Since 2024, the Guangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese has been actively exploring new approaches to overseas Chinese affairs. Leveraging both domestic and international overseas Chinese organizations, it has pioneered a new brand initiative — the “Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Salon,” known as “Guangzhou Tea House”.
This innovative project draws inspiration from the traditional Cantonese tea house culture — open doors to welcome guests and tea as a medium for connection. Through the sharing of tea and heartfelt conversations, the initiative serves as a warm platform to strengthen emotional bonds and identity between overseas Chinese and their ancestral homeland. It also opens a new window for Guangzhou, a city with a thousand-year legacy of overseas Chinese heritage, to connect with the world.
Papua New Guinea was among the first countries to establish a “Guangzhou Tea House.”
On June 15, 2024, the National Capital District Government of Papua New Guinea, in collaboration with the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association, hosted a grand “China Day” celebration to commemorate the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence.
During this momentous occasion, the “Guangzhou Tea House – PNG Station” was officially unveiled as a key feature of the “China Day” event, adding a vibrant stroke to the ongoing cultural exchanges between China and Papua New Guinea.
Throughout the event, the Guangzhou Tea House welcomed delegations from both China and the local Chinese community in PNG. Amid the gentle aroma of tea, guests from both countries gathered to share stories of friendship and cooperation. With its rich Lingnan ambiance and human warmth, the tea house received widespread praise and became a vital link between the “China Day” celebrations and the local Chinese community and general public. The elegant fusion of tea culture and cross-cultural exchange greatly enhanced the visibility and charm of Guangzhou culture abroad, bringing the stories of overseas Chinese to life in vivid, heartfelt ways.
The “Guangzhou Tea House” is more than just a place to receive guests — it is a cultural bridge that connects China with the wider world. Looking ahead, the Guangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese will continue to expand the Tea House initiative internationally, enabling more countries and overseas Chinese communities to experience its tea-inspired hospitality, strengthen ties to their roots, and promote cooperation. This effort will contribute to telling China’s story well and amplifying the voice of the overseas Chinese community.
In the future, the “Guangzhou Tea House – Papua New Guinea Station” will further develop themed tea events aligned with the vision of “Sharing a Cup of Tea with the World.” These include programs such as “Tea Bridging Friendship,” “Tea Bridging Trade,” “Tea Bridging Investment,” “Tea Bridging Talent,” and “Tea Bridging Philanthropy.” Through these gatherings, overseas Chinese will continue to find comfort and connection in the taste of tea, gain a deeper appreciation for Guangzhou, and be empowered to share the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with the world. In the global promotion of Chinese traditional culture, the Tea House will serve as a living testament to friendship, mutual learning, and cultural understanding. It will become a spiritual home and warm haven for overseas Chinese everywhere, and a cultural and emotional bridge linking them with their ancestral homeland.
Mr. Lin Huanong, Chairman of the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association, remarked:
“The Guangzhou Tea House is not just a cultural space imbued with nostalgia — it is a bridge that connects the hearts and strengths of overseas Chinese, a place to celebrate friendship and foster cooperation. We warmly welcome friends from all walks of life to visit the Tea House, enjoy a cup of tea, share your stories, and explore opportunities for collaboration. May the warmth and mutual understanding brewed in tea continue to flow gently and linger sweetly for years to come.”
