A Leaf of Tea Connecting China and Russia: Chinese Student Wang Bo Spreads the Fragrance of Tea Culture at RUDN University

Recently, a classroom at the People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) was filled with the gentle aroma of tea and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Wang Bo, an international student from Yanggu County, Shandong Province, China, successfully organized and conducted a promotional event on Chinese tea culture there. With the purpose of "Making Friends over Tea, Sharing Civilizations," the event immersed Russian students in the millennia-old charm of Chinese tea culture through diverse formats like thematic presentations, tea ceremony demonstrations, and interactive tea tasting, building a warm bridge for cultural exchange between China and Russia.

The venue was rich with the scent of tea. Wang Bo delivered a vivid presentation on tea culture in fluent Russian, themed "The Millennia-long Journey of a Leaf." Starting from the historical origins of Chinese tea culture, he traced the historical footsteps of the "ancient Tea Road," narrating the legendary journey of tea leaves traveling over ten thousand kilometers from China's southern tea-growing regions to Russia. He detailed the profound historical ties of Sino-Russian tea exchange since the 17th century, helping the audience understand how tea transitioned from a luxury for royalty and nobility to a common beverage in the daily lives of people in both countries.

During his presentation, Wang Bo systematically introduced the rich variety of Chinese tea. From green tea and black tea to oolong tea and white tea, he clearly explained the flavor characteristics and representative varieties of each type. Combining this with the needs of modern life, he detailed the nutritional components found in tea and their health benefits for daily wellness. "Jin Junmei, a treasure among black teas, is rich in active substances like tea polyphenols and vitamin C. It can not only improve blood circulation and promote fat metabolism but also soothe the body and mind and alleviate fatigue," Wang Bo explained while simultaneously demonstrating the tea ceremony.

Subsequently, Wang Bo served the freshly brewed Jin Junmei black tea to his Russian friends present, inviting them to savor it carefully. The tea liquor was golden and translucent, with a sweet, refreshing, and mellow taste that received unanimous praise.

Russian student Alexei (Ale) sincerely admired after tasting, "I knew before that Chinese people love drinking tea, but only today did I learn that Chinese tea culture has such a long history and contains so much knowledge. Moreover, after Chinese tea culture was introduced to Russia, it blended with our local characteristics to form unique tea-drinking customs, like sweet tea served with sugar or lemon and our distinctive samovar culture. This is truly a beautiful testament to the blending of our two civilizations."

The successful execution of this event not only allowed students at RUDN University to appreciate the unique charm of Chinese tea culture up close but also used tea as a medium to build a platform for interaction and exchange between Chinese and Russian youth. As a Chinese student living in Russia, Wang Bo, through his practical actions, has become a promoter of Chinese tea culture and an envoy of Sino-Russian friendship, allowing the millennia-old tea culture to radiate new vitality in a foreign land.