Local New Yorkers and Chinese alike enjoy culinary delicacies at "Eat, Love, Shanghai," a three-day event at Macy's in Herald Sqare, New York City on November 19, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
New York (People’s Daily) - Aiming to enhance Shanghai’s global image, strengthen inbound tourism, and establish the city as a top destinations among US travelers, the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, along with Macy’s, Marriott International, China Eastern Airlines, American Airlines, and Shanghai Spring Tour kicked off “Eat, Love, Shanghai” Monday, at Macy’s Herald Square flagship location in New York City.
The three-day culinary extravaganza will run through Wednesday, and has already been well-received by local New Yorkers.
A Chinese chef from Shanghai shows visitors how to make dumplings at "Eat, Love, Shanghai," a three-day event at Macy's in Herald Square, New York City on November 19, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
Shanghai’s inbound tourism market has seen steady growth in recent years. Data shows that the number of inbound tourists to the “Pearl of China” reached 8.73 million in 2017, a 2.2 percent increase year-on-year.
Top market performers continue to reflect the strong pull of Shanghai in the international arena, where visitors stay longer and spend more. The US demographic makes up Shanghai’s second largest source of international visitors.
Last year, the city hosted some 737,500 US visitors, a six percent jump from 2016.
Chinese cooking classes are avaiable in the afternoon and can accomodate up to 25 visitors. (Photo: Yin Miao)
2018 Q3 figures recently revealed that 600,000 US travelers visited Shanghai, marking a 12.25 percent increase year-on-year.
Nestled between the Yangtze River and the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai has been on the leading edge of China’s openness to the outside world for well over a century.
At the opening event, held at One Below, Marriott International offered some of Shanghai’s signature classics, such as Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings), Qing Tuan (green sticky rice balls) and savory mooncakes, serving over 1,000 visitors.
During the first day, steamed dumplings were a visitor favorite at "Eat, Love, Shanghai," held at Macy's in Herald Square, New York City on November 19, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
Beginning at noon and running to 3:30 pm, the prestigious De Gustibus Cooking School, located on the 8th floor, three chefs from Marriott Shanghai, Steven Yang, Rick Ji and Jason Li will offer hour-long cooking classes that can accommodate 25 people. Monday’s audience learned how to make some of their favorite Shanghai staples.
The event took a comprehensive approach via multimedia and audience participation. A large digital ad display in the background played the promotional video “Our Shanghai.”
Chinese cooking classes are avaiable in the afternoon and can accomodate up to 25 visitors. (Photo: Yin Miao)
A photo booth “Escape to Shanghai” allows visitors to take selfies against a backdrop showcasing Shanghai at night.
Other highlights include a virtual reality (VR) film from Samsung Group that immerses viewers into a 3D interactive travel experience through the city.
Local New Yorkers and Chinese alike enjoy culinary delicacies at "Eat, Love, Shanghai," a three-day event at Macy's in Herald Square, New York City on November 19, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
A Shanghai calligrapher was also on hand, writing American names with Chinese characters. And visitors are encouraged to submit their photos of the festival for a chance to win gifts from participating sponsors.
Representatives from participating sponsors pose for a photo at "Eat, Love, Shanghai," a three-day event at Macy's in Herald Square, New York City on November 19, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)