Yearlong Gourmet Festival Kicks Off in Shanghai

The yearlong "Global Taste in Shanghai" campaign, launched today, aims to showcase Shanghai as an attractive destination for international culinary enthusiasts.

It will feature dozens of events with four distinct culinary themes every quarter: European, Asian, American, and fusion food.

The first part of the promotion spans from January to March and includes important holiday celebrations like Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, and the Lantern Festival.

The project will target both inbound visitors and residents, showcasing the diverse cuisines of Italy, Spain, and France through monthly theme events.

To fully unleash synergies, dozens of tour routes, street bazaars, and festive promotional campaigns will be highlighted in conjunction with key events such as the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the Shanghai Summer shopping season, and Shanghai Fashion Week, according to Shen Weihua, secretary of the Shanghai Commerce Commission's Party leadership group.

Various supportive actions will be taken to motivate culinary specialty districts and commercial zones to highlight their signature dishes and canteens.

At the same time, local and district-level efforts will be made to increase global cuisine integration through merchants, cultural performances, and events, as well as displays of food materials, spices, and tableware.

During the Chinese New Year holiday, up to 186 new routes will provide eating experiences at Western-style restaurants throughout the city.

The local tourism authorities will also advise hotels on offering seasonal and festive-themed culinary events and menus in conjunction with special occasions and public holidays.

Wu Xingbao, secretary general of the Shanghai Commercial Association, announced the formation of a special committee to promote the city's unique appeal as a worldwide gourmet destination, which would include important tourist and leisure service providers as well as industry organizations.

The specialized committee will broaden its membership to include more global culinary firms, cooperating with member organizations to create distinctive trademarks such as "Global Taste in Shanghai." This program seeks to promote a profound fusion of different culinary cultures with Shanghai's unique cosmopolitan heritage.

Jinjiang International Group, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai UnionPay, and other relevant firms will collaborate to create several integrated dining-related scenarios, including hospitality, travel, and payment services.

Over 50 prominent restaurants in the Pudong New Area featuring foreign dishes and tastes have already signed on to participate in promotional events during the Chinese New Year, including international dining establishments in key commercial areas such as Lujiazui, Qiantan, Zhangjiang, and the Shanghai Disney Resort.