SFU has long maintained a productive collaboration with Chinese research and educational institutions. Today, Chinese students are enrolled at the university, and the institution is working closely with Chinese universities to develop joint programs and projects.

“It is important for SFU that industry representatives and partner universities are involved in student training. Of course, the university supported the initiative of the SFU Institute of Gastronomy to establish cooperation with a specialized Chinese university that offers a program in gastronomy. Such focused partnership not only creates conditions for education but also forms a joint project that will influence the quality of education and industry development trends,” commented Maxim Rumyantsev, Acting Rector of SFU, on the launch of the new program.

The administration of Sichuan Tourism University presented a commemorative plaque symbolizing mutual cooperation to Alexei Gorensky, director of the SFU Institute of Gastronomy.

“The SFU Institute of Gastronomy has long wanted to delve deeper into Asian culinary culture. Where changes in gastronomic culture are taking root, we must study Chinese cuisine, one of the world’s oldest and greatest culinary traditions. For us, this partnership is an experiment, a cultural exchange, and a way to develop the skills and horizons of our students and colleagues. We are witnessing how, at the intersection of different cultures, a unique vision for creating new flavors and cultural traditions emerges,” said Alexey Gorensky at the center’s opening. 

Lan Minglu, a professor at Sichuan University of Tourism and dean of the Academy of Sichuan Cuisine Craft Production, noted: “It is a great honor for me to teach students from Siberia the basics of Chinese cuisine. You know that 2026–2027 have been declared the Cross-Cultural Years of Education between Russia and China. Chinese cuisine is rich and diverse; it preserves a harmony of flavors and aromas. It is not only a synthesis of culinary and medical arts but also the quintessence of the philosophy of the Chinese people. Cuisine brings the peoples of China and Russia closer together. I am confident that through our interaction, we will be able to enrich our peoples culturally and spiritually.” 

According to Alexei Gorensky, the development of Chinese cuisine and the training of specialists will help strengthen the hospitality infrastructure and create conditions for an even more comfortable stay for tourists and visitors from China in Siberia, where they will be able to enjoy their favorite dishes right at their fingertips.