Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport welcomes travelers with complimentary coffee in celebration of the third Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]
From May 21 to 25, a warm surprise awaits travelers at Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport as the "First Cup of Coffee upon Arriving in Shanghai" event got underway.
This annual event, part of the Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival, offers free coffee to visitors, giving them a great first impression of the city.
Now in its third year, the gesture has become a cherished tradition. For the first time, the coffee giveaway has expanded to include the airport's Terminal 2, in addition to its regular spot at Hongqiao Railway Station.
Chen Yumei, a Yunnan coffee provider participating in the event, shared her excitement about promoting local coffee. "Seeing more people enjoy coffee from my hometown is incredibly fulfilling," she said.
She also praised the growing collaboration between Shanghai and Yunnan, which offers opportunities for entrepreneurs like her to enter the city's booming coffee market.
An interactive check-in area was set up on-site, where visitors can create custom sachets filled with coffee grounds, extending the aroma of their first cup.
This year's festival theme, "Coffee+", integrates diverse cultural elements, with "Coffee+Opera" as a highlight. On-site Chinese opera performances captivated audiences, adding a cultural twist to their coffee-tasting experience.
A Chinese opera performance brings traditional culture to travelers arriving in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]
The event is about more than just coffee; it's a symbol of the city's hospitality and cultural richness. Organizers aim to elevate this initiative into a cultural emblem, showcasing Shanghai's welcoming spirit to travelers from around the world.
