A wisp of tea fragrance, a moment of connection.

On May 10, 2026, the International Student Union (ISU) Academic Development Department successfully held the First Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience. Students from around the world came together over tea, immersed themselves in the charm of Chinese culture amid the lingering aroma, and enjoyed a relaxing and fulfilling weekend.

Part I · The Thousand-Year Legacy of Tea

At the beginning of the event, students embarked on a journey of tea culture through a bilingual (Chinese and English) introduction by the organizers. They learned about the origins of Chinese tea, the health benefits of six types of tea, and common tea-related elements in daily life.

Years in a cup, nothing beyond the heart.

A taste of purity leads to true peace.

Part II · From Observation to Practice

Then came the practical part. Students who had trained in advance demonstrated how to use the tea utensils, appreciate the aroma, warm the cups, and brew the tea — step by step. The rest of the students drew lots to form groups, picked up their tea leaves, and began practicing on their own. Within their groups, they tasted and shared their tea, swapped different varieties, and talked about what they had learned. Through practice, they not only discovered the beauty of tea art but also grew closer to one another.

 

To ensure the success of this tea culture experience, members of the International Student Union had dedicated themselves in advance to studying authentic Chinese tea ceremony culture and practical techniques.  

At the event, student union representative Nguyen Kim Ngan demonstrated standard, graceful movements with a calm and composed demeanor. She carefully explained the etiquette and cultural meaning behind each detail of tea service, from pouring to serving, guiding everyone to personally appreciate the unique charm of traditional tea ceremony. The students walked away with genuine insights and practical knowledge.

The master shows the way, the student watches with heart.

The skill passed down through hands, understood in silence.

Final Part · Tea and Play: Joyful Fellowship

During a break in the tea tasting, a “card draw challenge” game livened up the atmosphere. Each group took turns drawing cards with questions, challenges, or fun prompts. Students joined in enthusiastically, and laughter filled the room. In the end, the group with the highest score was named the “Best Tea Artisan” and received gifts, adding joy and warmth to this tea-themed gathering.

 

At the close of the event, all participants gathered for a group photo, marking a perfect end to this warm get-together.

    

The tea fragrance may fade, but the warmth and beauty will remain. The positive feedback from students is our greatest encouragement. ISU will continue to organize more meaningful and heartfelt activities, unlocking new cultural experiences. May we meet again next time, accompanied by tea fragrance and warmth as always.

Source: East China Normal University