On 27 June 2026, the China Cultural Center in The Hague successfully hosted a Midsummer Tea Gathering, co-organized with the Dutch Chinese Calligraphy Society and Yun Tea. For the first time, the event integrated the culture of Go into a traditional tea gathering, using the game as a bridge for cultural exchange and tea as a medium for friendship. Eight Dutch guests were invited to experience the wisdom of the East through the harmonious combination of tea and Go.

During the event, Ms. Lin Yong, the host, introduced the historical origins of the Four Arts of Chinese literati culture—qin (the guqin), qi (Go), calligraphy, and painting—and explained that this Go-themed gathering was designed to further enrich the depth and diversity of the cultural experience. She also shared the fascinating history behind the English name "Go," which originates from the Japanese pronunciation despite the game having been invented in China. This led to a broader discussion of how other elements of Chinese culture, such as whisked tea (diancha) and Xuan paper, came to be known internationally under names that differ from their Chinese origins, sparking great interest among the participants.

During the tea appreciation session, the tea master demonstrated two traditional brewing methods using a gaiwan and a Yixing clay teapot, explaining techniques such as water temperature and brewing time. Guests had the opportunity to prepare tea themselves and experience the refinement of Chinese gongfu tea culture firsthand.

The Go workshop became the highlight of the afternoon. The Center invited Mr. Shou Yining, the Dutch National Go Champion in both 2023 and 2024 and a former member of the Dutch Youth National Team at the European Youth Go Championship, to lead the session. He introduced the historical development of Go, explored its close connections with Chinese poetry, literature, and philosophy, and explained the fundamental rules of the game. As participants enjoyed tea while playing Go, they immersed themselves in the game's strategic depth and the tranquility embodied in Chinese tea culture.

By integrating Go into the traditional tea gathering, this Midsummer Tea Gathering successfully combined Chinese intellectual traditions with tea culture, offering Dutch participants a deeper appreciation of Eastern philosophy and earning widespread praise. The China Cultural Center in The Hague will continue to present diverse, immersive cultural experiences, enabling more local audiences to discover the enduring beauty of Chinese culture.