On Nov 16, the Shunjing Community in Jinan's Daming Lake Subdistrict, Lixia district, hosted the inaugural Coffee Culture Festival in partnership with St. Lawrence International Education. Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative, the event combined cultural and culinary experiences to enrich Jinan's international cultural scene and attract global talent.

Attendees at the Coffee Culture Festival enjoy engaging talks and vibrant cultural exchanges. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_bd9842afe334]

The festival brought together over 40 international professionals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them through the rich heritage of coffee. Foreign educators led engaging sessions on coffee's origins, varieties, and brewing techniques, deepening their appreciation for this global beverage.

Attendees participated in activities like grinding and brewing coffee beans to grasp the intricate process behind a perfect cup. Creativity flourished in a coffee-themed bracelet workshop, where participants crafted distinctive accessories. Adding a local touch, a session of making a pumpkin cake introduced international guests to traditional Chinese culinary artistry.

Cultures were also exchanged through vibrant performances, featuring Chinese intangible cultural heritage and contributions from international attendees. These highlights celebrated the harmonious integration of global traditions and local customs.

By forging partnerships and fostering collaboration with domestic institutions, Shunjing Community is creating a more open, inclusive, and multicultural environment in Jinan. Initiatives like the Coffee Culture Festival reflect the city's commitment to becoming a global hub that brings in talent from around the world and blends tradition with modernity.