Tea etiquette has a long history, rooted in tradition. "Serving tea to guests" is a traditional virtue and courtesy of Chinese hospitality. To this day, when guests visit a home, a cup of fragrant tea is always prepared. Especially during the Spring Festival, it is customary to entertain with tea and snacks, reflecting elegance and solemnity. Since the host demonstrates respect in every gesture while serving tea, the guest, as the recipient of this hospitality, should also reciprocate with humility and respect. The essence of tea etiquette lies in the heart.

1. Before brewing tea for guests, the host should first present a selection of fine teas on a tea tray for the guests to choose from. This expresses the host's respect and allows the guests to carefully appreciate the tea's appearance, color, and dry aroma.

2. When transferring tea leaves from the tea caddy into the pot or cup, use a bamboo or wooden tea scoop instead of grabbing with hands. If no tea scoop is available, gently tilt the tea caddy over the pot or cup and shake it lightly so that an appropriate amount of tea leaves falls in. This method is more hygienic and adds a touch of solemnity.

3. When serving brewed tea to guests, it is best to use a tray. If a tray is not used, be careful not to touch the rim of the cup with your fingers. When presenting the tea to the guest, slightly bow and say, "Please enjoy the tea."

4. During social activities, it is best not to drink tea while conversing, as it may interrupt the conversation and show a lack of focus. Only when you are not the main speaker should you seize the opportunity to take a sip to moisten your throat.

5. When the host invites the guest to select tea, taste tea, or offers tea, the guest should slightly lean forward from their seat, receive the tea with both hands, and say "Thank you." In crowded or noisy environments, a finger-tapping gesture (叩指礼) may also be used to express gratitude.

6. After tasting the tea, the guest should compliment the host on the tea leaves, brewing skill, and beautiful tea ware. Silence is not appropriate. When leaving, express thanks once again for the host's warm hospitality.

Tea Pouring Etiquette

1. Follow the custom of "full wine, half tea." Tea should not be filled to the brim; about 70-80% full is appropriate. The water temperature should not be too hot.

2. Direction when serving tea: Hold the tea with your right hand and present it from the guest's right side.

3. Serve tea in order of seniority: by rank from high to low in professional settings, or by generation or age among relatives.

4. Promptly refill the guest's tea to avoid leaving the cup empty.

5. Hold the tea cup properly. According to traditional Chinese customs, unless physically unable, tea should always be served to guests with both hands. However, some young people today are unaware of this rule and casually hand over the tea with one hand. Even when using both hands, pay attention: for cups with handles, typically hold the handle with one hand and support the bottom with the other when serving. For handleless cups, which become very hot when filled, some may pinch the rim with five fingers to pass it to the guest. While this method prevents burns, it is inelegant and unhygienic. Imagine the guest's lips touching the host's finger marks—how pleasant is that?