In the golden autumn season, with the fragrance of sweet osmanthus in the air, the 3rd China Vegan Summit was successfully held from October 13 to 15 by China Vegan Society at Sangha OCTAVE in Suzhou. As China's first annual summit focusing on the Vegan lifestyle, the event aims to establish a global platform for collaboration and innovation in vegan and sustainable life.

This year's China Vegan Summit, themed Harmonious Coexistence for All Beings with the annual focus Empowering the Future, featured four key pillars: Gathering Social Resources, The Power of Culture, Business for Good, and Becoming a Better Self. Together with 121 global guest speakers, the summit hosted 12 keynote speeches, over 20 roundtable forums, 13 workshops, 2 open mic sessions, 1 creative pitch competition, 15 Meetups, and an all-day outdoor marketplace.

At the opening ceremony, crystal singing bowl artist Anya set the tone for the event with her ethereal soundscapes, creating a resonant field for this year’s China Vegan Summit. Guests and attendees from around the globe experienced a blending of inner and outer harmony, as a tangible vision of the Vegan World emerged in their hearts.

Food scholar Wang Zier served as the host throughout this year’s China Vegan Summit. Five prominent keynote speakers set the tone for the event with their opening addresses.

Ms. Xiong Yutong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, emphasized in her speech the critical role of vegetarianism in biodiversity conservation, highlighting it as a key strategy for addressing the climate crisis.

Mr. Jian Yi, the founder of the summit, quoted Lü Bicheng, a pioneer of modern vegetarianism and animal protection in China: “World peace cannot be maintained by international treaties alone; it must be upheld by the human heart. This peace of mind must be cultivated through justice, equity, and compassion.”

Mr. Kong Zhong (Zhonghe), President of the World Confucian Descendants Association, analyzed humanity’s current challenges from a Confucian perspective of holistic life. He urged that we start with the heart and embody the principle of harmony between heaven and humanity through our lifestyle choices.

Mr. Zou Rong, Co-Chair of the Shanghai Climate Week Executive Committee, introduced the “Climate Eco-Farm Initiative,” co-launched in April with the China Vegan Society. This initiative leverages eco-farms as connection points to drive widespread action.

Mr. Dong Changlin, Founder and Chairman of Ningbo Sumanxiang Catering Management Group, shared from a business perspective how Sumanxiang is committed to contributing to sustainable development as a national brand promoting vegetarian cuisine, embodying the ethos of “industry serving the country.”

The China Vegan Society presented insights from the first-ever Chinese Vegan Lifestyle Market Research Report released at the end of 2023. The report revealed that 61% of respondents had consciously experienced vegan. Moving forward, the Society will focus on initiatives such as international certification alliances, corporate transformation, and the Vegan Talent Development Program.

Highlight 1:

#Sustainability #SustainableEcosystem

A sustainable ecosystem loop is not only about environmental protection but also about fostering coordinated economic and social development. To tackle future uncertainties and challenges, continuous optimization and refinement are required across technology, management, and policy levels. Capital plays a pivotal role in driving technological innovation and implementing environmental projects, thereby advancing the sustainable ecosystem loop.

Three research reports presented by Impact Hub, ProVeg, and the China Vegan Society explored sustainability from the perspectives of the industrial chain, plant-based dietary patterns, and the vegan lifestyle.

Speakers offered actionable suggestions and solutions from various angles, including food and agriculture, technological applications, market trends, fundraising for public welfare projects, and policy support.

Sustainable Business: People at the Core

The China Vegan Summit was brimming with memorable insights from guest speakers on the importance of people in sustainable business:

“The entrepreneurial journey is also a process of self-discovery and mission realization.”
“Excel in your industry, and the talent will follow.”
“The product always comes first.”
“True innovation is innovation in thinking. Sustainability is not just an industry—it’s a mindset and a lifestyle.”
“For consumers, every purchase decision should consider its impact on the planet. Changes made with this awareness are part of living sustainably.”

Social enterprises can achieve a win-win situation for social and economic value through innovative business models. Sustainable social platforms connect users, NGOs, charitable organizations, brands, and restaurants within a community, continuously amplifying the impact of its members.

Beyond food, sustainable fashion and vegan cosmetics have gradually entered the consumer spotlight in recent years. Innovations such as pineapple leather, vegan and cruelty-free concepts, and fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles are gaining attention. However, challenges like limited market awareness and high costs remain, with increasing consumer repurchase rates being a common goal for industry players.

This May, the China Vegan Society collaborated with certification bodies from the EU, South Korea, and Japan to form an alliance. Together with numerous enterprises, they launched China’s first vegan certification system, covering standards and certifications for vegan food, vegan cosmetics, and vegan fashion.

At the summit, representatives from the Korea Vegan Society, Japan Vegan Society, and Korea IGSC shared insights into their countries’ vegan development and certification progress. The event also featured a signing ceremony to formalize the cooperation of the Vegan Certification Alliance.

Highlight 2:

#Vegan Philosophy #Personal Growth

Becoming a “茻人” (Vegan Advocate), promoting the vegan philosophy, and shaping a sustainable future form the three-step progression for members of the vegan community.

At the summit, the first Chinese launch event of Dr. Michael Greger’s latest book, “How Not to Diet”, following his groundbreaking work “How Not to Die”, took center stage.

According to the 2023 China Vegan Market Research Report, 36% of Chinese vegans adopted the lifestyle for health reasons. As more people shift their focus from eating for desire to eating for nourishment, weight management becomes a natural result of physical and mental wellness. Learning how to eat well and eat enough is a core lesson for anyone aspiring to embrace the vegan lifestyle.

Highlight 3:

#Plant-Based Food Industry Innovation

The plant-based food industry has seen significant growth in recent years. According to Euromonitor, China’s plant-based food market is expected to exceed 26 billion RMB by 2025. While this rapid expansion brings both opportunities and challenges, the industry faces three key areas of focus:

Technical Challenges: Retaining nutritional value, addressing allergies, and replicating textures and flavors are the primary technical hurdles. Research and development are central to the industry's growth.
Vegan Restaurants: There is a need to strengthen around-the-clock operations, target multiple customer segments, build strong brands, and implement effective customer acquisition strategies.
Entrepreneurial Strategies: Operators must leverage technology and management innovation to enhance competitiveness and market share, while avoiding blind investments and ensuring the effective use of funds.

Harnessing the power of data and community influence to encourage businesses to adopt plant-based dining can pave the way for a compassionate and sustainable future.

On one hand, businesses can be shown the economic benefits of incorporating plant-based options, such as attracting new customers and increasing satisfaction levels.

On the other hand, leveraging community support can create a ripple effect, where multiple businesses promoting plant-based dining drive a bottom-up transformation. This approach has proven successful globally, demonstrating the potential for collective impact through grassroots initiatives.

In August, the China Vegan Society partnered with On the RISE to launch the first Plant-Based City Map in Shenzhen. Meanwhile, Vegan Planet started from local communities, fostering mutual support and growth among vegan businesses in various sectors within the community.

Guests from diverse fields at the summit contributed innovative ideas on how to expand public participation in and influence of the plant-based lifestyle through creative approaches.

Highlight 4:

#Animal Rights #Animal Protection #Charity #Education

Humans categorize animals by their perceived functions and uses: wildlife, lab animals, performing animals, farm animals, companion animals, stray animals, food animals, fur animals, and more.

When we talk about animal rights, we are discussing the intrinsic value of life.

At the summit:

A social psychologist explained how leveraging the "identifiable victim effect" can inspire meat-eaters to advocate for animals.
A former whale trainer shared their journey into life education and animal advocacy.
Representatives from an eco-natural farm illustrated how experiential learning can serve as a powerful educational tool.
The founder of a social organization applied philosophical theories and scientific research to "quantify" the value of life.
Vegan educators shared methods for promoting plant-based education in schools and communities.

These discussions underscored how human emotions and cognition play a pivotal role in making ethical decisions.

Cultural sensitivity is a double-edged sword. The Animal Alliance Asia (AAA) advances animal rights across different countries by tailoring strategies and action plans to align with specific social and cultural contexts. Through collaboration with local communities, AAA continuously learns, adapts, and builds sustainable networks to support its mission.

Drawing lessons from history, the "third type" of veganism during the Republican era in China offers profound inspiration for modern advocates. This movement differentiated vegetarian ethics from religious dietary restrictions, emphasizing the human capacity for compassion and grounding the rationale for plant-based diets in cross-species empathy. Amid public skepticism and the backdrop of wartime discourse, it further refined the intrinsic link between vegetarianism and peace.

AI technology is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in advancing animal rights and protection:

Cost Reduction: AI is streamlining the production of alternative proteins and plant-based products, making them more accessible and affordable.
Understanding Animals: Scientists are using AI to decode animal vocalizations, enabling a deeper understanding of their needs and behaviors.
Efficiency for Nonprofits: AI tools are enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs for nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

Additionally, research indicates that transitioning to nutritionally balanced plant-based pet food can significantly improve pets' health while reducing their environmental footprint.

Highlight 5: #GenZ #UniversityYouth

Discussions among university youth at the summit centered on effective ways to advocate for plant-based lifestyles on campus and the challenges they face. Strategies include:

Establishing clubs to foster community and shared goals.
Organizing lectures and workshops to raise awareness about critical issues.
Improving campus dining services to offer more plant-based options.

These initiatives aim to engage students and the broader community, bridging traditional values with modern lifestyle concepts while promoting meaningful societal change.

Through hands-on projects, young people are discovering that business and social good can complement each other, paving the way for sustainable and impactful solutions.

Another roundtable discussion explored how Gen Z can use art to advocate for animals and foster harmony between humans and animals. Key takeaways included:

Art engages the senses and transcends traditional social ethics, encouraging deeper reflection on the meaning of life.
It has the potential to enhance social participation and raise awareness about environmental protection.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, blending art with education, science, and advocacy.
Art can serve as a tool for introducing animal protection education to children, fostering empathy and understanding from a young age.

The roundtable showcased a variety of artistic perspectives and practical strategies, leaving attendees with profound reflections and inspiration for future action.

The collective shift of youth returning to rural areas reflects a response to the call of the times. This roundtable discussion focused on young people’s experiences and reflections on rural living. Participants emphasized the importance of starting with a clear vision of the life they wish to lead, integrating themselves into the fabric of the local community.

Key insights included:

Personal alignment: Establishing a life rooted in harmony with the rural environment.
Rural revitalization requires a foundation of individual energy and growth, beginning with personal healing and skill acquisition.
The ultimate goal is to collaborate with others to co-create a thriving, sustainable future for the countryside.

The discussion highlighted the transformative potential of youth-driven initiatives in shaping a vibrant rural lifestyle.

Highlight 6:

#Island of Illumination X Mang Market

The open-air “Island of Illumination” drew crowds of visitors to explore a vibrant tapestry of eco-conscious living. This year’s 茻 Market partnered with ZhiYi Ecological Investment and The Insiders China under the theme “Shining Goods, Flourishing Actions”. Together, they curated 30+ booths spanning the four key pillars of life—clothing, food, shelter, and transportation—to co-create a vision of sustainable living and a greener future.

Highlights of the market included:

Nature-inspired pathways: Five thematic natural elements created an immersive trail for visitors to explore.
Interactive art installations: These captured the essence of each brand, transforming every stop into a serendipitous encounter with beauty.
The Brand Forest: A journey through innovative products, complemented by interviews revealing the green philosophy and deeper narratives behind each brand.

The Mang Market offered a sensory-rich experience, connecting sustainability with creativity while inspiring action for a better tomorrow.

The Interactive Zone provided a dynamic space for sharing and exchanging ideas, sparking inspiration across a spectrum of topics—from green health to public welfare and environmental protection. This immersive experience served as a comprehensive platform, guiding people into a new era of plant-based, animal-friendly, low-carbon, and eco-conscious living—ushering in a transformative Vegan lifestyle that prioritizes both sustainability and well-being.

Highlight 7:

PlantUP Creative Planning Competition

"With 5,000 yuan, invite 100 people to eat plant-based, and they will save the world with their meals." The PlantUP Creative Planning Competition leads the public to rethink the concept of "eating well" through events, experiments, and even conceptual art.

On October 13th, the finalists of the competition gave exciting presentations at the conference. Winners were selected based on judges' scores and audience votes, with six winners receiving prize money. By March 2025, the winners will host plant-based events across various cities—perhaps the next one will be in your city, so stay tuned for a seat at the table!

Highlight 8:

#OpenMic #Meetup

Morning, noon, and evening, indoors, by the water, outdoors—excitement never stops!

Long Table Vegan Feast, Lakeside Morning Run + Standing Meditation, Vegan Hiking, One Tea Session, Tibetan Calligraphy Interactive Card Draw, Street Yoga and Dance, Vegan Rap Music Concert, "Vegan Food Planet" (Season 2) Screening, "Bipedal Beasts and Them" Competition Night, Little Steps Vegan Debate...

Every small gathering leads to the future of the Vegan universe!

And in the end, the Vegan Community Co-creation session brought a fulfilling and thrilling conclusion to this year's Vegan Conference!

In this vibrant world of water and sky, all things thrive endlessly, and the footsteps of the vegan movement grow ever more resolute. The exciting journey will continue to unfold, and in 2025, let us all come together to witness the richness and vitality of the vegan lifestyle!