An exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is offering visitors a journey through the history of Chinese civilisation by exploring the role of food, ritual and cultural traditions. Opened on June 26 at the National Historic Museum, “Flavors of Tradition: The History of Food in Ancient China” features more than 100 artefacts from the National Museum of China, many of which are being displayed in Brazil for the first time.

Spanning around 10,000 years of history, the exhibition showcases everything from everyday utensils to ceremonial banquet vessels, illustrating how food has long been intertwined with Chinese customs, social life and cultural identity. It also traces centuries of exchange between China and Brazil, highlighting the Silk Road's influence and the early introduction of Chinese tea to Brazil in the 19th century.

Running through October, the exhibition forms part of this year's China-Brazil cultural exchange programme, fostering greater mutual understanding through the shared language of food and heritage.