Recently, the "Rediscovering China in the UK: Tea Talk Guizhou" event was held in London. This event is hosted by the China Tourism Office in London and the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, with Raymond Legal and MIC Connect Ltd collaborating. Through tea culture exchange, it showcases the unique historical culture, natural landscapes, and tea culture traditions of Guizhou Province to all sectors of the UK.
Counselor Wang Yun from the Chinese Embassy in the UK stated that China and the UK have a long history and splendid culture, and are important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations. Tea originates from China and embodies the principles of harmony, humility, courtesy, and respect. It is also a unique cultural heritage of China. I hope everyone can learn more about the tea culture of China and the UK, deepen mutual understanding and enhance friendship through cultural exchanges.
Yuan Wei, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, introduced the geographical characteristics, natural landscapes, rich heritage, and tea industry of Guizhou Province in a video speech. He particularly introduced the story of Bo Fuli, the first foreign missionary to introduce the Red Army's Long March to the world. Born in the United Kingdom, Bo Fuli, a Swiss, traveled nearly 10000 kilometers with the Red Army on the Long March in Guizhou from October 1934 to April 12, 1936. He was a special participant in the Long March and a witness to this great history. He wrote his own experience in "The Hand of the Gods" and objectively introduced the Red Army to the West. Yuan Wei expressed his welcome to Guizhou as a guest, traveling along the stories of the Red Army and Bo Fuli to discover the beauty of Guizhou's history, mountains and rivers, and tea culture.
Bryan Sitch, deputy curator of the Manchester Museum, gave a detailed introduction to Bo Fuli's life and the story that he met and forged a deep friendship with Red Army commander Shawk. In February this year, Manchester City also launched Li Qihong's Chinese Culture Gallery, which focuses on stories connecting Manchester and China, including Bo Fuli's Long March story, to enhance the friendship between the two peoples.
Wu Fangsi, a renowned British sinologist and winner of the 16th China Book Special Contribution Award, stated that Chinese civilization is "one of the most charming civilizations in the world", and tea culture is a microcosm and important carrier of Chinese civilization and Chinese history and culture. She hopes to use tea as a medium and the common historical connection between China and Britain as a link to promote cultural exchange between China and Britain. Wu Fangsi specifically mentioned that two people with different beliefs, British missionaries and Red Army generals, went from initial skepticism to understanding, learning from each other, and finally becoming good friends. This story provides us with many inspirations. Only by understanding and learning from each other's culture can we develop and promote Sino British relations.
Xue Ling, Director of the China Tourism Office in London, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organizers to various institutions and guests, welcoming everyone to enter China, Guizhou, and explore China through the "rediscovering China in the UK" event, and continue to support the new long march of cooperation and exchange in Chinese and English tourism.
On that day, Chinese and British guests enjoyed the traditional tea ceremony performance of tea artists in the melodious folk music, learned about the history and culture of Guizhou tea, and tasted the endless aftertaste of Guizhou ancient tea. Many guests also recorded tea performances and repeatedly praised the delicacy of Chinese tea culture.
