In Shenzhen – China's tech powerhouse drawing 190,000 international graduates and 2 million tech professionals – employees are redefining work-life balance through food culture. 'Food is our secret weapon against deadlines,' says Qi Shuyue, an engineer at AI firm Orbbec Technology, where 66% of her team are returned students.
While the city's startups drive cutting-edge innovation in AI and robotics, workers preserve mental wellbeing through regional culinary traditions. Night markets brim with teams bonding over Cantonese shāo mài dumplings, while lunch breaks feature milk tea runs that spark cross-cultural conversations between local and international colleagues.
A 2023 workplace survey shows 82% of Shenzhen tech employees prioritize weekly team meals, blending business networking with cultural exchange. 'We debate semiconductor designs over hot pot – that's where breakthrough ideas happen,' Qi adds, highlighting how gastronomy fuels both creativity and stress relief.
Reference(s):
China's food culture: We have our own way of relieving pressure
cgtn.com
