Oceania comes to life at Shekou cultural market 'Hello APEC'

Expats pose for a photo under the banner of the Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market — Uncover Oceania in Shekou, Nanshan District, on Saturday. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

A community square in Shekou buzzed with both local and expat residents Saturday afternoon as the "Hello APEC Cultural Market — Uncover Oceania" unfolded, bringing the diverse cultures of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to the doorstep.

Hosted by the Shekou Management and Service Centre for Expats (Shekou MSCE), with support from the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce South China and the New Zealand-Greater Bay Area Network (NZGBA), the event featured food, cultural displays, sports activities, creative products, live performances and an APEC knowledge quiz.

Three themed zones introduced visitors to the distinctive traditions and lifestyles of the three countries in Southern Hemisphere.

Visitors are invited to sample drinks at the Shekou cultural market on Saturday.

The Australian zone showcased food, family activities and sports. Visitors sampled Aussie hot dogs, smashed-avocado sandwiches, wagyu cheeseburgers, Bundaberg soft drinks, Australian juices and honey. A Bluey-themed booth, a koala mascot and Australian Rules Football demonstrations were especially popular among families with children. Tourism Australia also presented travel information, while the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce South China introduced China-Australia exchanges in trade and culture.

A mother and daughter pose for a photo in front of the Australian booth at the Shekou cultural market in Shekou on Saturday.

A visitor tries the Australian Rules Football at the Australian booth at the Shekou cultural market on Saturday.

Sam from Australia said sharing Australian food with people from different backgrounds was “a particularly special experience,” adding, “We hope there will be more community events like this in the future.”

Performers stage a Māori haka performance at the Shekou cultural market.

A performer teaches children the Māori haka.

A performance of the Māori haka in the New Zealand zone attracted the visitors with powerful movements, chants and rhythms. The performance expressed Māori pride, unity and cultural heritage, giving audiences a closer look at one of New Zealand’s most distinctive traditions.

An expat waves a New Zealand national flag while posing for a photo at the cultural market.

Andre from New Zealand said: “Today’s event was a great success. Thank you for helping more people learn about New Zealand culture. It’s been a wonderful day.”

Volunteers at the New Zealand booth also taught visitors how to play cricket, while Pavlova, Comvita and Manuka honey, salmon pita, Pic’s peanut butter, kiwifruit and apples offered a taste of New Zealand. ZURU, Babich Wines, Craft Head Brewery and Champion Wines also took part. NZGBA shared information about connections between New Zealand, Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Visitors have fun at the cultural market in Shekou on Saturday.

The Papua New Guinea booth offered an accessible introduction to a culture that is familiar to many visitors through wood carvings, cultural books, fridge magnets, traditional patterns and a quiz. 

Through the Stamp Hunt × APEC Fun Facts activity, participants visited different booths, completed challenges and learned more about cultural connections across the Asia-Pacific.

Visitors gather at the Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market in Shekou on Saturday. 

Each month, the Shekou MSCE highlights different APEC economies through theme events, bringing a global perspective to the community and making an international experience more accessible. The next Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market, “Experience North America,” will be held Oct. 18.