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Taste of China

February 8, 2026

3:00 - 6:00 PM ET

This is a 21+ event.

Come to a live Robotic Cooking Show alongside curated Chinese cuisine and wine tastings—marking the start of an immersive cultural journey. Taste of China brings these experiences directly from China, blending authentic flavors, regional traditions, and contemporary creativity into an open, interactive program. From hands-on heritage activities to a relaxed wine and cocktail experience, you’re invited to watch, taste, and explore China at your own pace.

The event is organized in collaboration with China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, and UnionPay International.

Schedule

3:00 – 3:30 PMEvent Check-In
3:30 – 3:50 PMOpening Remarks
3:50 – 4:10 PMChinese Food Robotic Cooking Show
4:10 – 6:00 PM

Cuisine and Wine Tasting

  • Enjoy a lively tasting experience featuring curated wines, creative cocktails, and a selection of Chinese cuisine. From crowd-pleasing bites to artfully crafted display dishes, we invite you to taste, explore, and appreciate the flavors, techniques, and visual artistry of Chinese culinary traditions

Experiential Stations

Hundred Fu Showcase 百福展

  • Live “FU 福” Calligraphy
  • Spring Couplet Writing and Gifting

Intangible Cultural Heritage Interactive Stations

  • Bristle Doll 鬃人
  • Dough Sculpture面塑
  • Kite 风筝
  • Sugar Painting 糖画

Cuisine Display and Tasting

Experiential Stations:

Hundred Fu Showcase 百福展: Explore the many expressions of “Fu” (福)—the Chinese character for happiness and good fortune—across regions and art forms. This showcase features calligraphy, paper-cuttings, and architectural motifs presented through a looping video and image display, accompanied by festive traditional music. You will get to know the historical origins and rich meanings of “Fu” culture in China, along with its special significance during the Spring Festival.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Interactive Stations:

Bristle Doll 鬃人: Discover a rare folk craft from Beijing that blends performance, craftsmanship, and mechanics. Inspired by Peking Opera and shadow puppetry, bristle dolls come to life when tapped on a copper plate, “dancing” through the elasticity of their bristles—making them one of the few traditional Chinese handicrafts designed to move.

Dough Sculpture 面塑: Learn about an ancient folk art dating back to the Han Dynasty. These colorful, finely detailed dough sculptures are shaped by hand into lively figures and symbols, showcasing a tradition known for its durability, versatility, and expressive charm.

Kite Making 风筝: Experience the artistry behind Chinese kite making, a tradition refined over centuries. From design to construction, this craft emphasizes balance, lightness, and symbolism, reflecting the deep connection between folk art, nature, and cultural imagination.

Sugar Painting 糖画: Sugar painting originated from the traditional Chinese folk art of sugar sculpture in the Ming Dynasty. It is a craft where melted sugar is shaped into edible, visually appealing artworks. More than 100 designs, such as zodiac animals and drama characters, can be created using this craft that combines traditional culture with modern innovation.

This program is made possible through the support of the Chinese International Education Foundation, and generous supporters of China Institute of America.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

China Institute of America’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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