Huang Junhong believes learning about the beauty of culture is of equal importance to academic study for a child to grow into a capable adult.

Huang, 49, from Wuhan Changqingshu Experimental School in Hubei province, was one of the teachers sent to aid the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in 2021.

During her three-year service at Bole No 1 Primary School in the Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture, she organized various cultural events involving tea art, poetry, music and drama, to inspire curiosity in her students and help them develop hobbies and confidence.

"I want to provide children with more opportunities to learn and improve themselves," she said.

Huang purchased tea sets, darkred enameled pottery, electric kettles and tea leaves to establish a tea art club, a novel idea for the local children.

The students learned the six major categories of tea, and how to identify the differences in taste. They also learned tea protocols, such as filling the cup to 70 percent full as a sign of respect.

Huang told the class that Bole is a must-pass location on the Silk Road, and many years ago, Chinese tea was shipped from their hometown to various parts of the world.