Sichuan Tourism University News Network （Correspondent:FengXia, Photographer: Zhou Bingjie）To deliver on the important consensus between Chinese and Russian heads of state to co-host the 2026–2027 China-Russia Year of Education and deepen bilateral cooperation in culinary education, the Chinese Sichuan Cuisine Academy, jointly built by Sichuan Tourism University (SCTU) and Siberian Federal University, held its official opening ceremony in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on 13 April local time. Attendees included Yulia Filatova, Deputy Director of the Krasnoyarsk Krai Governor’s Office; Maxim Rumyantsev, Acting Rector of Siberian Federal University; Alexey Gorenksy, Dean of the university’s School of Gastronomy; a three-person SCTU delegation headed by Lan Minglu; as well as Russian teaching staff and student representatives.

In her speech, Deputy Director Filatova stated that educational initiatives of this kind boost regional growth while creating valuable channels for professional knowledge sharing between the two nations. Acting Rector Rumyantsev commented that the university’s partnership with Chinese higher education institutions has transitioned from planning to tangible delivery and will bring fresh impetus to Siberia’s hospitality sector development. Dean Gorenksy added that training local specialists in authentic Chinese culinary craft enables more Russian people to access the philosophical insights and profound cultural heritage embedded within Chinese food, adding rich cultural depth to practical cooperation under the China-Russia Year of Education framework.

During the inauguration, Lan Minglu and Acting Rector Maxim Rumyantsev formally exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding representing their respective universities and unveiled the plaque naming Siberian Federal University’s School of Gastronomy the Chinese Sichuan Cuisine Academy. Lan Minglu remarked that culinary culture serves as a vivid expression of national identity, reflecting humanity’s appreciation for life and respect for nature. The joint launch of the academy turns cross-cultural affinity into practical channels for mutual study and exchange.

As the flagship first program delivered through the new Chinese Sichuan Cuisine Academy platform at Siberian Federal University, a Chinese culinary training course kicked off on the same day. Over the following two weeks, Lan Minglu will deliver hands-on Chinese cuisine training to Russian students, drawing on over 40 years of professional experience to cover cooking methodologies, food culture, ingredient selection and flavor matching techniques.

The joint founding of the Chinese Sichuan Cuisine Academy with Siberian Federal University marks a key initiative for SCTU to support national high-standard educational opening-up, expand global academic partnerships and facilitate the worldwide spread of Chinese culinary culture. Going forward, the two institutions will cooperate widely on talent training, two-way staff and student mobility, cross-cultural dialogue and joint standard-setting work to drive standardized, internationally recognized Chinese culinary education, fostering lasting friendship between Chinese and Russian communities and advancing bilateral exchange of food culture.

Siberian Federal University ranks as the largest and most reputable federal key university in eastern Russia, and its School of Gastronomy is the country’s sole dedicated higher education provider specializing in culinary arts and hospitality management degrees.