On July 4, 2025, the “Tea and the World · Hebei Cultural and Tourism Promotion” event was successfully held at the China Cultural Center Den Haag. The event was co-hosted by the China Cultural Center Den Haag and the Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Nearly 100 guests gathered to celebrate this occasion, including Mr. Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands; Mr. Henk Kool, Chairman of the World Trade Center The Hague Foundation, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague, and former President of the Netherlands-China Friendship Association; and representatives from various Dutch cultural institutions and local communities.

The event began with a promotional video titled An Invitation from Hebei, offering a vivid presentation of Hebei's spectacular natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. In his opening remarks, Counselor Yu Jian welcomed Dutch friends to experience the charm of Hebei's culture and tourism. Mr. Henk Kool highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and the Netherlands, stating that “tea and tulips are both fragrant ambassadors of culture” and expressing hope for deeper bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Zhang Xinglong, Second-Level Inspector from the Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, introduced Hebei’s rich cultural and tourism resources. He invited Dutch friends to explore Hebei in person and to build new opportunities for mutual development in the culture and tourism sectors.

The event featured a variety of interactive showcases. In the tea ceremony zone, guests were treated to a refined tea art performance and tastings of four signature teas from Hebei: Golden Lotus Tea from Chengde, Taihang Longjing, Baiyangdian Lotus Leaf Tea from Xiong’an, and Chan Tea from Zhaozhou—each with its unique aroma and character.

In the intangible cultural heritage exhibition “YanZhao Artistry,” a national-level craftsman demonstrated the art of Yishui Inkstone making. The “Hebei in Light and Shadow” photography exhibition offered a visual feast of the region’s beauty.

Live performances included Wu-style Tai Chi, the powerful rhythms of Hebei Bangzi opera, and a dazzling acrobatics and magic show. The event concluded with a moving joint performance of the song An Invitation to Hebei by young Chinese and Dutch singers, turning the theme “So Close, So Beautiful” into a shared emotional experience. The audience responded with enthusiastic and prolonged applause.

The guests were deeply impressed by Hebei’s rich culture and hospitality. Many shared that the event offered a unique opportunity to experience Chinese traditions and to witness the vibrant exchange between Chinese and Dutch cultures.

Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Center Den Haag, remarked: “The fragrance of tea knows no borders. Through this gathering, we not only shared the tastes of Hebei but also witnessed the harmony of cultural dialogue. We hope the aroma of Hebei tea will continue to connect hearts and inspire greater cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands.”