Hsu Fu Chi Candy Viral Story ： Milan Hotel Clerk's Request Sparks Global Feeding Mission

A Milan hotel clerk's love for Hsu Fu Chi Crispy Candy sparked a viral mission. Chinese tourists & expats delivered treats, leading the brand to sponsor his supply & invite him to their Guangdong factory. Story highlights cross-cultural connection via snacks.

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Hsu Fu Chi

Chinese Snacks

Viral Story

Cross-Cultural

Milan

Crispy Candy

How a Foreigner's Love for Chinese Snacks Sparked a Global "Feeding Mission"

A simple act of kindness has turned into a cross-continental mission of sweetness. It all started when a Chinese tourist checking out of a hotel in Milan was stopped by the receptionist. He didn't have a problem with the bill; instead, he pulled out a crumpled, carefully flattened candy wrapper from his ID badge and asked in broken Chinese: "Next time you come to Milan, can you bring me this candy? I can pay for it."

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The "Obsession" with Hsu Fu Chi

It turns out a previous guest had gifted the clerk a bag of Hsu Fu Chi Crispy Candy (酥心糖)—the classic peanut-based treat known for its 128 layers of flaky crust. The Milan receptionist was so conquered by the flavor that he couldn't bring himself to throw away the wrapper, keeping it as a reference for his quest to find more.

A "Feeding Mission" Across Borders

When the story hit Chinese social media, it went viral for all the right reasons. The response from the public was a mix of humor and genuine warmth:

Tourists currently heading to Italy shared photos of their suitcases packed with bags of the candy specifically for the Milan hotel.

Chinese expats living in Milan didn't wait—they drove straight to the hotel to hand-deliver various flavors to the surprised receptionist.

One netizen, concerned about potential nut allergies (since the candy is peanut-based), even printed a full-color flavor guide in Italian with highlighted allergen warnings for the clerk.

The receptionist was reportedly "grinning from ear to ear," proudly showing off his new mountain of snacks to his colleagues.

The Brand Steps In

The story eventually reached the ears of Hsu Fu Chi. On February 27, the company officially responded, promising to "sponsor" the clerk's love for the candy. Not only are they sending a massive supply of treats to Milan, but they have also officially invited him to China.

The plan? To fly him to their factory in Guangdong so he can experience the traditional process of making those 128 crispy layers firsthand.

It's pretty cool how a simple bag of holiday candy—something we see in every corner store here—could turn a quick hotel checkout into a viral friendship. It just goes to show that you never know which "everyday" Chinese snack might totally blow someone's mind back home.

What about you?

If you were heading home tomorrow, which Chinese snack would you pack to "wow" your friends and family? Are you Team White Rabbit, Team Spicy Latiao, or are you now considering a bag of these crispy peanut treats?

Let us know your go-to "souvenir snack" in the comments!

Source: 新闻坊

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Middle East Air Travel ： Flight Cancellations & Rebooking Advice

Middle East airspace closures cause flight cancellations, rerouting, and higher ticket prices. Essential guidance for travelers affected on Europe-Asia or Gulf routes, including how to monitor airlines and check travel insurance.

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Middle East Airspace

Flight Cancellations

Travel Disruption

Middle East Travel

Airline Rerouting

Travel Chaos in the Middle East: What It Means for Your Next Flight

Airspace closures. Sudden cancellations. Empty skies over major hubs.

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have triggered widespread aviation disruptions, and the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the region. If you have travel plans connecting Europe, Asia, or the Gulf, here's what you need to know.

Why Are Flights Being Disrupted?

Escalating military tensions have led several Middle Eastern countries to partially or fully close their airspace as a safety precaution. When even one country shuts its skies, airlines must reroute aircraft. When multiple countries do it at once, entire flight corridors disappear.

This creates a chain reaction:

Flights are cancelled
Aircraft are repositioned
Crews time out
Connecting passengers get stranded

The result? Large sections of normally busy airspace are now nearly empty.

Which Travelers Are Most Affected?

You may experience disruption if you are:

• Flying between Europe and Asia
• Transiting through Gulf hubs
• Traveling to or from the Middle East
• Booking last-minute long-haul routes

Even if your destination is not in the conflict zone, many global routes cross Middle Eastern airspace. Rerouting can add several hours to flight times and significantly increase operating costs.

What's Happening at Major Airports?

Some airports in the region have temporarily suspended commercial traffic. Others are operating at reduced capacity, prioritizing repatriation or cargo flights.

Major global carriers are:

Suspending certain routes
Adjusting flight paths
Issuing travel waivers
Offering rebooking or refunds

However, seat availability is tightening quickly, especially on Asia-Europe routes.

Are Ticket Prices Going Up?

In many cases, yes.

When flight capacity drops and demand remains high, prices rise. Longer rerouted flights also burn more fuel, which increases airline costs. Those expenses often pass to consumers.

If you are planning travel soon, booking earlier rather than later may help secure better pricing.

What Should You Do If You're Traveling Soon?

Here are practical steps:

Monitor your airline app and email closely.
Avoid going to the airport unless your flight is confirmed.
Consider alternative routing options if necessary.
Review your travel insurance policy — not all plans cover conflict-related disruptions.
Register with your embassy if you are currently in the affected region.

Flexibility is key. Conditions can change within hours.

How Long Could This Last?

That depends on geopolitical developments. Airspace restrictions can be lifted quickly once security conditions stabilize — but prolonged tension could mean extended disruptions.

Even after reopening, airlines may take time to normalize schedules.

Bottom Line

The Middle East remains one of the world's most important aviation corridors. When disruption happens there, it affects global travel.

If you're flying soon, stay informed, stay flexible, and build in extra time for connections.

Travel is still possible — but planning ahead matters more than ever.

NYU Shanghai Spring 2026 Continuing Education ： Executive Teaching & Parenting Courses

NYU Shanghai offers two new public courses for Spring 2026: an Executive Certificate for professionals transitioning to university teaching and a Lifelong Learning course on Parenting in Contemporary China. Enrollment is open now for adult learners of all experience levels.

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NYU Shanghai

Continuing Education

Executive Certificate

Lifelong Learning

Adult Education Programs

NYU Shanghai is delighted to announce two new continuing education programs open to the general public in Spring 2026.

Enrollment is live now and adult learners of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to join. Please see below for detailed information and links to course websites.

1. From Boardroom to Classroom: Foundations of University Teaching, a New Executive Certificate Program

2. Parenting in Contemporary China, a New Lifelong Learning Course

1. From Boardroom to Classroom: Foundations of University Teaching, a New Executive Certificate Program

Program Information

Have you ever considered bringing your professional expertise into a university classroom—whether as a professor of practice, guest lecturer, or academic contributor in an applied field? This NYU Shanghai Spring 2026 certificate program is designed for accomplished professionals and executives who want a practical, supportive introduction to university-level teaching. No prior teaching experience is required.

The program is grounded in a simple premise: outstanding teaching is both an art and a craft, and it can be learned, refined, and performed with confidence. We will examine what makes learning "stick" and how effective instructors shape not only what students know, but how they think, engage, and apply ideas in the real world. The program blends core principles from learning science with practical techniques for course design and classroom delivery.

Program at a Glance

Format: Small cohort with high interaction, personalized feedback, and production of a teaching portfolio
Language: English (professional fluency expected)
Credential: NYU Shanghai Certificate of Completion upon finishing all program components

Who This Program is For

Accomplished professionals and executives across industries considering university teaching
Corporate educators, trainers, coaches, consultants, and L&D professionals
Participants with or without prior teaching experience who want to strengthen pedagogical skills

What You'll Learn

The fundamentals of learning science and how people construct knowledge
How to design a syllabus and sequence course content effectively
Lesson planning and how to structure an engaging class session
Classroom management and building rapport with students
Teaching strategies: lectures, discussion facilitation, and active learning
Case-based, project-based, and experiential learning design
Assessment and evaluation: assignments, tests, grading practices, and feedback

From Boardroom to Classroom Course Website Scan the QR Code to Learn More and Apply Now

2. Parenting in Contemporary China, a New Lifelong Learning Course

Course Information

Parenting in Contemporary China offers a thoughtful, research-informed look at how adults influence children's development in today's rapidly changing social and cultural landscape. Grounded in real-life Chinese family experiences, this discussion-based course explores practical topics such as parenting styles, emotion coaching, digital-age challenges, and common myths like "tiger parenting."

Designed for parents, future parents, educators, grandparents, and anyone interested in child development, the course provides clear insights, practical tools, and a supportive space for reflection—no prior experience required.

This course invites you to step back from the daily rush and take a thoughtful look at parent-child relationships. Rather than offering "perfect" prescriptions for parenting, this course focuses on what actually shapes children's development over time—across infancy, childhood, and adolescence—and how everyday parenting choices, emotions, and habits make a difference.

What You'll Gain

A clearer understanding of yourself and your child, and a deeper appreciation of the "village" that shapes Chinese families today. If you have a child, a new perspective on your child's unique personhood, psychology, and behavior.
An understanding of current research and theories on parenting and its impact on children, with an emphasis on parenting throughout the lifespan.
A toolkit of ideas in parenting you can start using immediately at home or in the future.
Self-care and coping strategies, and support systems to reduce stress and burnout.

Parenting in Contemporary China Course Website Scan the QR Code to Learn More and Register Now

About NYU Shanghai Non-Degree Programs

Non-degree programs extend the opportunity of a NYU Shanghai education to lifelong learners and organizations who want to acquire skills and knowledge, unlock growth, and join our international community of students and scholars.

If you are passionate or curious about NYU Shanghai and what makes us unique - our focus on advanced education, cosmopolitanism, self-improvement, multidisciplinary experience, and connectedness to NYU's global network - we welcome your interest.

More to Explore

Register Now | Parenting in Contemporary China - New Public Lifelong Learning Course at NYU Shanghai

Apply Now! From Boardroom to Classroom - A New Executive Certificate Program

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Baby Monkey Abandoned at Zoo Bonds With Toy

A baby Japanese macaque monkey, abandoned by his mother at Ichikawa City Zoo, formed an emotional bond with a stuffed toy. Named Punch, the monkey's story went viral, drawing global media coverage and public sympathy. He has become a popular attraction at the zoo, with visitor numbers significantly increasing.

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Ichikawa City Zoo

Baby Monkey

Abandoned Animal

Viral Story

Animal Welfare

A six-month-old baby monkey in Japan has gone viral online after treating a stuffed toy as its mother, capturing hearts around the world.

The baby monkey, named Punch, was abandoned by his mother after she gave birth to him in July last year at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, NHK News reported. Zookeepers decided to raise him through bottle-feeding, per the report.

When zookeepers gave Punch a stuffed orangutan as a surrogate mother to cling to, he apparently started developing an emotional bond with it, according to the report.

Punch has been filmed multiple times being dragged and chased by older Japanese macaques inside the enclosure, The Guardian reported. Early clips showed him wandering alone with the toy after being pushed away by other monkeys, and clutching it tightly while being harassed. Viewers were briefly relieved when later videos emerged of another monkey grooming and comforting him, the report added.

After related footage was shared on social media, Punch became a popular attraction at the zoo. NHK News reported that on February 19 morning, the zoo had about 900 visitors, more than four times the average.

The baby monkey also became an online sensation, with his every move attracting coverage from global media outlets including BBC News, DW, CNA and ABC News.

Punch has also drawn sympathy from many netizens. On Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform, one post garnered nearly 10,000 likes. Many users have shared photos of the monkey clinging to his toy and commented "my heart is broken," while others posted crying emojis, saying they wished they could reach out and give the monkey a hug.

The monkey has also attracted attention on X. A video showing the monkey affectionately nestled against his plush toy has received over 42,000 likes and 6,700 reposts. One netizen commented, "It has shrunk down as if it has discovered the safest, warmest place in the world."

Source:

Editor: Crystal H