Journey from Mountains to Seas, Explore the Hidden Realm
Chang'an International Cultural Year · Newfoundland, Canada Special Event
When Changan's refined elegance bridges 11000 kilometers across continents to embrace the gentle maritime charm of Newfoundland, Canada, a cultural celebration blending heritage exploration, culinary adventures, and interactive festivities concluded warmly at the Changan Club on 12/12. Members and guests gathered for an immersive experience, unlocking the hidden allure of this "edge of the world" destination and creating lasting warm memories amidst the winter chill.

Cultural Spotlight: Unlocking Newfoundland's Millennial Legends and Natural Wonders

At the event, Ms. Li Mengjiao from Tourism Canada brought the mysterious world of Newfoundland to life with a vivid presentation. From 9000 years of ancient ice-age civilization and Viking legends to the echoes of Anglo-French conflicts and the historic turning point when it became Canada's youngest province in 1949, Newfoundland offers a rich tapestry of history. Its unique accent—often described as "English soaked in seawater and pickled in rum"—added charm, while fun interactions like "How is Yummy Ducky?" kept the audience laughing throughout.

Nature's bounty is irresistible: each year from 5 to 10, 400 to 800 ancient icebergs drift in, forming a "sea-side feast" alongside whales and sea eagles. Gros Morne National Park, the living proof of continental drift, sits on the 470-million-year-old rift between Europe and North America—step here and you're touching the Earth's very soul. With over 12 thousand moose thriving here, lifelong sea eagle pairs, and the native tales of Newfoundland dogs and Labrador Retrievers, this land comes alive with spirit.
Even more remarkable, this site is not only a shrine for polar explorers but also a milestone in the history of human communication. It was here that the Titanic sent its distress signal and received the first transatlantic wireless message, where the weight of history meets the grandeur of nature.
Taste the Atlantic: A Culinary Journey

This cultural journey is also a feast for the senses. Wild sea cucumbers harvested from the deep Atlantic, growing in Arctic waters between 45° and 47° North latitude, feature plump flesh and thick inner tendons. Master Liu, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Medicinal Diet Association, prepared them with his signature scallion-braised technique, allowing guests to savor the pure, ocean-fresh flavor. The brand representative shared expert tips on identifying wild sea cucumbers and delighted attendees with a prize-winning Q&A session.
Wild blueberry juice and wine from Nova Scotia, crafted at an exceptional concentration of one bottle per 3000 berries. Packed with natural floral notes and rich anthocyanins, this "superfood" thrives on the nutrient-poor soil left by ancient glaciers. With a harvest cycle of just two years, every sip is truly rare. Guests learned about blueberries' remarkable eye-health and antioxidant benefits while experiencing the simplicity and craftsmanship behind Canadian agriculture.
Quebec Apple Ice Wine and sparkling wine provide a sweet conclusion to this feast. Made from 10 kilograms of apples, the ice wine is smooth and luscious; blended with 25% ice wine, the sparkling wine offers delicate, refreshing bubbles that pair perfectly with cheese and desserts—embodying a seamless fusion of French romance and North American charm. Also featured is fruit-spiced craft beer from New Brunswick, with an alcohol content of 4.7%, crisp and refreshing, making it a favorite among all guests.
Interactive Fun: The Amazing Experience of Becoming an "Honorary Newfoundlander"

The highlight is the "Honorable Newfoundlander Ceremony." Three lucky guests don traditional Newfoundland fisher raincoats, kiss a codfish, and drink a toast to courage. After taking a fun oath, they receive their "Newfoundland Green Card," plus exclusive access to a custom dinner at St. John's waterfront restaurant and special discounts at the Fogo Island Inn.

The on-site quiz segment was a highlight, featuring engaging questions ranging from sea cucumbers' swimming capabilities and blueberry harvest cycles to iceberg drift routes and the blending ratios for apple ice wine. Guests enthusiastically participated, deepening their understanding of Newfoundland while enjoying lively interaction and winning generous prizes such as sea cucumber gift boxes, blueberry juice, and ice wine.
Meeting across mountains and seas, the future holds promise.
This transcontinental cultural encounter not only allowed guests to experience Newfoundland's millennium-old history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic flavors but also fostered deep East-West cultural exchange on the platform provided by Chang'an Club. Although the event has concluded, the allure of this hidden gem endures—whether embarking on a 14-day island road trip to chase icebergs and whales or exploring Viking villages and French islands, Newfoundland's wonders await further discovery by more visitors.
The Chang'an Club will continue to deepen its commitment to international cultural exchange, delivering even more diverse and immersive exclusive experiences for our members. Stay tuned for upcoming events—we look forward to welcoming you again for the next adventure!
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