[Photo provided to China Daily]

One must avail themself of the caviar spoon while dining on said delicacy, or employ the multi-pronged cake breaker while serving pudding at parties. At Hey Tea it is recommended to do away with the straw on entry, uncap your cup and dive in lip first, thus encouraging an equal amount of cream and tea to accompany each other down your gullet.

As the line inches closer, orders are taken and numbers are given－this is a well-oiled machine. Excitement levels begin to rise.

I edge closer and closer until I am at the very counter itself－I have reached the peak of the mountain. My big moment has arrived and my palms begin to sweat. This is it. What I have been waiting for all this time. I say my number, "138", in a way that only a true champion can.

And finally, after waiting only 44 minutes (half an episode of Street Dance of China), a thin plastic cup filled with chilled and creamy tea is presented to me like an Olympic medal. I raise it aloft like baby Simba. I have done it. I have defeated the unending line of parchedness to achieve ownership of a rarified cup of Hey Tea. Now I can truly soak in my infused glory for the entire world to see.

I clutch my cup steadfast, pop the lid and raise the tea to my lips and...Snap.