World's largest cream tea party marks Queen's 90th in China

Hundreds of people participate in the world's largest cream tea party to mark the British Queen's 90th birthday, organized by the British Consulate-General in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A new world record was created in Shanghai Tuesday afternoon to mark the 90th birthday of the British Queen, boosting cultural exchanges between the two countries in a truly British style.

More than 700 people participated in a British cream tea party at the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin, making it the largest of its kind and breaking the previous Guinness World Record, with the confirmed number of 735 participants. The previous record was created in Britain last year with 691 people raising their tea cups at the same time.

"It is the best birthday party I've ever been to," said British Consul General John Edwards, after the Guinness issued the certificate at the scene. "Today the UK and China are thriving economies and vibrant societies. Most importantly we are partners."