by Im Fong Liu, with thanks to Ed van der Feer
Introduction
The first Chinese communities settled in the Netherlands more than a century ago. What began with a group of Peranakan Chinese students and dockworkers from Hong Kong and mainland China has grown into a diverse community spread across the country.
Today, the influence of the Chinese community in the Netherlands is visible everywhere—fromthe unique Chinese-Indonesian cuisine, now part of Dutch cultural heritage, and authentic Chinese restaurants, to cultural initiatives like The Banana Generation by Pete Wu, which became a successful touring theater production, and organizations like the Pan Asian Collective that promote Asian representation in the Netherlands. These developments reflect the power of community and the ability to build bridges across cultures.
This four-part series highlights the many ways this takes shape through associations, divided into four categories: cultural, business, intercultural, and activist/social associations.
Intercultural Associations
A space for exchange
Where tradition and entrepreneurship often form the foundation of the Chinese community, intercultural associations add a unique dynamic. These organizations serve as meeting places and create bridges between different communities. They offer opportunities for mutual understanding through shared experiences in art, language, culture, and human connection.
Imagine a workshop space filled with the scent of freshly made dumplings. Dutch and Chinese participants gather around the table, learning the delicate technique of folding while conversations flow in multiple languages. Or envision an art exhibition where traditional brush paintings are displayed alongside contemporary installations. Events like these are often the result of collaboration between a wide range of institutions.
Asian News
A Chinese newspaper in the Netherlands, with both Dutch and Mandarin editions.
Website: www.asiannews.nl
Email: info@asiannews.nl
Telefoon: 010-4134590
China Circle
Specializing in strategy, intercultural communication, storytelling, and media. Offers public keynotes, private strategy sessions, and interactive training for organizations focused on China-Europe exchange.
Website: www.chinacircle.nl
Email: ardi@chinacircle.nl
Phone: 06 2323 4404
Website: www.chinacircle.nl
Email: ardi@chinacircle.nl
Telefoon: 06 2323 4404
Chinese Indonesian Heritage Center
Dedicated to preserving the history of Chinese Indonesians in the Netherlands, a history at risk of being lost. It relies on volunteers to document and safeguard this legacy.
Website: www.cihc.nl
Email: info@cihc.nl
Dutch Culture
Supports and promotes cultural collaboration between China and the Netherlands.
Website: https://dutchculture.nl/en/china
Email: post@dutchculture.nl en i.yang@dutchculture.nl
Telefoon: 31 (0)20 6 16 42 25
EurAsian Culture Exchange Stichting
Established on July 1, 2022, EACES aims to promote art and cultural exchange between Asia and Europe, with a special focus on China and the Netherlands. Based in Rotterdam.
Website: www.eaces.nl
Email: info@eaces.nl
Gogo Dutch
A Chinese-language website offering practical information, articles, and a forum in Mandarin and English.
Website: Gogodutch.com
Email: info@gogodutch.com
Foundation for Intercultural Participation of Chinese Families
Supports the physical and mental development of Chinese children in the Netherlands, and helps parents with bicultural parenting. Actively encourages participation in Dutch society, especially in Amsterdam and Amstelveen.
Website: www.cnfamiliesinnl.com
Email: info@cnfamiliesinnl.com
Space 101 Verhalenhuis Rotterdam
Tucked away in Rotterdam’s modern-day Chinatown, Space101 is a Chinese satellite location of Verhalenhuis Belvédère. A cross between art gallery and cultural center, it’s known as the “Chinese living room” of the city. A collaboration between Verhalenhuis Belvédère and Studio Zi.
Website: https://verhalenhuisrotterdam.nl/space-101/
Email: info@verhalenhuisbelvedere.nl
Telefoon: 010 – 7200997
Het Zesde Geluk
Founder Jinai Looi 雷仁愛 and her team host international cooking workshops, from classic Greek dishes to refined Asian cuisine. Their mission: to share food stories.
Website: https://www.hetzesdegeluk.com/chinees-advanced-dimsum
Email: hetzesdegeluk@outlook.com
This is Part 3 of a four-part series, offering a colorful overview of the many Chinese associations that actively contribute to Dutch society.
Do you know of an inspiring association we haven’t listed yet? We’d love to hear from you, get in touch!
The final part of this series will appear in the next issue and will focus on activist and social associations.
Tips:
Local networks: Community centers or Chinese cultural organizations can be a great source of current information about active associations.
Web & social media: Many associations have an online presence. Visiting their websites or social media pages (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) is a great way to stay up to date on upcoming events.
