Tianjin's first Chocolate Festival—which aims to become northern China's largest chocolate festival— kicked off last weekend, gathering a diverse range of premium chocolate products nationwide.

During the event, visitors savored creative delicacies like chocolate shaved ice and steamed cakes, and gained an in-depth understanding of chocolate's production process and cultural connotations.

"We screened over 100 brands and prioritized well-known premium ones, many from other cities," Zhang Ruinan, a marketing member of the Wudadao subdistrict office, said.

At the venue, a rich cocoa aroma filled the square, and various chocolate displays drew visitors to stop and sample. Many booths showcased on-site production, deepening visitors' interest and knowledge about chocolates and their derivatives.

For vendors, the festival is a key platform for brand display and market expansion.

"Our signature Dubai-style chocolate sold out by noon and won't restock until 4 pm," a vendor surnamed He, who owns a local Tianjin dessert shop, said.

Besides Dubai-style and Chinese-style chocolates, vendors offered strawberry chocolate crepes, premium coffee beans, and other related products.

Many visitors traveled from Beijing with their children for interactive activities, check-ins, and photos, creating a joyful atmosphere. The square's clock tower chimed on the hour, blending the historic Wudadao district's cultural charm with ritual and romance for the sweet feast.

"Tianjin people are extremely warm, and I'm glad more people get to taste coffee brewed with our beans," a Beijing-based online coffee bean retailer surnamed Li said. He added that the festival united top brands and gave online businesses a chance to connect with customers directly.

"We want to create a spring destination for relaxation and consumption in March," Zhang said.

"By integrating food, culture, and the neighborhood's unique features, we hope to attract more locals and visitors to participate together."