China and Nigeria on Wednesday strengthened cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges as diplomats, cultural officials and guests gathered in Abuja for the 2026 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon.

The event, themed “Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port,” showcased traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, guqin music performances, incense rituals and ceramic art exhibitions aimed at promoting mutual understanding between both countries.

The cultural salon was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, China’s Minister at the Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, described tea as a powerful symbol of dialogue and cultural exchange among civilisations.

“Tea has become a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning between Chinese civilisation and other civilisations around the world,” Zhou said.

He noted that Chinese tea culture, which dates back about 5,000 years, spread globally through the ancient Silk Road and Tea Road, becoming part of everyday life in many societies.

According to him, the Maritime Silk Road represented values of peaceful cooperation, openness, inclusiveness and shared prosperity among nations.

“The ancient Silk Road carried not only spices, silk and porcelain, but also the spirit of peaceful cooperation, openness, mutual learning and mutual benefit,” he said.

Zhou added that the same spirit continued to shape bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr Abdulkarim Ibrahim, represented by Mr Yohanna Evandu, described tea as more than a beverage, calling it a symbol of harmony and intercultural dialogue.

“Tea is far more than a beverage. It is a vessel of history, a symbol of harmony and a medium of cultural exchange,” he said.

Ibrahim said Nigeria’s growing tea culture reflected the country’s openness to global influences and stronger international cultural engagement.

He added that the Federal Government remained committed to deepening partnerships with China in tourism, the creative economy and cultural exchange programmes.

According to him, cultural events such as the salon would further strengthen friendship and create new opportunities for collaboration between both countries.

Guests at the event were treated to a live guqin performance by Chinese musician Master Yang Chao, who explained the instrument’s more than 3,000-year history and its significance in traditional Chinese culture.

The salon also featured traditional incense ceremonies led by Master Li Cha, ceramic and porcelain exhibitions by Master Ma Huiyuan, as well as Gongfu tea brewing demonstrations and Pu’er tea tasting sessions hosted by Master Liu Xintong.