Qianzhuang Tea House

Tea houses are as ubiquitous as Starbucks in China. The experience is generally the same: choose a slightly expensive, exotic Chinese tea, watch the elaborate pouring ceremony, then sit for an hour or two with a good book.

Here's a little guide to ordering tea:

茶 chá tea

茶碗 chá wǎn teacup

花茶 huā chá flower tea

凉茶 liáng chá Chinese herb tea

乌龙茶 wū lóng chá Oolong tea

茶几 chá jī small side tea table

绿茶 lǜ chá green tea

红茶 hóng chá black tea

热茶 rè chá hot tea


Photo by Michael Camilleri/Flickr.