From January 24 to 25, Team China participated and competed at the 2025 World Pastry Cup in Lyon, France. Team China was led by captain Glen QIAN and included Sheng WANG and Tongtong SUN, champions of the 2023 China Pastry Cup. Ice candidate Thomas LI was also part of the four-person strong team.

With their combined experience, skills and creativity, Team China achieved a momentous milestone by securing fourth place. This remarkable achievement represents both a high regard for Chinese pastry craftsmanship and the emergence of China’s dessert culture on the global stage. Through this competition, Team China truly showcased China’s vast and rich cultural heritage with dessert as a unique medium.

The theme of this year's World Pastry Cup was "National Heritage," which meant that each team's creations showcased a distinct cultural and historical identity. The competition consisted of six major categories including frozen fruit desserts, restaurant desserts, chocolate shows, sugar art, and ice sculptures. Each category tested the team’s skill and creativity to the utmost. The Chinese team, with a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture, cleverly combined Dunhuang culture with elements from the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing) in their dessert pieces. The cultural dessert works amazed audience and judges on site.

(Image: The table display by the Chinese team)

On day one, the Chinese team drew inspiration from the flying celestial maidens in the Dunhuang murals and the mythological fish, Wen Yao, from the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), using chocolate, sugar art, and desserts to vividly present these elements. The celestial maidens danced gracefully with flowing robes, while the Wen Yao fish symbolized harvest and beauty. Through exquisite craftsmanship and delicate techniques, Team China seamlessly blended these elements and delivered a visual feast to the audience. During the chocolate show section, the contestants also conveyed the unique charm of Chinese culture to a global audience through their traditional Chinese attire and brilliant performance.

(Image: Team China’s competition entries)

In addition to Team China, other countries also showcased their unique cultural heritage. Colombia presented carnival-themed desserts. Japan displayed sweets inspired by ritual celebrations. Belgium created chocolate works celebrating the invention of the saxophone. All participants highlighted their respective nation’s history and cultural essence. The French team's "Gallic rooster" figure, Mexico's Day of the Dead theme, and Argentina's tango-inspired creations further allowed the audience to deeply experience the charm and traditions of various countries.

After two days of intense competition, Japan emerged as the World Pastry Cup champion for the second consecutive year. France claimed second place, and Malaysia secured third. Team China followed shortly behind by 22 points in fourth place, a momentous result for the China dessert and pastry industry. This result lays a solid foundation to build upon for future teams from China. Throughout the competition, Team China showcased both their own dessert making expertise and the vast depth of Chinese culture to the world.

(Image: Team China group photo at the competition)

The successful conclusion of this competition recognized the technical skills of all the participants and acknowledged the boundless dedication behind their efforts. The Chinese team, successfully showcased the unique charm of Chinese pastry art to the world through the deep integration of Dunhuang culture and clever creative designs. Every piece of work and creation reflected the Chinese pastry community’s commitment to preserving traditional culture while innovating through modern techniques.

As the champion team of the 2023 China Pastry Cup, the Chinese team’s performance has revealed a fresh new face of Chinese desserts to the world stage. The Executive Committee of the China Pastry Cup will continue to provide broader platforms for Chinese pastry contestants to showcase their talent, while also actively promoting international exchange and the development of Chinese pastry culture. Looking forward, we expect Team China to continue to thrive on the world stage, integrating Chinese elements with global cultures and writing a new chapter in the Chinese pastry story.