Drinking tea is a refined practice, and pouring tea is also a refined practice.

Drinking tea is a matter of care, not only in the way it is drunk but also in the mindset. Before drinking, ensure the tea set is clean. When a guest enters, first offer them a seat and prepare tea for them. Before brewing and pouring tea, it is essential to rinse all utensils with boiling water. This is not only a hygienic practice but also a sign of politeness and respect toward the guest.

When pouring tea, also pay attention to the amount of water and its temperature. Some companies use disposable paper cups when serving tea to guests. While convenient, this lacks the feel of proper tea drinking. If unavoidable, be sure to place the paper cup on a saucer to prevent the tea from being too hot and causing inconvenience to the guest.

When brewing tea for guests, the amount of tea leaves should be appropriate—neither too little nor too much. Too little makes the tea weak, while too much makes it strong. When pouring tea, do not fill the cup to the brim. Regardless of cup size, it is customary to fill it to eight-tenths full. Filling too much may cause spills or burn the guest’s hands, leading to an awkward situation. Filling too little, on the other hand, might make the host seem stingy.

Drinking and pouring tea both involve knowledge. Chinese tea culture is vast and profound. Without learning it, one may embarrass themselves while drinking tea. Serving tea to guests also has its proper method. According to traditional Chinese hospitality, tea should always be served with both hands. Many young people are unaware of this rule and casually hand over the tea with one hand, which goes against traditional Chinese etiquette.

Using both hands is not enough—different types of cups require different handling. For cups with handles, hold the handle with one hand and support the bottom with the other before serving. For cups without handles, the cup becomes hot after tea is poured, making it difficult to hold with both hands. In such cases, use a tray. Never grip the rim of the cup with your fingers, as this is both unhygienic and impolite.

How much of the knowledge of serving and pouring tea have you mastered?