Who drinks tea in China?

Coffee is still the trend in most countries in Asia -- holding a Starbucks paper cup rushing across the zebra line in the morning is still considered trendy in most urban cities; while tea, is still packed inside red metal tins and drank in the dark ceramic pot. It is mostly associated with aged population and their pass-time. Why is that?

While Chinese elderly ladies ('dama', as they are known in Chinese) are dancing to the melody of pop-music on the squares, their husbands are probably playing Chinese chess, practicing Tai Chi, or even most likely, chatting over a cup of green tea. Actually, many people in China hold to the stereotype that tea-drinking is really only old men’s cup of tea.

After retirement, people tend to lead a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. And a cup of tea is a great complement to a light diet – cola and coffee are too stimulating for them. Another thing is that traditional tea drinking in China places a high demand on the accessories and is quite time-consuming.

In China, the elderly are the only group that has the time and capital available at the same time. For youngsters and white-collar workers, grabbing a coffee at the Starbucks around the corner is far more convenient and holding that paper cup surely makes you feel trendier and more vigorous.

In fact, tea should not be thought of as belonging only to the aged population, since it’s natural and healthier than other types of beverage, and this works for everyone. Therefore we shouldn't just see tea as a reserved art form only, but also as something for the young to play around with, to look after their physical health and add a bit of tradition to life too.

Tags: All About Tea, Tea History