In the world of tea aficionados, there is a palpable buzz of satisfaction as they reminisce about their memorable journeys and enriching cultural experiences at the Beijing International Tea and Tea Ceremony Exhibition. Particularly noteworthy is the event’s role in facilitating important cross-strait dialogue, as praised by exhibitors hailing from Taiwan.
Lu Hsueh Fen, a teaware artist from Taiwan, presented a unique exhibit at the expo. Unlike nearby stalls predominantly showcasing an array of tea varieties, Lu’s booth was a haven for tea utensils, each piece reflecting her distinctive design philosophy. Contrary to the norm, Lu preferred to be at the helm of her exhibition, interacting directly with potential buyers and art collectors.
“Most creators seldom engage directly in exhibitions or sales-related tasks, but I was keen to meet those who appreciate my work. I wanted to understand their preferences and what kind of art pieces resonate with them,” Lu elaborated. The interaction, she stated, deepened her connection with her collectors, a process she found immensely gratifying.
Other Taiwanese exhibitors included tea farmers and producers. One such exhibitor, Ms. Lin, lauded the provision of disposable tea cups by the event organizers, simplifying the tea tasting process for visitors and facilitating exhibitors in showcasing their tea quality.
The Beijing International Tea and Tea Ceremony Exhibition hosted over 600 stalls, encompassing a diverse spectrum of tea, tea sets, tea party attire, and representation from every segment of the tea industry supply chain. Among these, 23 booths were from Taiwan.
For first-time participant Lu Hsueh Fen, the expo left an indelible impression, prompting her to return for another tea event in Beijing in August. “I hope we see increased exchanges between museums, art galleries, and those involved in the teaware industry from Taiwan and mainland China. This way, we can collaboratively chart the future course of tea utensil research and development,” Lu proposed.
Established in 2011, the Beijing tea expo has evolved into one of the most impactful tea exhibitions in China, creating a vibrant platform for trade and communication among tea producers, distributors, teaware manufacturers, and tea enthusiasts. Initially held annually, the event now occasionally occurs twice a year to cater to the escalating demand for this quintessential beverage that has profoundly shaped Chinese and Asian culture.
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