Young content creators from around the world descended on Wanning, Hainan, on June 21 to take part in the “Cross-Cultural Coffee Convo: International Gen Z Taste the Flavors of Xinglong” coffee culture event was held at the Constellation Boutique Café in CP Group Xinglong Coffee Culture Park on June 21. Over coffee and cake, these global Gen Z-ers joined their Chinese counterparts in cross-cultural dialogue. 

Global Gen Z-ers explore Xinglong’s overseas Chinese culture. (HIMC)

The event started with a screening of Hainan’s international tourism promotional film, which put Hainan’s stunning natural and human ecology center stage. Amid the distinctive environs of Constellation Boutique Café, the event’s host invited participants to sample locally grown coffee and locally prepared snacks. During the tourism products promotion session, the international content creators were treated to an in-depth introduction to Hainan’s unique tourism products, brands, and itineraries. 

The dialogue session saw Chinese and international Gen Z-ers share their experiences with coffee, with one expressing their glee at secretly stealing their first sip of joe as a child and another relating how coffee got them through their exams. On the topic of whether coffee is seen as a pick-me-up or a social glue in their culture, participants talked about the different roles the humble bean plays in their lives and countries. Later, they got to try out blind tasting and coffee blending, which taught them more about the history and culture of coffee in Xinglong following its introduction by overseas Chinese returnees. 

Global Gen Z-ers explore Xinglong’s overseas Chinese culture. (HIMC)

Japanese vlogger Tomoya Iri shared her coffee story: “I don’t even remember when exactly I first tried coffee. I do remember, however, buying a cup of coffee from a vending machine at school during my high school days. I gradually became accustomed to drinking black coffee. It really improves my mood and focus.” He also stated that in Japan, drinking coffee is seen more as a social occasion, but increasing numbers of workers choose to drink coffee as a pick-me-up. 

Aided by discussions about and the consumption of coffee, these global Gen Z-ers revealed a side of China that is rarely seen by the outside world – one that is open, innovative, and culturally inclusive. As for Hainan, the calm collision of tradition and innovation inspired them to present the island’s natural and human ecology from fresh and exciting angles.