Welcomed by Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his wife Wang Yeping, APEC leaders were treated to an elaborate banquet October 20 that featured state dinner main dishes and Shanghai-style desserts.

According to organizers, chefs of the International Conference Center prepared a chicken and pine mushroom soup and three main dishes: prawn, Chinese-style beefsteak, and seasoned vegetables. Shanghai-made Huangxuan wine was offered along with a selection of Tsingdao beer; Chengbao orange juice; Senbi mineral water and Coca Cola. Desserts included Shanghai-style cakes, a crisp; steamed buns filled with vegetables; sweetened bean pastry and seasonal fruits. Muslim foods were also provided.

Some 980 people attended the banquet which lasted from 7:30 pm to 9 pm .

(china.org.cn report by Guo Xiaohong, translated by Li Liangdu October 23, 2001)