US cultural bazaar turns Shekou into culinary feast

Video by Lin Jianping

Shekou was transformed into a culinary stopover across the ocean Saturday afternoon when the “Hello APEC · Get to Know the United States” cultural bazaar was held.

Visitors crowd the venue of the “Hello APEC · Get to Know the United States” cultural bazaar in Shekou, Shenzhen, on Saturday. Organized as part of the “Hello APEC” cultural series, the event highlighted American-themed food, performances and community activities. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

The event was part of the “Hello APEC” cultural series organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE). With strong support from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, the market brought together a wide range of experiences, including American-style food, sports, music, performances, and knowledge-based outreach.

Visitors take part in skateboarding demonstrations, American football activities and interactive cultural experiences during the “Hello APEC · Get to Know the United States” cultural bazaar in Shekou on Saturday.

Representatives from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou attended the bazaar to provide on-site consular consultations. The initiative allowed American nationals living in Shenzhen to access convenient and efficient citizen services and cultural information close to home without traveling to Guangzhou.

Participants pose and display American-themed food and cultural items during the “Hello APEC · Get to Know the United States” cultural bazaar in Shekou on Saturday.

At the venue, richly fragrant American barbecue and flavorful steak dishes were especially popular. American red wine, coffee, classic bagels, and snacks delivered authentic tastes and received widespread praise.

More than a celebration of “food,” the bazaar also delivered “action.” Seasoned American coaches guided participants in trying authentic American sports, including baseball, pickleball, and American football. Trendy skateboarding and dynamic surfing added an extra spark.

The stage programming was equally engaging. Shine, a U.S. resident in Shekou, opened the show with a Michael Jackson classic song-and-dance performance. Students and teachers from an international school for American children in Shenzhen took turns on stage, showcasing youthful energy. Interactive nine-grid games and a lucky draw kept momentum high, with lively engagement between performers and attendees that helped everyone experience the charm of American arts and culture.

Performers and visitors take part in music and interactive activities during the cultural bazaar in Shekou on Saturday.

Cabe, from the U.S., said, “I have lived in Shekou for many years. I’m very happy to show American skateboarding here today. Seeing the Route 66-themed set design, the performances, and all the food games made me feel like I’m back in the U.S.. Thank you to the Shekou MSCE for organizing this bazaar — I truly feel a sense of belonging.”

Each month, Shekou MSCE highlights a different APEC economy as a theme, bringing “the world” into the community and making an international experience more accessible.