Xi Jinping Visits Costa Rican Coffee Farmer

When President Xi Jinping visited a working coffee farm in Costa Rica back in 2013, he didn’t just talk policy — he picked a branch of fragrant coffee blossoms and handed them to his wife, Peng Liyuan, to smell. That simple, human moment happened in the green hills near the town of Santo Domingo, Heredia Province, during an official state visit that also strengthened trade ties between China and Costa Rica.

The answer is clear: Xi spent part of his visit in a real coffee grower’s fields, tasted freshly brewed estate coffee, and spoke with the Samora family — a multigenerational coffee farming household — about their lives, crops, and hopes. It lasted mere hours, but it became a vivid symbol of cross-cultural connection through coffee.

A Farm Visit Rooted in Real Agriculture

On the afternoon of June 3, 2013, Xi and Peng arrived at the Samora family farm in Santo Domingo, a small town in Heredia Province. The Samoras, who are in their seventies, have been growing coffee for decades and were waiting at their gate to welcome the Chinese president and first lady. Xi and Peng walked through the farm’s coffee plantation, observing the crop and asking detailed questions about coffee cultivation, production, and sales. Don Samora told them he had been growing coffee for 52 years, and it remained the family’s main income source. His children and grandchildren often help out on the farm, living nearby.

Tasting Coffee in the Family’s Wooden Hut

After the plantation walk, the Samora family invited their guests into a small wooden hut at the back of their property. The cozy space was decorated with the family’s own produce. Xi and Peng joined the Samoras for coffee tasting, sitting across from them and chatting informally. The coffee served was grown on the farm, offering a genuine taste of Costa Rican terroir. It was here that Xi took a branch of coffee blossoms, handed it to Peng, and she enjoyed the fragrance — a moment captured for history.

Cultural Exchange and Shared Wisdom

Xi told the Samora family that it was his first visit to Costa Rica, and he was struck by the people’s honesty, diligence, and wisdom. He admired their multigenerational family life, remarking that it reflected the Chinese saying, “Harmony in a family makes everything prosper.” He shared his own background, saying he had worked in rural areas for years at the grassroots level, and that addressing rural poverty and improving farmers’ livelihoods remained a central focus of his work in government. The family expressed hope that Chinese consumers would one day enjoy their coffee. Xi noted that during his visit, China and Costa Rica had signed agricultural trade agreements that would allow more high-quality Costa Rican products — including coffee — to reach Chinese markets.

Peng Liyuan’s Visit to a Children’s Hospital

Earlier that same day, Peng Liyuan visited the National Children’s Hospital in San José, accompanied by the mother of President Laura Chinchilla. At the hospital, she learned about its dedicated school program for young inpatients. Peng watched children perform choral songs and a flute solo, accepted a drawing from one patient, and gave the children panda toys. She also presented Chinese children’s paper-cut artworks and wished the young patients a speedy recovery — and hopefully a future trip to see real pandas in China.

Farewell and Mutual Gratitude

As the visit concluded, Xi and the Samora family took a group photo. The Samoras thanked their Chinese guests for the visit, calling it an honor. Their youngest son, Alberto, said the meeting showed the deep friendship between the Chinese and Costa Rican people. Xi thanked the family for their warm hospitality, and the Samoras saw their guests off at their gate, waving goodbye. Other Chinese officials present included Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, and Yang Jiechi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Xi Jinping do on the coffee farm in Costa Rica?

Xi Jinping walked through the Samora family’s coffee plantation, asked about coffee farming practices, and picked a branch of coffee flowers for Peng Liyuan to smell. He also tasted coffee with the family in their backyard wooden hut.

How long had the Samora family been growing coffee?

Don Samora, the family patriarch, had been cultivating coffee for 52 years, and it was the main income source for the household.

What did Xi and Peng discuss with the Samora family?

They talked about rural life, family, coffee production, and the challenges faced by farmers. Xi shared his own experience working in rural China and stressed the importance of helping farmers escape poverty.

Did Xi mention any trade agreements during the visit?

Yes, Xi noted that China and Costa Rica had signed several agricultural trade deals during his visit, which would allow more Costa Rican products, including coffee, to be exported to China.

What did Peng Liyuan do during her visit that same day?

Peng visited the National Children’s Hospital, where she watched child patients perform, gave out panda toys, shared Chinese paper-cut art, and wished the children a quick recovery.

Where is the Samora family farm located?

The Samora family farm is in Santo Domingo, a town in Heredia Province, Costa Rica.

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