China is a land of etiquette, with specific protocols for dining tables, wine tables, and tea tables. You love drinking tea, but are you sure you know the following ten details about tea drinking?

Drinking tea is a relaxing and leisurely activity, but certain essential etiquette should be observed to avoid causing discomfort to others.

Of course, everything depends on the occasion. With close friends and family, tea drinking need not be bound by strict etiquette. However, in more formal settings, knowing the proper way to do things is never a bad idea. As the saying goes, "One can never be too courteous." Don't you agree?

You might not know all of the following ten little details. Read on!

1. Refilling Tea

When a guest finishes the tea in their cup and it's down to the "dregs," refill the cup promptly. If you notice tea residue in a guest's cup, you should rinse the cup for them or replace it. The host should be familiar with the tea's condition; if the tea has started to taste watery, it's time to change the leaves. When drinking tea in the evening, avoid staying up too late. Pay attention to the situation and know when to end the tea session, even if everyone is enjoying themselves.

2. Tea Snacks

In formal settings, when appreciating fine tea, it is not appropriate to consume tea snacks, as it can be seen as a lack of respect for the tea. If tea snacks are served, strongly flavored candied fruits or milk candies are not recommended; nuts are more suitable. If the tea session goes late into the night, tea snacks should be prepared.

3. Seating Arrangements

To adhere to the etiquette of respecting seniority, try to seat elders or the guest of honor to the far left of the person brewing the tea. This way, when serving tea, you will proceed in order from left to right, ending with yourself. If the guest of honor is seated incorrectly, the order of serving tea may become混乱, making it seem disorderly.

4. Refilling the Kettle

If there are many guests and you need assistance refilling the kettle, you can slightly open the lid when water is needed as a signal. Avoid calling out loudly for water, as this might embarrass the guests.

5. Placing the Teapot

When placing the teapot, do not point the spout directly at anyone, as this signifies asking them to leave quickly.

6. Wiping the Teapot

Some tea hosts cherish their teapots greatly. During brewing, they might inevitably wipe the pot, fondle it, or even maintain multiple pots simultaneously. However, they may not realize that these extra actions can distract guests from appreciating the tea. Similarly, tidying the tea table or wiping chairs and tables during the tea session might give guests the impression that the host is signaling the end of the gathering.

7. Mind Your Attire

The nature of tea is calm and peaceful. Therefore, tea tasting etiquette requires neat and appropriate attire. Women should avoid heavy makeup and revealing clothing; men should also avoid eccentric styles, such as long hair or ragged clothing. In addition to a tidy appearance, demeanor should be dignified and natural.

8. Know the Hierarchy of Guest Seats

Nowadays, few people are aware of the hierarchy of "guest seats." Although the tea ceremony emphasizes "the host follows the guest's convenience," when there are many people drinking tea, this principle should generally be followed: Facing the host, the seat to the host's left is the "seat of honor"! Moving clockwise, from the most honored to the least, until the host's right side. Regardless of the shape of the tea table, this is an unchangeable rule. The first priority for the seat of honor is: elderly people, middle-aged people, those older than oneself. Among them, teachers and elders are the most honored. If the age difference is small, ladies take precedence for the seat of honor.

9. About Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited during tea drinking.

10. Control Speech and Behavior

The topics of conversation should absolutely not involve gossiping or speaking ill of others. Also, avoid being overly exuberant, pounding the table, or beating time. A quiet atmosphere is best for appreciating the true taste of tea.