For Ghaffar Pourazar, the legendary Monkey King from the Chinese classic Journey to the West is more than a stage character — it is a reflection of his own life journey.

Born with Azerbaijani and Iranian roots and raised in Britain, Pourazar once worked as a computer animator in London. But after watching Peking Opera for the first time in 1993 at the age of 32, he decided to completely change his life.

"I put away my other life. I said goodbye to my friends and my family. I said I want to do this," Pourazar told China Daily during a celebration of International Tea Day hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles on Friday.

"The monkey follows the dream, and so that's why I love this character, but also that is why Chinese people love this character," he said.

For decades, Pourazar has dedicated himself to studying and performing Peking Opera, becoming widely known as the "Western Monkey King". He said Chinese opera combines martial arts philosophy, acrobatics, music and drama in a unique way.

"For hundreds of years, Chinese culture has brought the philosophy of martial arts like tai chi together with opera action," he said. "The actors are not only able to sing and dance, but they're also martial acrobats."

His deep connection with Chinese culture has gradually become part of his identity.

"I am Azerbaijani, Iranian, British, I was raised in England, but I feel more Chinese than others," Pourazar said.

The celebration in Los Angeles brought together officials, artists, experts and local residents to experience Chinese culture through tea ceremonies, traditional performances and cultural demonstrations. Organizers said tea serves as both a cultural symbol and a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding between China and the United States.

Guo Shaochun, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, highlighted the cultural significance of tea and expressed hope that more Americans could gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the Chinese people's pursuit of a better life.

Among the teas served during the event was Pu'er tea from Yunnan province, known for its distinctive aging process in which flavor deepens over time. Guo introduced guests to Yunnan's diverse ethnic cultures and tea traditions.

"The people of China and the United States are both great peoples," Guo said. "Just as the Chinese people love tea and Americans love coffee, we all have our own cultures, lifestyles and feelings."

He added that cultural differences should become a source of mutual appreciation and understanding rather than division.

"It is these differences that make our world rich and colorful, and inspire us to better understand and appreciate one another," he said.

Guo also referred to the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump during Trump's state visit to China, saying the two sides agreed to promote a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability."

Leticia Perez, a member of California's Kern County Board of Supervisors, said she values the role of China in the region's economy.

"I'm a big fan of Chinese culture," Perez said. "I want to reaffirm my own commitment to be part of the ongoing conversation of peace building and mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the United States and China."

Perez praised China's continued calls for peace and cooperation despite global tensions.

The event also featured performances of Peking Opera, Chinese folk songs and traditional instruments including the pipa and bamboo flute, alongside demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy and dough figurine art.

Luo Ping, a senior tea master and cultural ambassador for Chinese tea culture, guided guests through a traditional tea ceremony while explaining categories of Chinese tea and their cultural and health significance.

Joshua Goldhaber, vice-dean of graduate research education at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, said he appreciated learning about the cultural meaning of tea and the values of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

"It was a very warm feeling," Goldhaber said. "I look forward to more opportunities to immerse in Chinese culture and educational exchange."

Douglas Smith, a visual effects supervisor who has worked on both Hollywood and Chinese film productions, also expressed optimism about future cultural and creative cooperation between the two countries.

"Communication between countries is always the best thing that can happen," Smith said. "Misunderstandings happen with the lack of communication, so whenever that can happen, it's a very positive thing."

renali@chinadailyusa.com