Southeast Asian flavors and rhythms take stage at Shekou's Hello APEC fair

Video by Lin Jianping

Shekou witnessed a vibrant explosion of colors, flavors, and rhythms as the “Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia” cultural fair, organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), took center stage Sunday afternoon. 

Participants pose for a group photo at the "Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia" cultural fair in Shekou on Sunday afternoon. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

The immersive event transformed the neighborhood into a bustling marketplace celebrating the rich heritage of seven Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The fair drew a massive crowd of both local and international residents, creating a sensory feast that garnered widespread acclaim.

Expats in traditional costumes perform an Indonesian dance.

A visitor takes photos of performances.

The air was thick with the aromas of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, serving as a culinary passport for visitors, who indulged in a diverse array of tastes, ranging from the intricate spice profiles of Malaysian Nyonya sauces and the iconic sour-and-spicy kick of Thai Tom Yum noodles to the sweet comfort of mango sticky rice. Singaporean and Bruneian snacks shared the spotlight with the bold, creamy notes of Vietnamese salt coffee and fragrant grilled pork vermicelli. Filipino skewers and Indonesian satay offered savory delights, perfectly complemented by delicate desserts like pandan coconut rolls.

Visitors at the fair.

Beyond the food, the event showcased the region’s meticulous craftsmanship. Traditional Malaysian Kebaya garments told stories of centuries-old cultural fusion, while Wau Bulan moon kites evoked the agricultural history of the Malay Peninsula. Thai Ganesha ornaments display exquisite artistry, and creative renditions of Singapore’s Merlion sparked new imaginations. The Philippines’ stalls were packed with souvenirs capturing the lively spirit of Manila’s streets, while Indonesian Batik textiles and intricate wood carvings fascinated onlookers with patterns reflecting ancient wisdom.

Views of the bustling cultural market in Shekou.

At the DIY Som Tum stall, visitors learned the art of pounding spices for Thai green papaya salad, while children brought Singaporean landmarks to life with colorful pens.

The enthusiasm among attendees was palpable. "I just came for a casual look, but I didn’t expect it to be so vibrant,” said Julien Sater, a Canadian resident in Shekou. “Now I’m already looking forward to the upcoming South American event.” Beejee, a participant from the Philippines, shared the dedication behind the scenes, noting that her community formed groups to prepare everything from traditional food to authentic attire, thoroughly enjoying the process of sharing their culture.

Performers stage a Muay Thai demonstration.

As the sun set, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch with live performances. The rhythmic thumping of Filipino Atiatihan tribal drums echoed through the venue, energizing the crowd. Dancers from the Indonesian Overseas Chinese Home, dressed in stunning traditional costumes, moved gracefully to folk melodies, followed by a stirring performance of Indonesian love songs. The energy surged again during a Muay Thai demonstration and reached its peak with the Tinikling bamboo dance. Led by Filipino residents Mark and Jerry, children and adults alike jumped between the rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles, laughing and cheering in a collective display of joy.

The "Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia" Cultural Fair is part of a series of events hosted by the Shekou MSCE themed around APEC economies.

Participants jump between the rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles at the fair.

Participants in traditional Indonesian attire pose for a photo.