The sea of tea 茶海 (chá hǎi) carries tea utensils 茶具 (chá jù) such as tea cups 茶杯 (chá bēi) or smaller vessels 茶盅 (chá zhōng), and sometimes an auspicious ceramic toy 茶宠 (chá chǒng) that is sprinkled with surplus tea water.

Now that the tea cups and utensils are ready, you can make the tea. For maximum appreciation, it is best to relax 静下心来 (jìng xià xīn lái) as you imbibe. The light conversation 闲谈 (xián tán) while drinking the cup that cheers in China contrasts with discussions in France aimed at putting the world to rights. From the Chinese perspective, tea is a symbol of nature. Talking while drinking tea is hence a way of enhancing harmony between man and nature and not a time for discussing serious topics. The Chinese idiom 清和淡雅 (qīng hé dàn yǎ) defines the ideally tranquil atmosphere of elegant relaxation while drinking tea.

Such an ambience is considered essential for true tea appreciation. You first observe the color 茶色 (chá sè), sometimes transparent, sometimes green like a creek in autumn. You next savor the aroma 闻香 (wén xiāng) reminiscent of freshly mown grass. Only then do you taste the tea 品茶 (pǐn chá). The Chinese character 品 comprises three 口 (kǒu) – mouth. A cup of tea should indeed be imbibed and appreciated in three sips. 品 (pǐn) also appears in the phrase 品味人生 (pǐn wèi rén shēng), savoring life, in the sense of a life gourmet. The last stage of the tea drinking ritual is still to come. The sweet aroma that enters the throat as an aftertaste 回味 (huí wèi) is the pinnacle of tea drinking pleasure.

Drinking liquor while eating is also common in China, but if you find the local spirit too heady it is permissible to drink tea instead 以茶代酒 (yǐ chá dài jiǔ). As drinking tea is infinitely more elegant than swigging liquor, no host would deny you your fill of this beloved beverage.

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