes – hendriksvibes
“We have very little information and encourage anyone with knowledge about the architecture, calligraphy, and symbols featured on the house to contact us,” stated Bojan Lalić, the director of the Belt and Road Institute, in an interview with the Serbian news agency Tanjug. He emphasized that the building is an original from China, not a replica. He also mentioned that all visitors are surprised when they see the house.

The Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade was established with the aim of facilitating business, academic, and cultural cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia, providing all necessary assistance in overcoming trade and cultural barriers.
Chinese tourists are expected to drive a significant increase in Serbia’s tourism sector. Additionally, in May 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his first European tour in five years, selecting Belgrade as one of only three European capitals to visit on that occasion.
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