Stepping off the train at Hongqiao Railway Station, Mr. Zheng was immediately greeted by the welcoming scent of coffee. "It's been chilly these past few days, and feeling the cold on my journey here made this warm cup of coffee especially comforting," he remarked.
At a special Lantern Festival event at Hongqiao Railway Station's arrival floor, travelers are offered a warm cup of coffee, conveying the city's warmth and hospitality. [Photo/WeChat account: minhangnews]
The event was a collaborative effort by Minhang district's Xinhong street, Shenhong Real Estate, and Hongqiao Pinhui, aiming to offer a gesture of hospitality to those returning to Shanghai.
Adding a cultural twist to the occasion, organizers also set up a series of lantern riddles at the station, successfully blending traditional customs and modern lifestyles. This initiative is a testament to Xinhong street's ongoing commitment to imbuing travelers' experiences with warmth. It is also part of a broader tradition of festive greetings and cultural engagement at key transport hubs during significant holidays.
A hundred riddles are set up at Hongqiao Railway Station. Passengers who guess the riddles correctly received coffee-themed gifts— such as samples of Yunnan drip coffee. [Photo/WeChat account: minhangnews]
Making up one seventh of Shanghai's total, Minhang district is home to over a thousand coffee shops, and Xinhong street, in particular, plays a crucial role in the burgeoning Hongqiao International Coffee Port.
This activity not only aims to increase the area's prominence in the coffee industry, but also to create a multifaceted cultural and industrial landmark that fosters coffee-related talents, trade, and brand development.
Launched during last year's Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival and continued during this year's Lantern Festival, the "First Cup of Coffee in Shanghai" initiative heralds the upcoming 2024 coffee festival season. It exemplifies how the simple act of offering a cup of coffee can enhance the urban experience, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone in Shanghai.
