Cultural bazaar to bring South American vibes to Shekou

Travel enthusiasts in Shenzhen seeking to experience the vibrant atmosphere of South America without the hassle of long-distance travel are in for a treat this month.

The highly anticipated “Hello APEC” Shekou Cultural Market — Encounter South America Partners will open at the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) on Aug. 29.  The event will bring authentic flavors, rich traditions, and romantic charm of Peru and Chile directly to the local community, offering an immersive international experience right at doorstep.

A poster for the“Hello APEC” Shekou Cultural Market — Encounter South America Partners event. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

Adding to the prestige of the cultural bazaar, Jesús Ponce, consul general of Peru in Guangzhou, and Gonzalo Rubilar, the commercial consul of Chile in Guangzhou, will attend the event in person. Their presence offers local residents a unique opportunity to engage in international cultural exchanges.

The bazaar will showcase the authentic culinary heritage of the Andean region, highlighting the distinct flavors of both featured nations. In the Peruvian section, visitors can sample the classic Pisco cocktail alongside a refreshing and creamy Pisco Sour infused with lime juice. The beverages pair with crispy, layered Peruvian pork sandwiches and a variety of traditional desserts. Meanwhile, the Chilean section will cater to wine enthusiasts with a curated selection of native wines, complemented by sweet and tangy dried cranberries and refreshing grape juice.

Beyond the culinary offerings, the bazaar provides a deep dive into the cultural treasures of the Andes through interactive exhibits. At the Peruvian exhibition area, guests can browse handcrafted South American jewelry and unique alpaca-wool merchandise. 

A dedicated "Spanish Corner" will allow visitors to converse with Peruvian guests, while a tourism promotion booth will offer travel planning resources for those interested in visiting Machu Picchu. In the Chilean exhibition area, visitors can enjoy original tabletop games designed by Chilean creators, view panoramic displays of the country's diverse landscapes, and seek travel advice at the Chilean tourism consultation desk.

The event will also feature live entertainment by a band led by Feima, a popular musician with millions of followers on Douyin. The group will use traditional instruments such as the pan flute, quena, and Native American flute to recreate the ancient melodies of the Andean highlands.

Adding to the interactive family appeal, Maodou, a famous internet-celebrity alpaca originally from the Peruvian Andes, will make a special appearance. A dedicated interactive zone will be set up where visitors can feed, get close to, and take photos with the animal.

A stamp card is available at the entrance of the bazaar, which is designed to encourage visitors to explore the various Peruvian and Chilean booths and collect all the required stamps to earn entry into a lucky draw for a chance to win South American-themed gifts.

Organized by the Shekou MSCE, the "Hello APEC" cultural series align with the APEC theme of “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is scheduled to be held in Shenzhen in November.

Event details

Time: 3:30-7 p.m. Aug. 29

Venue: L1 of Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats

Add: Intersection of Shiyun Road and Nanshui Street, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 2 to Dongjiaotou Station, Exit A and walk for 450 meters