CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE - TORONTO
The 3rd "Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon" was successfully held at the Toronto Literary and Arts Club on May 16, 2026. The event was co-hosted by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Toronto and the China National Tourist Office, Toronto. The programs were organized by the GuofengGuan Culture and Art Center.
The salon brought together an esteemed group of Canadian and international dignitaries, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, City of Markham, City of Richmond Hill, the Consuls General of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and Cambodia in Toronto, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto; the Canada-China Friendship Association Toronto Chapter, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
For the opening remarks, Consul General Luo Weidong emphasized that tea is deeply ingrained in the daily lifestyle, embodying the China’s national, spiritual pursuit of harmony with nature, inclusivity, and friendliness. He added that the current China-Canada friendly exchanges face new opportunities, and this event serves to deepen understanding and brings fresh vitality into bilateral cooperation.
Wu Ning, the director of China National Tourist Office Toronto, highlighted that the event is a signature global brand created by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to showcase traditional Chinese culture. She shared an exciting update for Canadian travelers, noting that China has implemented a visa-free policy for Canada, and warmly welcomed more Canadian friends travel to China to experience its rich culture.
The event featured immersive experiences including tea culture appreciation, classical Chinese dance, traditional folk music, Chinese instrumental performances, and poetry recitations. This global initiative aligns with the celebration of "International Tea Day" on May 21, following the 2022 inscription of "Traditional Chinese tea-making techniques and associated social practices" onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Location: Toronto
The 3rd "Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon" 多伦多 “茶和天下” ·雅集活动
Starting the Summer with Culture: China National Tourist Office, Toronto Celebrates Success of Cultural Events in May 2026
The China National Tourist Office, Toronto, is pleased to share a recap of the successful cultural tourism events held in May 2026, which celebrated the rich heritage of Chinese tea and food culture and promoted cultural exchange between China and Canada.
From May 16 to 17, 2026, the cultural festivities extended to the public Canadian with the Taste of China 2026 held at Sankofa Square, Toronto. Taste of China 2026 is a vibrant celebration of tea, gourmet flavours, and cultural discovery in the heart of Toronto. Guests can explore premium tea vendors, specialty food booths, artisanal treats, handcrafted goods, and live entertainment in a lively spring festival atmosphere. Blending tradition with modern lifestyle experiences, the festival offers a unique destination for tea lovers, foodies, families, and visitors looking to enjoy a refreshing weekend of taste, culture, and community.
The Grand Opening Ceremony took place on May 16, attended by guests including the Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China, Member of Provincial Parliament, and the City Councillor of Toronto. The host welcomed guests and introduced the programs, followed by a spectacular Shaanxi Drum performance to vibrantly kick off the festival. Traditional Lion Dance with eye-dotting was also held to kickstart the two days festival at the heart of downtown Toronto.
Attendees were then treated to the vibrant Tea Art performance showcasing elegant tea table settings, brewing etiquette, and tea-serving culture that highlighted the true beauty of Eastern tea traditions. The ceremony concluded with an introduction to the tea culture booths and a guided tour of the food booths, inviting visitors to try the tea sampling, and fully experience the rich diversity of Chinese culinary culture.
The festival also featured a dedicated Photo Experience for the "Nihao! China" inbound tourism promotion display to engage Canadian residents and tourists. A major highlight of the tourism display was an interactive photo-op experience that drew enthusiastic participation from visitors and promoted the 30-day visa-free travel policy for Canadians. Decorated with playful panda and bamboo illustrations, this popular interactive spot allowed attendees to step inside the frame, capture memorable photos, and celebrate the kickstart of their summer travel inspirations.
Location: Toronto
TASTE OF CHINA 2026东方绽放—— 茶语美食文化节
Looking Ahead: Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival 2026
Building on the momentum of successful gatherings in May 2026, the China National Tourist Office, Toronto, looks forward to the sequel event of "Tea for Harmony" event, which will be at the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival 2026, to happen on the Toronto Centre Island from June 13 to 14, 2026. This upcoming event will continue to launch immersive experience that bridges timeless traditions with vibrant summer festivities, inspiring Canadians to discover the charm of China's tourism.