Georgian Cultural Center in Zhaoqing

On May 26, 2026, in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, China, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia, Paata Kalandadze, participated in the opening ceremony of the Georgian Cultural Center named after Lao Jinjao (Liu Zhongzhou), the founder of tea culture in Georgia.

At the end of the 19th century, Lao Jinjao laid the foundation for Georgian tea production in Georgia, specifically in Adjara. Tea produced under his leadership was recognized by various European countries, while tea growing first became one of the leading branches of agriculture in Adjara and later in other regions of Georgia.

After almost thirty years of work in Georgia, Lao Jinjao returned to China. It is worth noting that his descendants still live in Georgia today and continue to contribute to the deepening of relations between the two countries.

Visitors to the newly opened center in Lao Jinjao’s hometown have the opportunity, through a high-tech digital exhibition, to learn about Georgia’s history and geography, factual and photo materials related to Lao and his family’s activities in Georgia, as well as various aspects of Georgian culture.

Representatives of the city’s leadership, as well as Professor Liu Hao of Peking University, a fifth-generation descendant of Lao’s family, delivered speeches at the opening ceremony of the Georgian Cultural Center.