Alexis Aubert, representing France in additive manufacturing, crafted a Song brocade artwork while students welcomed him in a blend of Mandarin, English, French, and the local Shanghai dialect. Nearby, Arthur Baudry practiced the intricate preparation of goldfish-shaped dumplings, a dim sum staple representing abundance. For Manon Pouivet, the highlight was a masterclass in Song Dynasty tea whisking, where she learned to prepare the brew using traditional bamboo tools.

Beyond the workshops, the event highlighted a deep-rooted history between Shanghai and Marseille. Since establishing a friendship agreement in 1991, the Caoyang Vocational School and its French partner have facilitated decades of student exchanges and culinary cooperation. Sabrina Roubache, France’s minister delegate for vocational education, emphasized that these long-standing ties go beyond mere academic partnership, serving as a foundation for genuine cultural understanding. For participants like Pouivet, who found the city’s modern skyline and nightlife striking, the experience provided a human connection that complemented the technical intensity of their upcoming competition.