The 2023 Xinjiang Kashgar Food Festival kicked off on Sept 22 and ran to Sept 24 in the HKRI Taikoo Hui – a big mixed-use commercial property located in Nanjing Road Central Business District, in Jing'an district in East China's Shanghai.

The activity aimed to promote the cultural and economic development of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region through its rich and diverse food culture.

Located in southwestern Xinjiang, Kashgar city boasts a culinary history shaped by its position as a transport hub along the ancient Silk Road and the fusion of East and West cultures.

The Shanghai-Kashgar Paired Assistance Program utilized these regional characteristics to create an event with the theme of Chinese Cuisine with a Kashgar Flair in the HKRI Taikoo Hui center.

The festival integrated Kashgar architecture, culture, music and tourism to showcase five different sections - each with its own focus on food, fresh fruit, dried fruit, scenery and special local products - as well as an interactive zone for taking photos.

Visitors were able to fully immerse themselves in the charms of Kashgar city and the event is expected to help enhance its recognition and reputation in domestic markets.

In addition to the food festival, a low-carbon lifestyle festival called CHiLL is set to be held on the rooftop garden of HKRI Taikoo Hui from Sept 28 to Oct 6.

As China's first low-carbon-themed on-site entertainment activity, it will offer themed markets, art installations, sports parties, music events and creative workshops to provide more options for consumers to embrace a green lifestyle.

Apart from the two temporary events, the rooftop garden in HKRI Taikoo Hui now offers Padelx padel tennis.

This is an innovative form of tennis that's easier to learn, for residents who want to engage in sports and social interaction at the same time. As players compete in their matches, they can also appreciate the vibrant surroundings of Nanjing Road, as well as feel the very pulse of the city.