Lars Anke, chief representative of Hamburg Liaison Office China, highlighted the importance of the friendship city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg, now in its 40th year.

"China is a very important partner. So trade with China and exchange with China for us is very, very important and substantial," Anke said. "Hamburg is Europe's third-largest port, but it's the biggest port in Europe for China trade. One third of all containers in the port of Hamburg are connected to trade with China."

Anke, a 20-year Shanghai resident, recommended German wine and sweets for the Chinese New Year celebration.