China and Nigeria have strengthened their cultural relations through a tea heritage and intangible cultural exchange initiative aimed at deepening people-to-people diplomacy and expanding cooperation in arts, culture and creative economy development.

The engagement took place on Wednesday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja during a 2026 immersive programme titled “Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port,” which brought together diplomats, cultural practitioners, government officials and artists from both countries.

The event spotlighted tea as a shared cultural symbol of dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding, with organisers stressing its role as a bridge between civilisations across centuries.

Speaking at the gathering, a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said tea remains one of the most enduring cultural assets linking China to the rest of the world through history, trade and diplomacy.

He noted that traditional Chinese tea processing techniques and related cultural practices were inscribed in 2022 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting their global cultural significance.

According to him, tea originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and spread through ancient trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, where it evolved into a powerful medium of cultural exchange.

“Tea unites the world. It serves as a bridge for dialogue and mutual learning between civilisations,” he said.

The envoy added that the programme also formed part of commemorations marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

The cultural exhibition featured traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, incense rituals, ceramics displays and Guqin musical performances, all designed to give participants an immersive experience of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

Referencing Quanzhou—historically known as Zayton and recognised by UNESCO as a key maritime hub of the ancient Silk Road—the envoy said the legacy of openness and peaceful exchange continues to define modern China–Nigeria relations.

He also highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, noting that Nigerian exports such as cocoa, sesame, peanuts and cassava could benefit from improved access to the Chinese market.

Officials from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy described the initiative as a valuable platform for strengthening cultural diplomacy and promoting national unity through shared heritage.

They said Nigeria’s growing engagement with tea culture and related value chains presents opportunities for agro-processing, tourism expansion and creative industry growth.

The ministry pledged continued support for cultural exchange programmes, including tea festivals, exhibitions and collaborative projects aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s global cultural visibility and strengthening bilateral ties with China.