Cultural exchanges enrich heritage

Brazil's vibrant, multicultural heritage is enriched by historical connections with China. In the early 19th century, a group of Chinese tea farmers brought tea seeds and saplings to Brazil, aiming to grow tea and introduce cultivation techniques. The planting site at the time was located within what is now the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, where their efforts became a symbol of China-Brazil friendship, rooted deeply in Brazilian soil. The plaque reads: "In 1812, the first Chinese immigrants to Brazil planted tea trees here, marking a testament to China-Brazil friendship." This unveiling was part of the events celebrating Brazil's first Chinese Immigration Day, aligning with the anniversary of China and Brazil establishing diplomatic ties in 1974.