Chinese tea together with its inseparable Chinese tea sets has been around for more than two centuries. China, being known as the homeland of tea, exports more than 90% of tea across the globe. Between tea, cocoa, and coffee -- tea is consumed by most number of people in the world.

People from different countries name their teas in different ways. In Russia, tea is called "cha'i", it is pronounced as "chaye" in their local tongue. China and the Philippines have more or less the same local name for tea. In China, it's called "cha" and "tsa-a" in the Philippines. They may not have the same spelling, but they do sound the same when spoken out loud.

It was only after the 17th and 18th century that Americans and Europeans were able to appreciate tea. Japan started its passion for tea after the 6th century. People around the world started enjoying their teas sometime in their lives, but there is no question that the passion for tea started in China, specifically a small town called Yixing.

Chinese teas are classified into several categories, but most of them are clustered according to how they are processed.

1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.

2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as "red teas" by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.

3. Wulong tea: Wulong tea is a combination of green tea and black tea. It is popular in the south-eastern coast of China, this includes Taiwan, Fujian, and Guandong.

4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or "brick tea" is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.

5. Scented tea: This type of tea mixes fragrant flowers with tea leaves to create an aroma that is unique to teas. The most commonly used flowers are magnolia and jasmine.

When serving teas at afternoon tea gatherings and formal tea parties, it is proper that tea sets be used with tea. Tea sets are made of high quality porcelain, bone china, or silver, they are to be attractive as much as they are durable.

China is believed to be the cradle of tea. Historically, Chinese tea sets such as the Yixing clay pots are used to brew tea and serve it to the guess as soon as it is in the right temperature. The Yixing tea set is named after a Chinese town of Jiagsu province where tea was first brewed.

In assessing a quality of a pot, there are a number of things that a tea enthusiast should consider. Tapping the body of a pot with another pot is a simple test to determine its quality. If the light tap creates a metal like sound, then the pot is of good quality.

Another way of assessing the quality of a tea pot is to fill it with water until the water touches its rim. To see if the pot is made of high quality material, smooth flowing water should be seen when pouring the pot. Do not forget to close the lead before pouring the water since pressure inside the pot is needed to properly assess it.

When brewing from a Yixing pot, a coat like material may appear, this coat is significant since this retains the natural flavour of the tea as it is used over time. Washing it with soap will erase the coating, therefore, it is better to wash it with warm water and air-dry it. Yixing is very popular among tea aficionados because of this unique ability.

It is undeniable that tea has become a part of life for most people. Teas can be brought in a variety of mixes and flavours. Most teas taste best when they are served in their appropriate tea sets. Chinese tea sets, specifically the Yixing clay pots, are best with Chinese teas since they do not only preserve the flavour of tea, but the tradition of Chinese tea as well.

Author S. Cheng is a home and lifestyle magazine editor situated in Beijing, China. She has a fascination for Chinese Tea Sets and many other oriental style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.

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The rise of teahouses is very much connected with the culture of Chinese tea. In China, a tea house depicts a way of life for the Chinese people as drinking Chinese tea has become part of their basic needs. Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one, is an old Chinese Proverb that marks the importance of tea among Chinese people. Thus, the growth of teahouses only reflects their culture of a Chinese tea drinking nation.

In Chinese history, the teahouse is an important social place. They have been, and are presently common in China. Before, the teahouse was the sole non-religious, non-government, organizations and clubs and in business transactions. It is a well loved avenue for Chinese people to socialize and enjoying a drink of Chinese tea.

In Yangtze River area it is named Chaguan. In Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces, it is commonly called Chalou. In Beijing and Tianjin of north China a Chating means a tea pavilion. Chatan is a tea booth and Chaliao is a small Chinese tea house. Words like Chafang, Chasi, Chashe, Chayuan, Chawu and Chashi are so called Chinese names for teahouse, the names may vary from places to places and yet basically have the same form. These are but the few names given to Chinese teahouses, from the different villages in China, and they all have the same meaning and structure.

Chinese tea drinking has been a tradition among Chinese people and has been widely spread in Asia, United States and the European nations. Nowaday, designs and concepts of teahouses in China are also introduced in other places. Chinese tea is not only served in teahouses, but the history and culture of China as well.

Along the streets of China, you will definitely find teahouses everywhere. Anyone knows where to locate a perfect teahouse to stay, chat, relax, and drink their most valued Chinese tea. Other activities include writing or simply reading which go along with drinking Chinese tea. Theater performances such as story-telling and plays are held at Teahouses to entertain their customers.

If you want to read more,you may visit the online store for a wide selection of the best Chinese Tea and learn more about the benefits of Chinese Tea to your health.

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Tea and China tea sets have been around in China for over 5,000 years. And ancient Chinese tea customs are still often followed.

One of the customs is finger tapping, which amazes many who are new to the world of Chinese tea. It is a gesture that shows your respect to your host.

As the Chinese tea customs go, when tea is served, the guests should thank their host for the tea. However, many find it interesting that rather than say it, the Chinese simply tap the table with three of their fingers (the middle, index, and ring fingers). Each time you get your cup refilled, you repeat the gesture.

You may think this comes from some strange, mystical superstition. But really, this custom comes from a very real incident during the Qing dynasty.

The Qing emperor loved to travel throughout China in disguise and secretly observed the life of his subjects. Wherever the emperor went, he would never miss his favorite place: the local tea house.

Then on one occasion, the emperor cam across a tea house in a very small village where the waiters could bend their bodies in almost inhuman ways to serve tea around the table. The emperor wanted to tries this pay of pouring tea.

Normally everyone would have to bow down to the emperor at first sight, and of course if the emperor ever served you tea you had to hank him in some way! But there was no way for them to bow down, because doing so would completely blow the emperor's cover.

Then one of the ministers thought of a way to thank the emperor: he tapped his fingers on the table, thereby symbolizing the bow he would have usually performed.

Thus, the finger tapping gesture was born! The tale spread fast. Before long, the gesture became popular in tea drinking, as both commoners and officials alike all tried to copy their emperor.

Now you know what to do the next time you're enjoying a great cup of tea. Some Chinese hosts will roll out their best china tea sets for overseas guests, so be sure to show your appreciation by tapping those fingers!

Author D. Cheng has studied Chinese history and handicrafts such as china tea sets for ages. Once in a while, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. Check out some excellent China tea sets.

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