BEIJING - President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter Thursday to the opening ceremony of the First China International Tea Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China.

Tea has become 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.

Xi hopes the expo will give exposure to Chinese tea culture and grow into an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world, according to the letter.

The expo should promote the development of the world's tea industry and start a new chapter for the tea industry and tea culture, said the letter.

Xi also conveyed his wishes for the success of the expo, which will be held from May 18 to 21.