STORY: Chinese social media influencers, Serbian youth bond over culinary traditions
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 23, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:47
LOCATION: Belgrade
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese influencers cooking Serbian dishes
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): GUO WEINA, Chinese influencer
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XIA ZHINAN, Chinese influencer
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): ANDRIJA ZIVKOVIC, High school student
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Serbian): LUKA VASILJEVIC, High school student
6. various of the Wine Vision and Food Vision fair in Belgrade

STORYLINE:

On Saturday, 20 prominent Chinese social media influencers took part in a cooking workshop in Belgrade.

At the workshop, Chinese influencers learned to make traditional Serbian dishes like Leskovacka muckalica (a stew-like dish made of barbecued meat and vegetables) and Leskovacki ustipci (donut-like meatballs) from Serbian chefs.

The event was organized by the Belt and Road Institute Belgrade and the Junior Chef Club, as part of the Wine Vision and Food Vision by Open Balkan fairs.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): GUO WEINA, Chinese influencer
"People from all over the world love food. I think food is a bridge that fosters communication among different countries and ethnic groups. I see many young Serbians here today. They are very interested in us and are willing to communicate with us. I hope more Serbians will visit China, experience our culture, and feel our hospitality."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XIA ZHINAN, Chinese influencer
"I'm glad to show the positive vibes of Chinese youth through this event and make friends with people here. This event has given them a chance to see how rich and diverse Chinese cuisine is. We, in turn, love Serbian cuisine and enjoy connecting with Serbian food enthusiasts and chefs. As the saying goes, 'Food is the essence of life,' and I believe it can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): ANDRIJA ZIVKOVIC, High school student
"Food connects people across cultures. It's not just about how dishes are prepared but the joy of sharing them. I'd love to try Chinese specialties someday. They seem amazing and look incredible."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Serbian): LUKA VASILJEVIC, High school student
"Food is like love -- it binds people together. Without food, there wouldn't be love."

The third edition of the Wine Vision and Food Vision by Open Balkan fairs, co-hosted by Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia, was held from Friday to Sunday.

As one of Europe's largest expos of winemaking and gastronomy, it drew over 650 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Belgrade.
(XHTV)