On May 24, in celebration of International Tea Day and to promote Chinese traditional culture, the China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Purple Cane Group, successfully hosted the “Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon & Dragon Boat Festival 2025. The event skillfully blended Chinese tea culture with the rich traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, drawing around 300 culture enthusiasts and members of the public for an immersive cultural experience infused with festive charm and the aroma of fine tea.

A highlight of the event was the Tea Salon themed “Six Teas, Twelve Tastes,” where six curated tea stations offered distinct brews presented by seasoned tea masters. Each tea was brewed with techniques tailored to its character, creating an engaging and contemplative tasting journey that allowed guests to savor not just the tea, but also the cultural stories behind each cup.

Tea Salon

In the sharing sessions, Ms. Camellia Siow, board member of the Malaysian International Tea Cultural Society, shared insights on “Liu’an Tea: A Healing Tonic from the Southern Chinese Medicine Cabinet,” shedding light on its unique role in the integration of Chinese tea and traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Prof. Dr. Chin Yoon Ching, Vice President of the Federation of Chinese Physicians And Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia (FCPAAM),  followed with a session on “Health Wisdom of the Dragon Boat Festival,” exploring seasonal wellness practices rooted in Chinese medicine.

Sharing Session on Tea Culture and Dragon Boat Festival-themed Traditional Chinese Medicine

The cultural experience featured hands-on activities including Traditional Lacquer Fan-making, Chinese Ink Painting, Traditional Chinese Incense, and Five-colored Cord Weaving, accompanied by live Guqin performance. These interactive activities invited participants to engage directly with Chinese intangible cultural heritage and appreciate the elegance and subtlety of classical Chinese aesthetics.

An exhibition area showcased various teas, tea ware, and related artworks. Live tea brewing demonstrations offered a multisensory journey into Chinese tea culture. Complementing this was a visual exhibition titled “The Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Road” Photo Exhibition, and the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Photo Exhibition which traced the historical and cultural significance of tea and festival customs.

The event also promoted “Tea for Harmony” Recommended Tea-themed Tours, introducing scenic tea regions across China and encouraging Malaysian audiences to experience Chinese culture through travel. Traditional rice dumplings (zongzi) were distributed on-site to share festive blessings and foster cultural connection.

Madam Han Ning, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, expressed hope that tea and festivals would serve as bridges between cultures, allowing Malaysian audiences to connect with Chinese traditions through sensory experience and shared values. She emphasized that the spirit of etiquette and health wisdom embedded in Chinese culture is worth deeper understanding and appreciation.

Blending tradition with modern interpretation, the Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon & Dragon Boat Festival 2025 event strengthened cultural bonds between China and Malaysia, while deepening public understanding and appreciation of Chinese heritage.