Yunnan heritages shine at tea party in Russia

Performers from Yunnan sing and dance at “Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” on May 25, 2023.

Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism has displayed the Bai ethnic tie-dyeing, the Yi ethnic embroidery, traditional paper-cutting, and Yunnan ethnic songs and dance at a recent Chinese tea party in Russia, drawing attention from those present.

With tea aroma filling the air at the Moscow-based China Cultural Center, nearly 200 government officials, experts, scholars, and residents from China and Russia participated in the “Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon”.

“Tea originated in China and has a history of thousands of years. Russia is one of the earliest countries in Europe to grow Chinese tea,” said Feng Litao, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, at the beginning of the event.

Since the 17th century, when Chinese tea was introduced to Russia through the Tea Road, Russians have grown tea in the northernmost region of the world and designed their own tea stoves for brewing tea. "We hope Chinese tea can once again evoke your love for China," said Feng.

At the event, the guests experienced the rich and colorful charm of Chinese tea culture through thematic exhibitions, photo displays, videos, tea-making techniques, tea arts, and interactive performances.

Kirill Barsky, Vice Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, said, "Russians love drinking tea, and tea tasting is also a trendy Russian lifestyle. We look forward to enhancing our bilateral friendship through tea cultural exchanges."

Source: Guangming Daily; trans-editing by Guo Yao