From September 25–27, Shanghai hosted the 4th China Vegan Summit at the Longemont Hotel. A three-day celebration of ideas, inspiration, and hands-on experiences dedicated to plant-based living.

This year’s Summit centered on three main themes:

Science & Health explored cutting-edge research on plant-based nutrition, disease prevention, alternative proteins, and evolving dietary guidelines.

Business & Policy Innovation focused on scaling plant-based initiatives ethically and sustainably, with sessions covering policy breakthroughs, investment trends, circular food systems, and transformative strategies from the local to national level.

Culture & Community Action examined how to make plant-based living mainstream, highlighting storytelling, grassroots organizing, rural innovation, and global collaboration to reimagine plant-based culture as joyful, visible, and inclusive.

With over 80 speakers, 22 keynotes, 14 panel discussions, and 22 workshops, the summit offered a rich mix of learning and engagement. Attendees also enjoyed documentary screenings, live music, a dance workshop, and interactive sessions, bringing the plant-based lifestyle to life in every possible way.

The Story Behind Mang

At the opening, Jian Yi, founder of the China Vegan Society, shared that when he was establishing the Society and later the China Vegan Summit, he was searching for a Chinese word that could capture the idea of “vegan”, something simple, meaningful, and deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

That word became 茻 (mǎng), an ancient character meaning “dense, flourishing plants”. Today, it represents a lifestyle that is mindful, vibrant, and focused on doing as little harm as possible. On the big screen, it appeared like a tiny sprout breaking through the soil: small and ancient, yet full of energy and potential.

Vegan Person of the Year Awards

The Summit kicked off with the China Vegan Person of the Year - a celebration of individuals who are driving change through their own unique paths, yet united by one purpose: to make the world a better place by promoting veganism.

This award honors those who use their talents, platforms, and creativity to advance a more compassionate, sustainable, and conscious way of living. Whether they are creators, chefs, entrepreneurs, or artists, each finalist embodies the spirit of action and authenticity.

This year, five outstanding individuals were chosen and placed under the spotlight.

Five people. Five stories. One goal: to prove that actions speak louder than words.

2025 Vegan Person of the Year Finalists

Su Yige (苏一格) – A documentary filmmaker revealing the realities of animal farming. Through her social media platform “一个袋子”, she shares insights on veganism, sustainability, and animal welfare, inspiring more people to see the truth behind their choices.

Lu Jian (陆键) – Founder of the “Sharing Vegan Meals with 365 Friends Across China” project. On his social media account “食草男慢先生”, he recreates ancient Chinese plant-based recipes, showing that veganism isn’t a modern trend, it has long been woven into China’s cultural and culinary traditions.

Alexandra Ogden – A Chinese Food and Travel video creator and vegan hospitality consultant. Alex shares vibrant stories of Chinese vegan cuisine on her Instagram/YouTube account “Vegan in China” and RED Note/DouYin account “爱吃草的阿莲”, bridging cultures and revealing the richness of plant-based living in China to the world.

Tong Tong (童瞳) – Founder of vegan skincare brand Whisper, Tong Tong advocates for gender equality and social inclusion. Her brand not only promotes cruelty-free beauty but also supports people with disabilities through inclusive projects and community events.

Vegeta (张茗博 Zhang Mingbo) – A rapper who blends veganism with music to reach younger audiences. Through his sharp lyrics and heartfelt performances, he spreads messages of compassion and awareness, using art as a bridge to move people emotionally and socially.

Though their paths differ, their mission is the same: to make plant-based living visible, relatable, and inspiring for all.

The Science of Eating Plants

This year’s Health & Nutrition Track was a masterclass in turning science into everyday action. From foundational nutrition principles to practical tips for daily meals, from debunking common myths to sharing the latest research, experts made plant-based eating approachable, engaging, and inspiring.

A lineup of leading specialists brought their insights to life. Dr. Jessie Qiao (乔晓), T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, presented “Plant-Based Nutrition and Chronic Disease Intervention”, using robust data to demonstrate how plant-based diets can play a critical role in managing chronic illnesses.

NutritionFacts.org Chinese Program Director Hailey Chang, shared “Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen”, offering simple, actionable guidance to make healthy eating both sustainable and achievable.

Dr. Liu Zhiheng (刘志恒), Deputy Leader of the Plant-Based Nutrition Group, explained the science of balanced plant-based diets from macronutrients to micronutrients, providing clear principles for eating vegan in a healthy way.

Meanwhile, Dr. Li Suyun (李素云), Director of Clinical Nutrition, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, reminded the audience that “vegan doesn’t automatically mean healthy”, offering practical strategies to optimize everyday meals.

Topics spanned anti-aging, fitness, children’s nutrition, and eco-friendly kitchens, ensuring there was something for everyone. By the end of the sessions, attendees were energized and inspired, ready to take what they had learned from theory to practice, turning every meal into an opportunity to embrace a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.

Entrepreneurship in Action

The Summit also shone a spotlight on the booming plant-based industry, where innovation is reshaping food, fashion, and lifestyle. Speakers explored alternative proteins, vegan snacks, cruelty-free skincare, and sustainable fashion, showing how startups are building the future, one idea at a time.

As a global leader in renewable energy, China is now expanding its support for alternative proteins, from plant-based to cultivated meat, creating fertile ground for entrepreneurial growth.

With rising consumer interest and growing awareness of the health, ethical, and environmental benefits of plant-based living, a new generation of young entrepreneurs and vegan brands is emerging.

This year’s Summit invited experts from across the vegan business ecosystem to share their experiences in creating, promoting, and scaling vegan brands.

Highlights included:

Plant-based dairy alternatives: Brands shared their inspiration for creating plnt-based milks, cheeses, and yogurts, along with strategies for introducing these products to mainstream consumers.
Vegan fashion: Experts discussed the technology behind sustainable materials, from vegan leather bags and shoes to cruelty-free clothing. They highlighted market demand and how to connect with Gen Z consumers who value ethical, eco-friendly fashion.
Vegan skincare: Founders of cruelty-free beauty brands shared their journey, including the challenges of starting a plant-based skincare line and practical advice for young entrepreneurs aiming to break into this competitive market.
Plant-based meat alternatives: Scientists and founders explored the current landscape of plant-based meat in China, consumer attitudes, and strategies to improve taste, accessibility, and mainstream acceptance.
Brand storytelling and global expansion: Local entrepreneurs shared tips on building a compelling brand narrative, partnering with major hotel and restaurant chains, and taking Chinese vegan brands international. Restaurant owners also discussed their successes and the practical realities of founding and running vegan businesses.

Across all these discussions, one theme was clear: innovation, creativity, and commitment are driving the plant-based movement forward in China. From food to fashion to lifestyle, startups are not just creating products—they’re shaping a culture and inspiring a new generation to embrace ethical, sustainable living.

Culture, Ethics, and Global Perspectives

This year’s Summit reminded everyone that plant-based living has deep cultural roots in Chinese history.

Content creator Lu Jian (陆键), founder of the “Sharing Vegan Meals with 365 Friends Across China” project and creator of the media account 食草慢先生, shared captivating videos and photos of his work recreating ancient Chinese vegan recipes. His storytelling brought tradition to life, proving that plant-based cuisine is far from a passing trend; it’s an integral part of Chinese culinary heritage that continues to inspire new generations.

Professor of Ethics at Shandong University Guo Peng (郭鹏教授), offered a deeply reflective talk, inviting participants to reconsider our relationship with food and animals. She emphasized that embracing a plant-based diet is not just a matter of personal health, it’s also an ethical and social responsibility that reflects compassion and awareness in everyday choices.

The conversation went beyond food itself to explore how we communicate about it. Sessions focused on how vegans can share their beliefs and lifestyles with family, friends, and colleagues in ways that build understanding instead of conflict, turning personal values into collective change.

International speakers added a global dimension, sharing their experiences of promoting veganism across different regions and cultures. Through workshops and panels on storytelling, media, and advocacy, the Summit demonstrated that plant-based living is not only a personal choice, but also a bridge connecting communities around the world, a movement rooted in tradition, yet evolving toward a more compassionate future.

Beyond the Talks

The Summit wasn’t just about listening, it was about feeling, exploring, and connecting. Alongside the talks and panels, participants got to dive into experiences that left a real impression.

Screenings of documentaries like Invisible Labor: Rethinking Animal Ethics from Farm to Table and SEANTIENCE encouraged everyone to slow down and think about the hidden costs behind what we eat and consume. Many people walked out deep in thought, reflecting on their own choices and habits.

After such an inspiring and information-packed day, the Ecstatic Dance Workshop offered the perfect way to unwind, a space to move freely, express yourself, and let all that energy flow through music and motion.

PlantUP: Serving Up Creativity and Connection

Launched in 2024 by the China Vegan Society, PlantUP is a creative competition designed to uncover and support changemakers bringing plant-based living to life in fresh, imaginative ways.

“With just 5000 yuan, invite 100 people to eat plant-based, and let them help change the world, one meal at a time”.

This simple yet powerful idea lies at the heart of PlantUP. It’s not just about food, it’s about imagination, collaboration, and social impact. By reimagining the act of eating as a creative intervention, PlantUP invites the public to rethink what it truly means to “eat well”.

Through pop-up experiences, community experiments, and even conceptual art projects, the competition has become a platform to tell stories about the future of food, stories that are delicious, sustainable, and deeply human. From urban dinners that explore food waste to rural gatherings reviving forgotten grains, every PlantUP project is a reminder that creativity can start at the dining table and ripple out into the world.

A Taste of Innovation

At the China Vegan Summit, a dedicated showcase area in the main hall came alive with color, aroma, and creativity, featuring brand-new products from our partners. Many were just launched by local brands, proving that plant-based innovation never stops. From crispy tempeh chips to smooth chickpea milk, from earthy mushroom coffee blends to chewy bean-based cookies, the display captured how delicious, healthy, and imaginative the future of plant-based living can be.

Connections That Matter

As the three-day China Vegan Summit came to a close, one thing was clear: change happens when people connect. From entrepreneurs and researchers to chefs and content creators, everyone shared one common belief, that plant-based living is not just a trend, but a path toward a more sustainable and compassionate future. The conversations, collaborations, and friendships formed during the summit will continue to grow, nourishing a movement that celebrates creativity, purpose, and community.