“Tea for Harmony·Yaji Cultural Salon and Refreshing Fujian: Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Promotion” organized by Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Network of International Culturalink Entities, China Cultural Centre in Sydney, China National Tourism Office (Sydney), and Fujian Provencal Department of Culture and Tourism, was successfully held on June 15 at China Cultural Centre in Sydney. Around 100 guests attended the event, including H.E. Zhou Limin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Deputy Consul General, Wang Chunsheng, Mr Xiao Xiayong, Director of China Cultural Centre and China National Tourist Office in Sydney, Mr Xiao Changpei, Deputy Director General of Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Mr Robert Kok, Councillor of Sydney City Council, Mr David Van Nunen, President of the Australian Watercolour Institute, Ms Julie-Anne Nichols, Head of Business Engagement of National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, guests from the Australian political, business, cultural, and tourism sectors, overseas Chinese communities, as well as reporters from Xinhua News Agency, China News Service, People’s Daily Online Australia, Southeast Net Australia, Australian Chinese Daily, South World Media, and Chinese Headline New Media.
In his opening speech, H.E. Zhou Limin said, “Today, we gather here to showcase and share the unique Chinese tea culture. Chinese tea culture has a rich and ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years. Tea holds a special place in Chinese society, which is deeply rooted in and affecting various aspects of Chinese people’s daily life. It is not merely a beverage but an embodiment of elegance, harmony, and hospitality. It is also a bridge that connects China with the world. The spreading of tea drinking and the various way of enjoying it in different countries make tea not only the carrier of cultural exchange but also a fruit of cultural exchange. He also stated that “Fujian is considered one of the most important tea-producing regions in China and is renowned for its high-quality teas”. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and diverse culture traditions, Fujian has become a popular destination for tea enthusiasts and tourists worldwide. “Culture and tourism share a core in the heart, which is the connection of people. The consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney will support and encourage the collaboration and exchanges between the peoples of the two countries as we always do.”
Mr Xiao Xiayong stated that “tea has been calling China home for thousands of years. Over several millennia, this magical plant has developed in China a distinctive culture of its own, and become internationally popular with its observance of harmony between man and nature. This cultural salon titled Tea for Harmony is dedicated to gathering friends via tea tasting, spreading Chinese tea culture, and promoting harmony in people and culture between China and Australia”
Mr Xiao Changpei said that Fujian is one of the most important birth places of Chinese tea culture. Today’s event aims to use tea as a medium to tell the story of Fujian. It seeks to enhance the connection between peoples from all over the world, and contribute the cultural and tourism strength of Fujian to deepen cooperation in various fields. “We cordially invite friends from Australia to visit Fujian, to taste the Fujian tea and to experience the natural and cultural charm of Fujian”.
Mr Robert Kok stated that “China is one of the birth places of tea. This celebration will promote a greater understanding of Chinese culture in Australia, especially by reaching out across generations of Australians. It is also an opportunity for Australians to learn about Chinese cultural heritage and the important cultural tradition and art of tea drinking. This cross cultural exchanges and understanding that we can foster closer relationships and friendship. On behalf of City of Sydney, I would to thank China Cultural Centre in Sydney for bringing this event to our city”. He also said he looks forward to strengthening cooperation between the City of Sydney and China Cultural Center in Sydney in the future.
During the event, the dance performance “Fragrance of Fujian Tea” combines music, dance and tea, showcasing the beauty of classical Eastern art and starting a splendid evening for “Tea for Harmony”. The cultural and tourism promotion of Fujian focused on Fujian’s diverse culture, vibrant intangible cultural heritages, picturesque landscapes, convenient transportation, best tea and tasty cuisine. The paper-cutting performance by Gao Shaoping, a representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage from Fujian Province, the hand puppet performance by Chen Lihui, and the tea art performance known as “Cha Bai Xi” by Wu Lanmei, provided guests breathtaking displays of traditional intangible cultural heritages. Finally, accompanied by the melodious sounds of Guqin, tea artists demonstrated their elegant and skillful tea-making techniques and offering tea to guests.
A number of tea-related and Fujian culture and tourism promotional videos were played to the guests at the event. “Refreshing Fujian: Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Promotion” showcases the abundant cultural and tourism resources of Fujian with 38 beautiful images. The exhibition aimed to strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Australia, as well as to enhance the international awareness and reputation of the “Refreshing Fujian”.
The “Tea for Harmony·Yaji Cultural Salon” will also be held on June 16, 17, and 20, allowing more guests to taste and experience tea from Fujian, watch intangible cultural heritages performances, and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with overseas Chinese in Australia. The series events of “Tea for Harmony” will promote cultural exchange and communication between China and Australia.
