**Event Highlights: “Greeting the Spring Festival · Tasting New Year Flavors” in Haikou**
On January 27, 2025, the Haikou Foreign Affairs Office hosted the “Coconut City International Salon” event “Greeting the Spring Festival · Tasting New Year Flavors,” attracting numerous international residents to experience a unique “intangible cultural heritage (ICH) version” of the Spring Festival and embark on a cross-cultural exchange journey.
The event featured traditional Chinese activities such as **dumpling-making** and **singing performances**. During the dumpling-making session, staff introduced the auspicious symbolism of “dumplings” and demonstrated how to wrap them. Georgian restaurant owner George shared his experience: “Since arriving in China, I’ve been captivated by its culture and warm people. I decided to bring Georgian cuisine and culture here. In Haikou, I feel like I’m at home and hope to share Georgia’s charm with more people through my restaurant. The Chinese market is full of opportunities, and I will continue to work hard to contribute to cultural exchange between China and the world” .
Jan Kerekes, founder of Haikou Quanliang International Trade Co., Ltd., expressed his admiration for China: “After traveling the world, I chose to settle in Hainan, China, captivated by its climate, environment, and people. Noticing the lack of high-quality mineral water in China, I decided to introduce world-class mineral water here to promote health. I also hope to foster trade and cultural exchange through my efforts. China is a vibrant and promising country, and I am honored to realize my dreams here” .
This “Greeting the Spring Festival · Tasting New Year Flavors” event marked the third consecutive year that the Haikou Foreign Affairs Office has hosted a New Year celebration for international residents. The initiative aims to deepen foreigners’ understanding of traditional Chinese culture through diverse activities. The office plans to continue organizing more exchange programs to enhance Haikou’s international brand and promote mutual cultural appreciation, bridging friendships and cultural connections among people from different countries through joyful interactions .