The Gelato World Tour, the world’s prestigious artisan gelato competition, will host its China Challenge at OCT Harbor this weekend.

The event will feature 16 renowned gelato artisans from China, inviting visitors to enjoy lessons, hands-on workshops and delicious instruction on the ancient art of making gelato.

The scoring criteria of the Gelato World Tour include passion, artisan authenticity and culture. The gelato artisans will tell their stories, and present their flavors to the public and a jury of experts, whose votes will decide the final standings and the three finalists who will participate at the Grand Finale in Rimini, Italy, in 2017. Numerous activities based on artisan gelato culture will accompany the challenge.

Because artisan gelato is made fresh daily with the highest-quality ingredients (gelato has less air than traditional ice cream and is served at a higher temperature), the flavors invigorate the palette while containing fewer calories and fat. This makes gelato the right choice for health-conscious foodies who appreciate the finest flavors and textures.

Gelato World Tour has already traveled to nine cities: Rome, Valencia, Melbourne, Dubai, Austin, Berlin, Rimini, Singapore, Tokyo and Chicago. In 2016 the international competition launched three local events: Italian Challenge, German Challenge and China Challenge.

PreGel, the world’s largest producer of gelato and pastry ingredients, is one of the sponsors of the event.

Dates: Aug. 5-7

Tickets: 50 yuan (purchase through 400-610-3721), 60 yuan (at door). Each ticket-holder can get six flavors of gelato.

Venue: OCT Harbor, inside OCT Bay, Baishi Road, Nanshan District (南山区白石路欢乐海岸)

Metro: Luobao Line, Qiaocheng East Station (侨城东站), Exit C and then take a taxi