The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has highlighted the growing tea trade between China and Nigeria as a sign of strengthening economic and cultural relations between both nations.
Speaking in Abuja at the “2025 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon,” themed “Tea in Nature’s Whisper: Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan”, Yu stated that the introduction of Hainan Baisha tea to the Nigerian market in 2024 marked a significant milestone in bilateral collaboration within the tea industry.
“The tea fragrance crossing thousands of miles shows that a small tea leaf can not only nourish the body but also warm the soul, becoming a ‘green envoy’ that promotes economic, trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that tea, from the bustling stalls of Lagos to the mint tea traditions of Kano, serves not merely as a drink but as a symbol of social connection. He also described Chinese tea culture as one that encapsulates thousands of years of philosophical values, with ceremonies that promote harmony, purity, and elegance.
“The ethos of China’s tea ceremony, such as ‘harmony is precious’ and ‘making friends through tea,’ resonates profoundly with Nigeria’s cultural values, acting as a spiritual bridge between our two great civilisations,” the ambassador added.
Yu also referenced the elevation of bilateral relations following last year’s summit between the presidents of both countries in Beijing. He said this has led to the adoption of the “Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation,” a three-year initiative focusing on culture, tourism, and education.
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Looking ahead, he noted that 2026 has been designated as the “China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange.” As part of this initiative, Nigerian students are currently studying tea art and opera in China, while also sharing Nigerian music and dance with Chinese audiences. At the same time, Chinese volunteers in Nigeria are promoting Mandarin and tea culture while embracing local languages and customs.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Huang Yun, Leader of the Zhejiang Delegation and Researcher-Librarian at the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Centre, said tea and drama are integral parts of Chinese heritage. She highlighted Zhejiang as the birthplace of Lu Yu’s “The Classic of Tea” and the famous Yue Opera “Butterfly Lovers.”
“Today, we present the poetic beauty of Zhejiang’s green mountains and waters, and the delicate sounds of the Wu dialect, through a cup of tea and a piece of drama to our Nigerian friends,” she said.
Highlights of the event included captivating performances by Chinese artists from Zhejiang, featuring Yue Opera and pipa music. Exhibitions also showcased Chinese calligraphy, painting, and photo displays celebrating Zhejiang’s rich cultural and tourism heritage.
