MACAO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) of the Macao Special Administrative Region recently held the "International Tea Day Carnival 2026," bringing tea culture into the community.
Held at the Macao Tea Culture House and the Lou Lim Ioc Park, the event featured games, workshops, and educational sessions.
Historically, Macao played a key role along the Maritime Silk Road, serving as a hub for tea exports to global markets. An IAM staff member told Xinhua that the event highlighted Macao's heritage in the tea trade and its ongoing cultural significance.
Modern tea businesses are tapping into Macao's vibrant tourism market. A leading mainland tea chain opened its first store in Macao earlier this month. Rex He, general manager of the chain's Hong Kong and Macao branch, expressed the willingness to introduce consumers to the charm of Eastern tea culture.
He noted that Macao's mix of resident interest and tourist demand creates favorable conditions for the modern tea beverage market.
Traditional teahouses are also innovating. Lou Seak Lon, inheritor of the long-standing Ieng Kei Cha, said their lychee black tea has become popular with visitors and is gradually establishing a distinctive Macao identity.
Lou understood that young consumers enjoy new-style drinks, noting that collaboration with local chain tea brands has helped expand sales while preserving cultural authenticity. "Traditional stores want to focus on quality and heritage, attracting loyal customers," he added.
Lei Iam Leong, president of the Macao Catering Industry Association, said the operational advantages of chain tea brands, such as online ordering and unified supply chains, can help local businesses upgrade their services.
"Tourists may be drawn by chain brands into commercial areas and then explore Macao's traditional stores and community culture," he added. ■
