As a carrier of Chinese culture, tea has always been the top choice for diplomatic gifts by the Chinese government. Curious about which teas were given to foreign leaders? Here are a few typical examples for you to take a look at.

Joseph Stalin: Keemun Black Tea and Zhejiang Longjing

In December 1949, shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong made his first visit to the Soviet Union. He brought Longjing from Zhejiang and Keemun black tea from Anhui as gifts for Stalin. Choosing two of China's most famous teas highlighted the importance China placed on this relationship at the time.

Henry Kissinger: West Lake Longjing

In 1971, U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger made a secret visit to China. Zhou Enlai gifted him West Lake Longjing tea. The refreshing and fragrant Longjing tea mirrored the ice-breaking journey that symbolized a new era in Sino-American relations, bringing a fresh breeze to the global political landscape.

Richard Nixon: Da Hong Pao

A year after Kissinger's visit, in 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon made an official state visit to China. Mao Zedong gifted him 4 liang (about 200 grams) of Da Hong Pao.

There is an interesting anecdote: It is said that when Nixon received the Da Hong Pao, he wondered why Kissinger had received more tea the previous year, suspecting he might not be as welcome. Premier Zhou Enlai replied with a smile, "In China, only 8 liang of Da Hong Pao is produced each year, and you received half of it."

Vladimir Putin: Zhongcha State Gift

In 2007, Hu Jintao presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a custom "Zhongcha State Gift" set from China Tea Company. The "State Gift" consisted of four teas: traditional Chinese famous teas Huangshan Maofeng, Taiping Houkui, and Lu'an Guapian, along with a modern craft tea called Huangshan Green Peony.

Dmitry Medvedev: Yuexi Cuilan

In 2010, when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited China, President Hu Jintao gifted him a green tea from the deep mountains of Anhui Province — Yuexi Cuilan. It is called "Cuilan" (emerald orchid) because the brewed leaves resemble orchids, with an emerald green color and fragrant aroma.

Park Geun-hye: Anhua Dark Tea

In 2013, President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan gifted Anhua dark tea to South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Dark tea is known for its benefits in regulating digestion, promoting weight loss, and beautifying the skin. With this gift, President Xi and his wife conveyed their wishes for Park's enduring beauty.