As one of Shanghai’s landmark cultural venues, the Grand Halls embodies the city’s spirit of openness and inclusivity. By hosting Chinese Cuisine · Global Expression and Le Cordon Bleu’s 130th Anniversary Gala, it once again transformed into a stage where cultures from around the world came together.

The evening’s program, combining “gastronomy × aesthetics × performance,” created an immersive cultural environment. The event opened with a powerful performance of 《盛世龙腾》 (The Rising Dragon of Prosperity) by the Longteng Drum Ensemble, whose intense drumbeats immediately ignited the festive atmosphere. Next, Kunqu opera master Zhang Jun and saxophonist Zhang Kanyin joined forces to present the cross-genre piece 《朝元歌》 (Song of Chao Yuan), which skillfully blended the elegance of traditional Kunqu with the free-flowing style of modern music, showcasing the unique intersection of Eastern and Western arts. Renowned erhu performer Zhao Lei’s performance of 《二胡无限动》 (Erhu of Endless Possibility) was passionate and exhilarating. This piece had its global debut at the opening ceremony of the "China Night" at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. Zhao then performed 《赛马》 (Horse Racing), celebrating the upcoming Year of the Horse in 2026. Pianist Song Siheng performed 《土耳其进行曲》 (Turkish March) and 《新声》 (Rebirth), injecting joyful rhythms and lively melodies into the evening. Han Yijia, a leading actress from the Shanghai Peking Opera, performed a classic scene from 《大登殿》 (The Great Enthronement), demonstrating the artistic charm and dramatic tension of Peking Opera. Finally, jazz musician Chen Yinshi and music producer and jazz pianist Zhao Liangjun closed the evening with the free-flowing and soulful sounds of jazz music, rounding off the performances perfectly with 《I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and 《我要你的爱》 (I Want Your Love).

The delicate innovations of Kunqu, the powerful vibrancy of Peking Opera, the expressive depth of the erhu, the flowing purity of Western piano, and the free-spirited dynamics of jazz all harmonized with the intimate lyricism of Eastern instruments, making the "World Reception Hall" a true venue for the meeting, mutual appreciation, and reinvention of world cultures in Shanghai. 

At the gala, Mr. Cointreau presented this esteemed award to a number of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to cultural exchange and the arts. Each recipient represents outstanding achievements in their respective fields, underscoring Le Cordon Bleu’s enduring commitment to fostering global cultural dialogue and preserving culinary heritage.

Global Impact: Guests Witness Cultural Heritage

Consuls General and representatives from multiple countries were also present at the event, with diplomats from France, New Zealand, and Thailand offering high praise for Le Cordon Bleu's contributions and influence in various countries over the years.

In his speech, Mr. David Kibler, Vice Consul General of France in Shanghai, stated that Le Cordon Bleu has always been a distinguished representative of French culinary culture worldwide, particularly in promoting French gastronomy and culture. He highlighted the close cooperation between Le Cordon Bleu and the Business France which has significantly advanced culinary education both in China and globally, while also establishing a strong bridge for Sino-French cultural exchange.

Ms. Prinat Apirat, Consul General of Thailand in Shanghai, shared an exciting announcement: Pichaya "Pam" Soontornyanakij, the winner of the 2025 "World's Best Female Chef Award" and the first Asian woman to win this honor, is an outstanding graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. Ms. Apirat expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Le Cordon Bleu’s role in nurturing culinary talent and fostering cultural exchange between Thailand and China, as well as the positive impact Le Cordon Bleu has had on Thai culinary culture.

Mr. Ardi Barnard, Consul General of New Zealand in Shanghai, also praised Le Cordon Bleu’s contributions. He stated that Le Cordon Bleu not only trains a significant number of talented chefs but also promotes cultural exchange between New Zealand and China through its global campuses and educational network. Mr. Barnard further commended Le Cordon Bleu’s leadership in global culinary education and expressed his anticipation for more New Zealand students to join Le Cordon Bleu and experience its unique educational appeal.

Xu Beihong’s Gift: A Symbol of Sino-French Cultural Dialogue

This year marks the 130th anniversary of Le Cordon Bleu and the 130th birth anniversary of legendary Chinese artist Xu Beihong. In this momentous year, Le Cordon Bleu has partnered with the Xu Beihong Art Museum to create the Le Cordon Bleu Master Selection Wine. The bottle’s design draws inspiration from Xu Beihong’s iconic galloping horses, symbolizing ambition, vitality, and the spirit of cultural exchange. The wine is crafted by Ta Pai Winery using traditional, nationally recognized techniques, and selected by Le Cordon Bleu’s culinary experts, blending “Eastern winemaking artistry” with “French craftsmanship” in one exceptional product.

During the dinner, guests had the opportunity to taste the collaborative huangjiu (yellow wine), and they praised it enthusiastically. Ms. Wang Zeting, Deputy Director of the Xu Beihong Art Museum, expressed her vision for deeper Sino-French cultural exchange. She specifically mentioned, "This year marks the 130th anniversary of both our brands, and next year is the Year of the Horse. We hope to further deepen the cultural exchange between China and France in the future." Following her remarks, Ms. Wang presented a tribute to Mr. André Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, using Xu Beihong’s iconic galloping horse painting as a symbol, commemorating the cultural and artistic bond shared by both parties.

Carrying the Narrative Forward: A Global Journey of Chinese Cuisine

Since its launch in 2018, Chinese Cuisine · Global Expression has been presented in Shanghai, Paris, and London, evolving into one of Le Cordon Bleu’s most influential cultural platforms for Chinese gastronomy. Following its successful edition in London in June 2025, its return to Shanghai highlights a fitting conclusion to the year’s international program.

André J. Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, stated:

“Le Cordon Bleu belongs not only to France, but to the world. For 130 years, we have been dedicated to fostering global culinary dialogue. ‘Chinese Cuisine · Global Expression’ enables international audiences to understand Chinese gastronomy in a gentle yet meaningful way. We look forward to deepening this exchange.”

Building on its global network, Le Cordon Bleu will continue expanding Chinese culinary education worldwide, presenting Chinese gastronomy in broader and more contemporary forms. 

Taste China, Embrace the World

Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu has shaped global culinary culture for 130 years. Shanghai — at the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, defined by openness and cultural inclusivity — has become a natural point of resonance for Le Cordon Bleu’s evolution in the East.

The convergence of a century-old Western culinary institution and a world city linking East and West is no coincidence.

Since establishing its Shanghai campus in 2015, Le Cordon Bleu has opened a new chapter of cross-cultural dialogue. From Shanghai to Paris and London, the program has introduced Chinese culinary heritage to global audiences, allowing Chinese flavors to shine on the world stage.

That journey returned to the Grand Halls, completing a cultural arc flowing from Paris to Shanghai and from Shanghai back to the world —a narrative of heritage and renewal, encounters and returns.

At this symbolic 130-year moment, the resonance between Le Cordon Bleu’s global culinary practice and Shanghai’s contemporary spirit signals the beginning of a new chapter. Le Cordon Bleu will continue to grow in Shanghai and engage the world —
letting the world taste China, and enabling China to embrace the world.