Teahouse exhibition

Beijing's Lao She teahouse is holding an exhibition of photographs of all world leaders who have visited the teahouse and of the gifts exchanged.

Diplomats from over 20 countries attended the opening ceremony on Nov 26, when a picture album of these VIP visits was released. The guests watched a traditional tea ceremony and a kungfu performance, over tea and dim sum.

Established 20 years ago, the teahouse has expanded from 500 sq m to more than 3,600 sq m. It now includes a theater, a restaurant and teahouses in both courtyard and new Beijing style. Since the arrival of President George H. W. Bush on Jan 15, 1994, the teahouse has received more than 100 world leaders and celebrities from 69 countries, in addition to 3 million other guests.