Fans of comics, illustration, and European culture now have a chance to explore one of Belgium's most treasured art forms in Shenzhen. The exhibition, titled "What's in the Bubble?—Over a Century of Belgian Comics", opened on July 2 at the Guangming Culture and Art Center. It showcases more than 100 original works from nine of Belgium's most iconic comic series.
Running through September 19, 2026, the exhibition is free to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages.
Featuring original manuscripts, prints, sculptures, posters, animation storyboards, and archival materials, the exhibition traces the development of Belgian comics over the past century, highlighting their artistic, cultural, and historical significance.
Among the highlights are beloved characters from The Adventures of Tintin and The Smurfs, as well as seven other classic Belgian comic franchises: Jommeke, Gaston Lagaffe, Suske en Wiske (Spike and Suzy), Cubitus, Marsupilami, Benoît Brisefer, and Johan and Peewit. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to experience the golden age of Belgian comics through works by legendary artists including Hergé, Peyo, Jef Nys, and André Franquin.
The exhibition offers four major attractions.
Visitors can get an up-close look at original drawings and manuscripts, showcasing the creative processes of some of Europe's most influential comic artists. The carefully preserved sketches and revisions provide a glimpse into how classic stories were crafted.
Immersive installations bring to life scenes from beloved comic worlds, allowing visitors to step into the adventures of Tintin, the Smurfs, Marsupilami, Gaston, and other familiar characters.
Interactive experiences encourage audiences to explore the expressive power of comic speech bubbles and see visual storytelling in action.
Wim Peeters (L), the Belgian Consul General in Guangzhou, presents the Knight of the Order of the Crown to Jin Cheng, a member of the Guangdong Cartoonists Association. This award recognizes Jin's significant contributions to promoting cultural exchanges in the comic industry between China and Belgium, as well as fostering artistic dialogue between the two countries.
Guests attend the opening ceremony.
A dedicated section on China-Belgium cultural exchanges traces the growing dialogue between the comic communities of both countries. It discusses the introduction of the Chinese edition of The Adventures of Tintin in the 1980s and recent exchanges between artists, including joint exhibitions.
The exhibition also presents Belgium's distinctive ligne claire ("clear line") style, characterized by clean, precise outlines and flat colors. This style emphasizes simplicity and visual clarity, resonating with the aesthetics of traditional Chinese art. As a result, it offers a fresh perspective on the connections between Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
Rather than presenting comics solely as children's entertainment, the exhibition explores the medium through the perspectives of art history, social storytelling, and cultural heritage, showcasing Belgian comics as an important part of the country's national cultural legacy.
Visitor Information
Exhibition: What's in the Bubble?—Over a Century of Belgian Comics
Dates: July 2–September 19, 2026
Admission: Free
Venue: Exhibition Hall B, 3/F, Guangming Culture and Art Center, Shenzhen (深圳光明文化艺术中心美术馆3F展厅B)
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.)
Enquiries: +86 755 2106 2296
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photo | JC Animation Museum
