People watch a lion and dragon dance during the Tea for Harmony 2026, a Chinese tea culture event, in Minsk, Belarus, June 13, 2026. (Photo by Henadz Zhinkov/Xinhua)
MINSK, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from China and Belarus attended a Chinese tea culture event in Minsk on Saturday to enjoy Chinese culture, art and traditions in a tea-filled atmosphere.
At the Tea for Harmony 2026 event, attendees enjoyed colorful performances by Henan Song and Dance Performance Group, the Henan Acrobatics Group, the State Academic Dance Ensemble of Belarus, and other performing groups.
Participants explored a variety of cultural exhibits, including Xinyang Maojian green tea, traditional folk toys such as "Wanfu Tigers" from Xunxian County, and woodblock New Year prints from Zhuxian Township, while others took part in workshops on calligraphy, paper-cutting, painting and knot-tying.
Moreover, a food fair offered a variety of Chinese delicacies, such as roujiamo (a meat-stuffed flatbread), xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) and tanghulu (sugar-coated hawthorns).
Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said China, the birthplace of tea, has integrated the ancient beverage into the daily lives, etiquette and spiritual world of its people.
"We drink tea and simultaneously connect with a special sense of peace, inclusivity, and mutual learning. May the delicate aroma of tea forever remain in your memory and add another new chapter to the book of friendship between China and Belarus," he said at the event.
Alexander Komendant, first deputy chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, said tea is not only an ancient beverage but also an integral part of Chinese culture.
"Each of us will touch upon Chinese tradition during this event, enjoy its elements, savor delicious and aromatic Chinese tea, achieve inner balance, and grow closer to one another," he added.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, and the Minsk City Executive Committee, with support from the Chinese Cultural Center in Minsk, the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province, and the Culture Department of the Minsk City Executive Committee. ■
Chinese artists dance during the Tea for Harmony 2026, a Chinese tea culture event, in Minsk, Belarus, June 13, 2026. (Photo by Henadz Zhinkov/Xinhua)
