Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Thursday to the opening ceremony of the First China International Tea Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Tea has been an important part of Chinese people's lives and a cherished symbol of Chinese culture, Xi said.

From the ancient Silk Road and other trade routes that saw the flow of tea on horses and ships to today's Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, "tea has transcended time and crossed borders to win the affection of people from across the world," he added.