Chinese culture generally differs from any other countries in the world. Some of their precious articles of trade like silk, porcelain and Chinese tea make known the distinctiveness of Chinese culture. The existence of Siberian winter to its north, heavy rainforests to its south, the great Himalayas Mountain, Gobi and the Taklamakan arid region have secluded China from the rest of the world. Thus, Chinese cultures were so rare and unique as it was developed in isolation.

Aside from the famous Chinese tea traditions, there are still many aspects that have been developed since ancient days. Chinese martial arts, Chinese cuisine, Chinese paintings, Chinese opera, Chinese Literature and Chinese gardens are some of the Chinese culture that has fascinated many tourists to visit China year after year.

Some of these Chinese cultures mentioned earlier has expended in its popularity to other parts of the world included in the list are: Chinese cuisine, Chinese tea beverage and Chinese martial arts. These have been widely incorporated in the lives of many people across the globe.

Chinese Cuisine from China has become widespread in many other parts of the world ranging from Asia to America, Australia, Western Europe and Southern Africa. Experts of Chinese cuisine have also sprouted in Eastern Europe and South Asia. American Chinese cuisine and Indian Chinese cuisine are prominent examples of Chinese cuisine that has been adapted to suit local appetites.

Chinese tea beverage in many varieties and class has captured the hearts of the many tea lovers all over the world because of its aroma, refreshing and soothing effect. Tea beverage is among the top 3 beverages in the world with coffee and cocoa on the list. All tea trees in other countries in either way have their origin directly or indirectly in China. That is why China is the home of tea.

Along with the popularity of Chinese tea, the Chinese martial art well-known as kung fu has become a famous culture that has spread out across the regions of Asia and other parts of the world. The influence of China, at the beginning, could only be read from books and seen from performance arts in Asia. In modern times, the introductions of martial arts in movies have gained a wider audience and wider influence. Now, many of the younger age group has been influence by Chinese martial arts as part of their daily physical fitness activity and self-defense lessons.

In several ways, Chinese culture is certainly unique and different from any other and continues to be influential as before.

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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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