THE Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) launched the first “Hello APEC” Shekou Culture Market at Shekou Fishing Street on Saturday. The event marked the beginning of a monthly series designed to build community excitement and engagement ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Shenzhen in 2026, while simultaneously celebrating the festive atmosphere of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The market creatively combined educational elements about APEC with rich Chinese New Year customs and diverse cultural displays. Fifteen curated cultural stalls and 14 second-hand booths invited visitors to explore regional traditions. Attendees watched live calligraphy demonstrations of Spring Festival couplets, observed the delicate art of traditional sugar painting, sampled local foods, and purchased handcrafted items. Nearby, the second-hand zone promoted environmental consciousness and casual interaction through the exchange of books and accessories.

A charming mini-dragon dance performed by a group of Chinese and foreign children captivated onlookers, while powerful traditional lion and kylin dances further electrified the atmosphere. Popular interactive booths, featuring local dialect challenges and APEC-themed quizzes, allowed participants to playfully engage with both cultural and topical knowledge.

A dedicated APEC exhibition area provided clear information about APEC and the upcoming 2026 APEC meeting.

The “Hello APEC” cultural market series plans to host 10 monthly sessions, each highlighting different APEC economies. Through these activities, Shekou MSCE aims to deepen cross-cultural understanding and strengthen residents’ connection to the 2026 APEC summit, showcasing Shekou’s characteristic warmth and inclusiveness as an international community hub. (SD News)