An Italian hotel receptionist, whose plea for a traditional Chinese candy captured global attention, arrived in Guangdong this week. On April 8, during his trip to Hsu Fu Chi's candy factory in Dongguan, he learned the traditional Chinese candy-making technique that produces his favourite "crisp candy" and took part in a livestream.
Abdelkrim Essaqr (known as Karem), 48, works at a hotel in Milan, Italy. His journey began when a Chinese tourist gifted him a piece of Hsu Fu Chi black sesame "Crisp Candy". Struck by its texture and flavor, Karem started to ask other Chinese visitors to help him obtain more of the treat from China, because this candy was unavailable locally. His social media appeal quickly went viral, drawing global attention.
Hsu Fu Chi, the candy maker, responded by inviting Karem to China. After more than 40 days, Karem finally visited the company's Dongguan factory on April 8, where he tried his hand at the traditional handmade sugar-pulling process for the crispy candies and later featured in a livestream to promote this Guangdong candy to online audiences around the world.
Karem's trip will continue through April 12. He is also set to tour Guangzhou and Shenzhen to experience the urban landscape of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and explore other examples of Guangdong's distinctive manufacturing and design.
Reporter: Xie Maishi
Video: Pan Jiajun
Design: Pan Jiajun
Photo: Pan Jiajun
