My Chinese day in Brussels

Today you are going to explore the China in Brussels.

10:00 am : Rendezvous at Grande Muraille

Go to the book store La Grande Muraille, and you will immediately be struck by the exotic atmosphere. The boutique is decorated with engravings, posters and Chinese statues. The Chinese kites hanging from the walls give the place some color. You can make a choice from the huge selection of books. There’s a lot on astrology, martial arts, Chinese cuisine, acupuncture, Chinese language and the country’s literature. We stocked up on materials for our afternoon activity (paint brushes, rice paper, ink from China…).

11:00 am : Go to Rouge

Now that you’ve got some stuff to dress up your library, let’s take a look at redecorating your interior. Do you like zen, Feng-Shui, or just simply the look of Chinese decoration? The boutique called Rouge sells a large range of products directly imported from China: furniture, ceramics, lanterns and much more. 

12:00 pm : Direction Kam Yuen supermarket 

Already time to start thinking about lunch. Why not cook a recipe from one of the books you bought this morning? At Kam Yuen Supermarket, you will have an incredible choice of Asian food products. 

1:30 pm: A cultural start to the afternoon

Had a good lunch? Now it’s time to get your culture fix! Even if the Pavillon Chinois has been closed for security reasons until the end of June 2014, the Musée du Cinquantenaire will certainly be able to satisfy a craving to explore the Empires of the East. Among the collections is one devoted to China. You will be able to discover diverse disciplines in Chinese art: ceramics, jade, bronze, wooden sculpture, murals, traditional clothing, paintings, calligraphy, furniture and decorative arts. 

4:00 pm : Tea time at Nong Cha

It’s already tea time and you can’t skip out on this. You should go to Nong Cha, an authentic Chinese tea temple in Brussels. Make a choice from 60 types of teas: black, green, white, red, blue, yellow… Settle into this tea room and try some out… You will learn a lot about the art and the ceremony behind tea. 

5:00 pm : Chinese calligraphy lessons

Let’s explore Chinese culture a little further. The Atelier –Churchill introduces you to traditional Chinese art: classes for calligraphy, Chinese painting, engraving with ink from China and marouflage. You will learn about all the techniques, the utilization of paper, research the effects of ink from China, etc. 

6:30 pm : Tai Chi Chuan classes

Experience Chinese culture in a whole different way. Get some energy out at the Thai Chi Academy. Slip on some loose and comfy clothing and give martial arts a try. A Tai Chi Chuan session starts with very ancient exercises and Taoist breathing practices and Qi Gong (Chi Kung). You have to first warm-up the body and calm the mind, relax your breathing and open the energy channels before performing the set of Tai Chi movements.  Try out this experience and explore your body and new sensations. 

8:00 pm: Dinner in the Chinese neighborhood

In Brussels’ little Chinatown between the Bourse and the Place Sainte-Catherine near the Rue de la Vierge Noire, lots of Asian restaurants serve traditional meals. To get familiar with all the best places in the neighborhood and elsewhere in the city, visit our address book for Asian restaurants.