The event merges the "Ink" and the "Flavour" in its own way. We would like to focus on the main elements of the event.
Whether dyeing fans, trying out Hanfu clothing, folding spring rolls or creating a collective canvas together - the "Ink & Flavour" format thrives on the fact that visitors not only consume, but also become part of the cultural process. This blurs the boundaries between stage and auditorium, between artist and audience. What remains is experience - and a deep sense of what Chinese culture is all about: the intertwining of form and content, of hospitality and design.
In Chinese ink painting, there is a principle that initially seems unfamiliar to Western eyes: 留白 (liúbái) - the deliberate leaving of space on paper. This emptiness is not a gap, but an active part of the work. It stands for balance, openness, space for interpretation.
What is not painted often speaks louder than what is visible.
This approach to space characterises not only art, but also the attitude to life - and can also be found in architecture, music and even in China's food culture. Here, emptiness is not the absence of something, but an invitation to the imagination.
The spring roll, a dish known around the world, has its roots in an old seasonal tradition: the so-called "spring dish" (春盘). As early as the Tang Dynasty, fresh seasonal vegetables were artfully arranged to welcome spring.
What is often served as a snack today has deep cultural meanings in China. Rolling the vegetables into thin pancakes was an expression of new beginnings, lightness and closeness to nature.
The spring roll symbolises the awakening of life, the celebration of the natural cycle - and the art of turning simple ingredients into something poetically whole.
Wearing Hanfu, the traditional Chinese dress, is more than just an aesthetic moment - it is an immersion in history. Dancers move with grace and precision in flowing robes, accompanied by soft music and gentle gestures. The traditional dance brings the fabrics to life and speaks without words of harmony, nature and inner peace - a quiet culmination of cultural expressiveness.
A central aspect of Chinese food culture is the sharing of food. Unlike in many Western cultures, people do not order individually, but together: many dishes are served at the same time and placed in the centre of the table. This creates a culinary mosaic in which diversity, respect and connection are expressed.
This sharing is more than a practical procedure - it is a ritual element of social togetherness.
It shows appreciation, openness and a deep understanding of relationships. Those who share allow others to share - and create a connection, not just through words, but through flavour.
Not only the names of Chinese dishes, but also their shapes carry symbolic meanings. One example is the so-called "lion's head" (狮子头) - a dish consisting of large, tender meatballs. The shape is reminiscent of a lion's head, while the accompanying vegetables resemble the mane.
But why a lion?
In Chinese culture, it symbolises strength, protection and dignity - values that are also reflected in the cuisine. The dish is often served on festive occasions and combines a hearty flavour with symbolic depth.
A special contribution to the cultural depth of the event comes from Donghua Li - Olympic, world and European champion in gymnastics, today also a musician and cultural mediator. His presence is not only significant in sporting terms, but also symbolises an intercultural biography that connects East and West.
"Ink & Flavour" is not a classic cultural brunch. It is an experiential space that opens up for encounters, reflection and enjoyment. In a world that often divides, this format unites. And shows that culture doesn't have to be complicated, but honest. Not loud, but deep. Those who come with open eyes and an open palate will leave with a new understanding. For China. For flavour. For what connects people.
