CHINESE TEA EXPO Runs at Darling Harbour 16-18 Dec

Chinese tea growers direct from China will participate in The Expo of Chinese Tea 2011, a completely free event, which is being held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. The Expo is an official event in the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia initiated by the Chinese government from June this year and is one of the largest tea-themed events ever held in Australia. The Expo has been organised by the Australia China Economics, Trade and Culture Association with the Fujian Province Government.??China is the homeland of tea. The culture and art of tea drinking is an important essence of Chinese culture. For over 5000 years, tea drinking has been valued by Chinese people as a herbal and social beverage as well as being a necessary part of daily life. Today, of the three major beverages in the world – tea, coffee and cocoa – tea is consumed by the largest number of people in the world.

Through its theme of “ecology, harmony and sustainability”, the expo will demonstrate the significance of tea in Chinese culture, and the role tea plays in connecting the East with the West. Products exhibited at the Expo will include many different types of tea, tea wares and other derivatives. Tea tasting will allow visitors to experience the feeling of relaxation created by drinking quality teas. Activities such as tea ceremony performances will help visitors to the Expo appreciate the culture and art of tea making and tea drinking.

Tea tasting will allow visitors to experience the feeling of relaxation created by drinking quality teas. There will also be a special gala evening tea ceremony performances demonstrating the art of tea making and tea ceremony with over 40 performers direct from the Fujian Tea Culture Arts Company, and seminars will be held throughout the weekend allowing visitors to appreciate and understand the value of tea including health and knowledge.

Tea growing is a fledgling, yet highly potential industry in Australia. The consumption of tea is rising amongst Australians, with increasing interest in tea for health benefits. The Expo of Chinese Tea 2011 will offer an excellent networking platform for tea growers and consumers from Australia and China.