Tea Day event brews global cultural exchange in Beijing
By Li Shangyi |
chinadaily.com.cn |
Updated: May 22, 2025
Amani Altartir (front left), wife of Jordanian ambassador to China, is welcomed during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]
The wives of ambassadors and international students gathered in Beijing on Wednesday to share their countries' tea traditions in celebration of International Tea Day, fostering global cultural exchange.
The event, hosted by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, welcomed participants from more than ten countries, including Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Kuwait and Jordan.
"Tea brings us together, shapes our hospitality, and deepens our understanding of one another," said Marium Mahmood, wife of Pakistan's ambassador. "From Moroccan mint to British afternoon tea, from Chinese Longjing to Pakistani doodh patti, every tradition pours its own warmth, heritage, and beauty into the cup."
Faith Bett (middle), wife of Kenyan ambassador to China, and Awa Bitie (right), wife of Burkina Faso ambassador to China, taste Chinese tea during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]
Wang Xiaoming, vice-president of the institute, remarked, "As we work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind, we aim to promote the integration of tea culture with cultures around the world, and with economic development."
Amani Altartir (middle), wife of Jordanian ambassador to China, and Awa Bitie (left), wife of Burkina Faso ambassador to China, learn about Chinese tea culture during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]
The celebration featured a tea art performance, a showcase of traditional Chinese tea culture and interactive roundtable workshops.
In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated May 21 as International Tea Day to honor the economic, social and cultural significance of tea. It marked the first international agricultural observance successfully initiated by China and other major tea-producing countries.
Guests appreciate Chinese calligraphy during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]Liu Shuang (right), inheritor of Beijing Intangible Heritage, performs "Dian Cha", a way of drinking tea in China's Song Dynasty, during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]Liu Shuang (right), inheritor of Beijing Intangible Heritage, demonstrates "Dian Cha", a way of drinking tea in China’s Song Dynasty, to Sabeeka Al Najem (middle), wife of Kuwaiti ambassador to China, and Majd Almoadhadi, wife of Qatari ambassador to China, during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]Faith Bett (center), wife of Kenyan ambassador to China, enjoys a guzheng performance during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]A "fusion" English afternoon tea performance that includes Chinese tea and Chinese cakes is presented during an event marking the International Tea Day in Beijing on May 21, 2025. [Photo by Wu Xiaohui/chinadaily.com.cn]
