Chinese cultural center hosts salon to promote tea culture in Israel

Cups of Chinese tea are presented during the Tea for Harmony cultural salon at the China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 21, 2023. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, May 22 (Xinhua) -- A cultural salon themed "Tea for Harmony" was held at the China Cultural Center in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Sunday marking the International Tea Day.

Over 200 visitors gathered to enjoy the tea arts involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea, and taste various kinds of Chinese tea during the three-hour event, which was co-organized by the government of Zhengzhou, the capital city of China's central Henan Province.

Visitors taste tea during the Tea for Harmony cultural salon at the China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 21, 2023. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

China, renowned for its deep-rooted tea culture, holds a special place in the world of tea, said Nurit Tinari, head of the Cultural Relations Division at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, stressing that China has been the birthplace of exquisite teas, each with its unique characteristics and flavors.

"Chinese tea not only delights the senses but also embodies the philosophy of harmony, balance, and mindfulness, and the art of preparing and serving tea in China is a cherished tradition that reflects the country's rich history, cultural values, and respect for nature," she added.

In the Chinese tea culture, tea is seen as a carrier to spread arts. During the event, traditional Chinese dance, musical instruments, and martial arts were also performed amid the aroma of Chinese tea, drawing bursts of applauses.

An Israeli visitor poses for a photo with Chinese martial artists during the Tea for Harmony cultural salon at the China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 21, 2023. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

Li Mingwei, deputy director of Zhengzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, said that by holding this event, they seek to strengthen understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries.

As part of a global event to promote China's tea culture, the salon will also be held on Monday evening in the northern Israeli city of Haifa.