“Heroes Square” follows in the wake of a year of cultural exchange between China and Poland in 2015. Art, theater, films, classical music, jazz, and pop were all part of the mix. 

'Treasures from Chopin's Country', a vast collection of Polish art from the 15th to the 20th Century.

The Beijing International Film Festival featured a panorama on Polish films in April 2015. This was followed by a theater adaptation of the monologue-style novel “Woodcutters” by Thomas Bernhard, in May. Until this groundbreaking production, directed by Krystian Lupa, the book was regarded as near impossible to stage. The drama runs five hours, yet audiences remained engaged throughout.

Another cultural gift from Poland came in the form of “Treasure's from Chopin’s Country,” a vast collection of Polish art from the 15th to the 20th century. Its 300 objects ranged from medieval religious wood sculptures to modern-art masterpieces.

A performance of Woodcutters directed by Krystian Lupa at the Century Theatre in Beijing.

Former Polish Ambassador to China Tadeusz Chomicki hailed the tide of cultural exchange between the two countries.

“I think for both nations, culture is very important. Chopin brings the same emotions,” he said.

Chopin was also highlighted at a piano concert at the Beijing Concert Hall. Eric Lu, winner of the 4th Prize at the 2015 International Chopin Competition, and Professor Wojciech Świtała, a juror at the competition, both performed. The concert was held to mark the first state visit by Polish President Andrzej Duda.