'Hello APEC' cultural fair to bring Oceania to Shekou

People in Shenzhen will be able to experience the food, culture and lifestyle of Oceania without flying halfway around the world to the Southern Hemisphere when the “Hello APEC” Shekou Cultural Market — Discover Oceania — opens Sept. 19.

The event will focus on Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, bringing together authentic food, specialty products, cultural performances, sports activities, family-friendly interactions and opportunities for business and community exchange on their doorstep.

Visitors explore an Australian-themed booth featuring Australian rules footballs and kangaroo toys in an undated photo. Courtesy of Shekou MSCE

The Australian section will showcase the country’s energetic lifestyle through food, sports and entertainment. Visitors will be able to sample Australian hot dogs, avocado toast, Australian burgers, local beer, Bundaberg soft drinks, Yalumba white wine, De Bortoli Willowglen sparkling wine, Golden Circle juices and locally produced honey.

Children and families can visit a Bluey-themed pop-up inspired by the popular Australian animated series. The area will feature themed photo opportunities with koala mascots and interactive activities, offering visitors a memorable way to mark their “journey” through Oceania.

Sports fans will be invited to try Australian rules football. Staff will provide demonstrations and guidance, allowing first-time participants to learn the basics and experience the speed and energy of the Australian game. Australian lifestyle products, including sleep essential oils, will be available, offering visitors a glimpse into a more relaxed and natural way of living.

The China-Australia Chamber of Commerce South China will host a booth at the event, where representatives will share information about connections and cooperation opportunities between Australia and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Performers present a Māori haka, showcasing the traditional dance’s powerful movements and expressions, in a file photo.

New Zealand’s presence will center on sports, food, wine and Māori culture. Visitors can take part in a cricket challenge and experience one of New Zealand’s traditional summer sports. In addition, the New Zealand section will offer pavlova, manuka honey salmon pita, Pic’s peanut butter, Comvita honey, and New Zealand kiwifruit.

One of the highlights of the New Zealand section will be a Māori haka performance. With powerful movements, resounding calls and strong rhythms, the traditional performance will provide audiences with a close-up introduction to the spirit and cultural heritage of the Māori people.

The Papua New Guinea section will explore the artistic traditions of the South Pacific. Visitors will find distinctive fridge magnets, tribal-style canvas tote bags, books on Papua New Guinean culture and interactive quizzes. Through patterns, colors, traditional stories and tribal art, the section will present a different and distinctive side of Oceania.

A joint Australia-New Zealand wine booth will feature a selection of wines from both countries. The event will also include a vegan food stall serving handmade falafel balls made from chickpeas and fresh herbs in soft pita bread.

A stamp-collection activity will be organized across the various themed areas, letting participants redeem small gifts after completing tasks and collecting stamps.

A poster for the event.