On December 22, the 2023 International Forum of Cuisine Culture and Winter Solstice Cultural Program for international students in Hubei was successfully held. More than 70 international students from Hubei University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law and Hubei University of Economics gathered together to experience the charm of Chu cuisine and celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival.

    The program was hosted by the Department of International Exchange and Cooperation, the School of International Education, the School of Tourism and Hotel Management (Chu Cuisine Modern Industry College), and organized at the Training Base on Chinese Food Culture of Chinese Language International Promotion.

    At the beginning of the event, Professor Zou Zhiping, dean of Chu Cuisine Research Institute and a master of Chinese cuisine, brought a wonderful demonstration of cooking skills.The process that fried the round lotus root balls in the pan until their surface turned golden with thick fragrance, then put them out of the pot into a dish made the students exclaim in great surprise. The mutton,a key ingredient in soup, is from Dabie Mountain, and Professor Zou sealed it with soil and baked for 6 hours to fully reflect the original flavor of mutton. The students were marveled at Professor Zou Zhiping's skillful techniques and superb skills.

    During the International Forum on Food Culture, representatives of students from Pakistan, Guinea, Vietnam, Brazil and other countries shared their food culture. In just a few minutes, they introduced several classic food from their own countries ,each of which presented profound history, culture and local customs.

    It is a custom to eat dumplings during winter solstice. So after the forum, the teachers from the base explained the origin of the winter solstice and the food customs for the international students, then demonstrated the method of making dumplings, like teaching the international students hand by hand to roll the dough, place the filling and pinch the edge to make international students immerse themselves in the process of making this traditional Chinese food.

    This activity showed the profound and unique charm of Chinese food culture to the world's youth through Chu cuisine, and also built a bridge for teachers and students from China and foreign countries to deepen understanding and promote mutual learning.