By Jin Yingying
The United Nations Chinese New Year Gala recently took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together over 500 guests in a grand celebration of the festival.
Among the evening’s highlights was Jingshan Tea Ceremony · World Tea Banquet, an original performance from Yuhang district, Hangzhou, and the only performance from Zhejiang Province selected for this prestigious event.
Blending Chinese electronic music, modern dance, and traditional folk instruments, the performance mesmerized the audience with its fusion of Eastern and Western artistic elements. Drawing inspiration from the historic Jingshan Tea Banquet, the short yet powerful piece transported viewers to the serene world of Zen tea culture, harmonizing modern dance with traditional tea rituals.
Originating in the Tang Dynasty at Jingshan Temple, the Jingshan Tea Banquet boasts a 1,200-year history and has played a significant role in shaping the Japanese tea ceremony. In 2022, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The performance featured symbolic movements inspired by tea ceremonies and the growth of tea leaves, accompanied by the rich sounds of traditional Chinese music.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Jingshan tea was presented as a “New Year Surprise” gift to lucky audience members.
Wei Huhu, the program’s creator, emphasized the importance of cultural confidence and the opportunity to share China’s rich heritage on the global stage. He expressed his hope that the performance would enhance international awareness of Yuhang’s culture and history.