Meet Xu Jiyao

A Heartist® Story from Grand Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao - China

Through my work, I have realized that I can bring joy to others, and offer warm-hearted gestures to people.

Xu Jiyao

Kitchen Chef at Grand Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao - China

A Quiet Craft, with Lasting Impact

In one of Shanghai’s vibrant business districts, where skyscrapers reflect the soft morning light and the city’s rhythm begins to stir, Xu Jiyao finds his own daily rhythm in the kitchen of the staff restaurant at Grand Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao. Behind the scenes, where meals are quietly prepared with care, he’s discovered a powerful way to connect with others: through food and service from the heart.

When Xu joined the hotel as a trainee in February 2022, he began his journey as a waiter. Just a few months later, he was offered a permanent position ౼ a pivotal moment that proved he was on the right path. Now working as a kitchen chef, he brings his culinary training to life in a place where it matters most: the everyday lives of his colleagues.

“I can apply the knowledge learned in school to practical work well,” he says.

For Xu, his role is about much more than preparing food. It’s about creating a sense of community. “A Heartist® is someone who serves with the heart and treats people with sincerity,” he explains. And in his case, that sincerity was first shown to him by others. He still remembers the small gestures from his teammates and how deeply it moved him. In fact, it’s what made him want to become a Heartist® in the first place.

What inspires Xu most is simple, but powerful: seeing people enjoy the food he’s prepared. “I particularly enjoy the moment when everyone is satisfied with the meals of the day.”

That sense of fulfillment grows even stronger when he receives praise from those he looks up to. “The greatest sense of accomplishment comes from being recognized and appreciated by everyone ౼ especially the praise from my mentor, which can make me happy for the entire day,” he adds.

In his role, Xu has learned that cooking can be more than a task, it can be a way of caring for those around him. A warm dish on a busy day, a thoughtful menu for colleagues working long hours ౼ it’s his way of giving back to a team that first welcomed him with open arms.

It’s also a reminder that in hospitality, some of the most meaningful moments happen behind the scenes.