A tea art specialist from southeast China's Fujian Province performs at Badachu Park in Beijing, capital of China, on May 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Jundong)

BEIJING, May 21  -- May 21 marks International Tea Day. It is a special day that recognizes the long history and deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world.

According to the UN, tea has medicinal value and has the potential of bringing health benefits to people. But tea is more than just a healthy drink. As the world's most consumed drink after water, tea is central to many cultures, and it contributes to employment, exports earnings and food security.