The first Chinese labourers arrive in Poperinge during the summer of 1917. They work for the CLC, Chinese Labour Corps, a working corps of the British Army. The Chinese labourers stay until 1920. They live in separate camps and they maintain their own rituals. The exhibition “Vive Labeur – Hail to the work” tells the story of the Chinese during WWI. Was it hard labour? How did they socialize with the local people? Did they celebrate Chinese New Year?  

The WWI Chinese story inspires contemporary artists. Two famous Belgian photographers, Stephan Vanfleteren and Sanne De Wilde go back to the roots of the Chinese labourers. They explore the China region where they came from. This results in a fascinating photographic account.
China back in Town: Poperinge welcomes the Chinese on Sunday 3 September. The traditional town festivities will be completely immersed in the China-theme, with dragon parades, Chinese tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy workshops and acrobatics.

Expo: 1 July 2017 – 17 September 2017 - Gasthuiskapel Poperinge





The organizers of the exposition and the publisher of the book.





The official opening took place at Talbot House with different speeches and music.















Visit to the exposition.



































Back to Talbot House for the reception.





















  Page made by Patrick Sennesael.