On the morning of June 8, the first “Daily Ice Cream” shop officially opened in the Lingnan Scenic Area of Zhongshan Film and Television Town. This brand-new venture, authorized by Zhongshan Daily and led by Guangdong People’s Publishing House Zhongshan Publishing Co., Ltd., blends cool, sweet flavors with local culture to create a unique consumer experience. It’s also a bold new move by Zhongshan Daily into the cultural industry landscape.
A Scoop of Culture with Every Cone
Stepping into the store, visitors are greeted by strong visual elements inspired by newspaper design. From the storefront’s lightbox sign modeled after a newspaper layout to walls in ink-tone hues reminiscent of print journalism, every corner of the shop reflects the publication’s identity. Even the ice cream cups are designed with newspaper-style graphics, blending a nostalgic aesthetic with delicious treats.
On opening day, the shop offered a variety of artisanal gelato flavors ranging from classics like vanilla and Hokkaido milk to seasonal specialties like guava, pistachio, and strawberry—catering to a wide range of tastes.
Many visitors stopped to enjoy the treats and share their thoughts. “It’s my first time trying handmade Italian gelato like this—so smooth and rich, and I can actually taste the fruit pieces!” said Ms. Chen, a tourist enjoying her treat from a branded “newspaper cup.” “The cup even has the Zhongshan Daily logo—it feels very local, perfect for photos and memories!”
Zhou Chengbin, a high school student from Heshan, Jiangmen, visited with his parents. After tasting the guava gelato, he said, “I’ve always loved guava, and this flavor is so fragrant—I loved it immediately! And I’m really surprised to see a traditional media brand like Zhongshan Daily opening an ice cream shop. It’s such a fun and creative idea!”
Gelato Meets Journalism
The “Daily Ice Cream” brand focuses on high-quality, health-conscious frozen treats, offering both American-style ice cream and Italian-style gelato, known for its fresh ingredients and rich texture. The choice of Zhongshan Film and Television Town as the first store’s location was strategic. “The area offers rich cultural and tourism resources, along with the historic legacy of Sun Yat-sen,” explained project director Wu Jiawen. The store soft-launched during the May Day holiday and quickly gained popularity, with daily sales reaching into the hundreds.
Wu also noted that ice cream has deep historical roots: “As early as the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century, China had a chilled dessert called sushan, which later influenced the development of ice cream in Europe via Marco Polo. With Daily Ice Cream, we hope to share not only sweetness but also cultural knowledge and brand-driven leisure services.”
Plans are already in place to open additional locations before the summer holiday in venues such as Guxianglin Park, universities, and the popular Sunwen West Road pedestrian street. There are even future plans for educational workshops centered around ice cream culture, extending the brand’s role in cultural tourism and youth engagement.
Refreshing Innovation from Traditional Media
As the second lifestyle brand launched by Zhongshan Daily—following the success of “Daily Coffee”—Daily Ice Cream represents another milestone in the media outlet’s transformation journey. A Zhongshan Daily spokesperson emphasized that the newspaper is leveraging its cultural roots to explore new industries. By integrating with local food and beverage brands and promoting health-conscious, trendy offerings, the project not only refreshes the brand’s identity but also helps connect with younger audiences. It brings local flavor to life through food, offering tourists a literal taste of Zhongshan.
Seasonal Promotions for Tourists and Students
Visitors holding valid Zhongshan Film and Television Town tickets can enjoy a ¥4 discount on their first ice cream purchase. In celebration of the exam season, Daily Ice Cream is also offering a special promotion for college entrance exam (Gaokao) students: from now through September 1, 2025, students who present their digital Gaokao admission ticket can enjoy a soft-serve cone for just ¥9.9, and if two students visit together, the second cone is just ¥4.45.
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