Global flavors meet festive cheer at Spring Festival fair in Shanghai

Lars Anke, chief representative of Hamburg Liaison Office China, highlighted the importance of the friendship city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg, now in its 40th year.

"China is a very important partner. So trade with China and exchange with China for us is very, very important and substantial," Anke said. "Hamburg is Europe's third-largest port, but it's the biggest port in Europe for China trade. One third of all containers in the port of Hamburg are connected to trade with China."

Anke, a 20-year Shanghai resident, recommended German wine and sweets for the Chinese New Year celebration.