Chongqing - As the second Belt and Road International Skills Competition draws near, scheduled for the end of June in Chongqing, leading figures in Pâtisserie and Confectionery, Liu Qinghua and Yang Yuanjun, have offered a glimpse into the extensive preparations underway at the Chongqing Pâtisserie and Confectionery Base. In this year's competition, Chongqing will host and highlight its situations in Pâtisserie and Confectionery skills.

Joint establishment of the "Spain-Chongqing Workshop" with the Spanish Institute of Innovation Management. (Photo/Chongqing Business Vocational College)

As a part of the competition, the Pâtisserie and Confectionery project embraces categories such as decorated cakes, marzipan modeling, and sugar sculpture. Participants are tasked with showcasing their sophisticated skills and innovative techniques, with challenges spanning 8 to 10 hours. As the host city and a pivotal municipal training hub, Chongqing furnishes participants with standardized technical modules and ample practical opportunities.

The Chinese team participated in the IKA/Culinary Olympics 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo/Chongqing Business Vocational College)

Liu Qinghua, principal of Chongqing Ouyi Education, a vocational skills training school specializing in Pâtisserie and Confectionery, and a senior evaluator in China, underlined the institution's impactful contributions to the competition. She explained, "Our coaches and competitors frequently travel to the national main base in Jiangsu Province for advanced training, where we also have opportunities to bring in industry experts for guidance. Our overarching aim is to propel our competitors into the national team and maximize interactions with global experts, inviting them to mentor our trainees in Chongqing."

Students from Ouyi Education are practicing pastry making. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Due to local climatic conditions, sugar sculpture in Chongqing encounters challenges such as high humidity, which can cause sugar products to absorb moisture and soften. Yang Yuanjun, a seasoned judge across several editions of the International Skills Competition, observed, "Since our inaugural participation in the national selection in 2016, Chongqing has achieved remarkable advancements in this domain. Despite the obstacles posed by high humidity, we have progressively mitigated these challenges through technological innovation and enhancements." Yang also stressed the value of international engagement, "Our coaches and competitors regularly undertake training exchanges at China's main base in Jiangsu, enhancing our skills and experiences through this proactive 'go out' and 'invite in' strategy."

The opening ceremony of the "Chinese Bridge" Online Education Program 2022 - Bayu Cuisine Journey. (Photo/Chongqing Business Vocational College)

Ouyi Education, with over a decade of specialization in Pâtisserie and Confectionery training, has excelled across various disciplines within these fields, securing notable accolades in international skills contests. Its students, Liu Dimu and Wu Yanjie have been honored as "Western Skills Stars" in the People's Republic of China Vocational Skills Competition. Liu Dimu clinched a prize in the second national vocational skills competition. At the same time, Wu Yanjie secured a silver medal at the IKA/Culinary Olympics 2020 and a gold medal in the 2024 edition. 

Wu Yanjie participated in the IKA/Culinary Olympics 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo/Chongqing Business Vocational College)

This iteration of the Belt and Road International Skills Competition is poised to be not just a showcase of skills but a vibrant exchange of cultures. Liu Qinghua anticipates, "Through this competition, we are eager to deepen our technical and cultural connections with participating countries. Our goal is to weave Chinese techniques into international dessert craftsmanship, like integrating sugar sculpture with traditional Chinese embroidery, to bring these distinct cultural elements to the global stage."

Chongqing Municipal Government Mayor Scholarship 2023 "Spanish Chongqing Cuisine Cooking Technology Talent Training Class" - a group photo of student representatives and teachers. (Photo/Chongqing Business Vocational College)

As the competition nears, participants diligently prepare for this grand showcase of technology and art. Set against the scenic backdrop of Chongqing, the event promises high-caliber skill contests and a profound integration of diverse cultures.

Sugar sculpture of a peacock crafted by students of Ouyi Education. (Photo/Li Xinyi)