Expatriates learn to cook Changzhou dishes. [Photo/WeChat account: czlysmgzx]

On Sept 12, over 20 expatriates from countries such as the United States, Germany, the Philippines, South Korea, France, Pakistan, and Rwanda gathered in Changzhou's Xinbei district for a hands-on experience in learning to cook traditional local dishes.

Autumn-themed dishes are served during the event. [Photo/WeChat account: czlysmgzx]

The event opened with a stunning display of autumn-themed dishes, which impressed the foreign guests.

Expats learn to make mooncakes. [Photo/WeChat account: czlysmgzx]

Guided by instructors from the Changzhou Technical Institute of Tourism and Commerce, participants prepared three signature dishes: Changzhou-style radish fried rice, shrimp in tomato sauce, and traditional Changzhou mooncakes.

A US music teacher at Changzhou Bilingual School shared his love for the pork-filled mooncake, noting its crispy crust and savory filling. He also enjoyed learning to cook shrimp in tomato sauce. Having lived in Changzhou for three years, he praised the city's livability, regularly enjoying walks with his family and outdoor activities at Xinlong Lake Park.

Changzhou's Xinbei district is one of the regions in Jiangsu with the highest concentration of foreign residents, with over 2,100 foreign-funded companies from 68 countries, including 36 projects by Fortune Global 500 companies.

In recent years, the district has hosted various cultural events, such as International Family Day, the International Food Culture Festival, and the Beer Festival, offering expatriates a deeper connection to Chinese culture.