CIIE 2026: An eastern teacup’s transcontinental tale

At the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, a British landscape fits in the palm of your hand. The teacups on display carry hand-painted scenes and delicate touches of gold, drawing on more than 200 years of British ceramic craftsmanship.

There’s a little of China in these cups, too. Chinese tea reached Britain in the 17th century, and imported Chinese porcelain gave British potters new ideas for their own designs. By the 19th century, afternoon tea had become a British ritual. Now, in Shanghai, visitors can see what British makers did with that early inspiration. #CIIE2026