The art of preparing and serving tea is very important to her, says Amy Hao, a master’s student in education—and very important to the culture of her native China.

She worked hard to share her love of tea with hundreds of students, faculty and staff who passed her booth dedicated to Chinese culture, Thursday in the CAW Student Centre.

“For me, Chinese tea art is very traditional,” she said. “They were the first people to start it.”

That dedication to hospitality won China’s entry recognition as the best display at the Celebration of Nations. Palestine and Bangladesh were runners-up in the judging.

The event attracted attention with music and dance, colourful costumes, and enthusiastic sharing of food and customs from around the globe.

Fourth-year biology major Zaneera Nasir said her favourite part was the Arab folk dance, dabke, which encouraged audience members to join in: “It was very interactive!”

Amy Hao shows off her traditional Chinese tea, Thursday in the CAW Student Centre. The booth, which also featured lessons in Chinese calligraphy, took top honours.

A parade of flags representing the many countries of origin of UWindsor students wends its way across campus to open the Celebration of Nations.

See more photos from the event on the UWindsor Facebook page.