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.

Today, Rio de Janeiro honors these early Chinese immigrants through lasting tributes.

The Vista Chinesa in Tijuca National Park, which was built in the early 1900s, is a Chinese-style pagoda-like structure offering breathtaking views of the city and standing as a permanent homage to those first tea farmers.

A plaque unveiled on Aug 15, 2018, in the Rio Botanical Garden commemorates the bicentennial of Chinese immigration. 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.

Rio de Janeiro's official recognition of this friendship continues through annual observances.

In 2018, the Rio de Janeiro State designated Aug 8 as China-Rio de Janeiro Friendship Day.

In 2022, the city of Rio established Sept 28, widely observed as Confucius' birthday, as Mandarin Day, honoring the growing cultural exchange between both countries.

In Rio de Janeiro State, the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is recognized as an official holiday.