What Temperature Water Do Chinese People Drink? Cultural & Health Insights

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Following public health campaigns dating back to the mid-20th century, drinking boiled water became a widespread and reinforced practice in China. This solidified the cultural norm regarding what temperature water do Chinese people drink, favoring warm or hot beverages over cold ones.

Quick Summary

Chinese people predominantly drink warm or hot water due to historical sanitation necessities, long-standing beliefs in Traditional Chinese Medicine concerning balance, and cultural habits promoting digestion and overall health.

Key Points

Hygiene First: The tradition began as a practical necessity to boil unsafe tap water, a habit reinforced by government health campaigns throughout the 20th century.
TCM Philosophy: Traditional Chinese Medicine advocates for warm water to balance the body's energies (yin and yang) and avoid imbalances caused by cold.
Digestive Aid: Warm water is believed to stimulate digestion, especially when consumed with meals, while cold water is thought to hinder the process.
Common Practice: Hot water is regularly served in restaurants and available in thermos flasks carried by many people, reflecting a daily cultural norm.
Modern Adaptation: While the tradition holds strong, younger generations are increasingly adopting cold beverages, influenced by Western trends and improved water quality.
Seasonal Habit: The preference for warm water is not limited to cold weather; it is a year-round practice rooted in health beliefs, even during summer.

The Cultural Significance of Drinking Warm Water

For many in the West, the idea of drinking plain, warm or hot water is unusual. However, in China, this practice is a deeply ingrained cultural habit with roots in both practical necessity and philosophical beliefs. The preference is so strong that in many Chinese restaurants, hot water is served automatically, while cold water with ice is an unconventional request. This article delves into the various reasons behind this unique tradition, exploring its historical origins, its grounding in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and how modern lifestyles are starting to introduce some changes.

Historical and Hygienic Origins

The tradition of drinking boiled water in China began primarily for sanitation reasons. Historically, unboiled tap water posed health risks, and boiling effectively killed harmful pathogens. Government campaigns in the 20th century reinforced this practice, turning a necessary safety measure into a cultural norm where warm water symbolized purity. Carrying insulated thermos flasks (bǎowēn bēi) to keep water warm became a common daily habit.

The Influence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM principles strongly advocate for drinking warm water. It emphasizes maintaining balance between yin (cool) and yang (hot) in the body.

Balancing Yin and Yang: Cold water is seen as introducing excess yin, disrupting the body's harmony, while hot water adds yang, helping to restore balance. Imbalance is linked to various ailments.
Aiding Digestion: TCM suggests warmth is crucial for optimal digestive function. Cold drinks are believed to weaken digestive fire, whereas warm water stimulates digestion and aids bowel movements.
Expelling Cold and Dampness: Warm water is thought to help remove cold and humidity, improving circulation and alleviating issues like muscle cramps.

Everyday Cultural Habits

This preference is evident in daily life:

Thermos Flasks: People commonly carry flasks with warm water or tea throughout the day.
Restaurant Service: Traditional restaurants typically serve hot water or tea by default, seen as beneficial for digestion, especially with rich foods.
Seasonal Consistency: Even in summer, warm water is preferred, believed to cool the body more naturally than cold drinks.

Chinese vs. Western Drinking Habits


Feature	Traditional Chinese Habit	Typical Western Habit
Preferred Temperature	Warm or hot	Cold, often with ice
Serving in Restaurants	Complimentary hot water or tea	Complimentary iced water
Beliefs (TCM vs. Western)	Warm water aids digestion, balances energy (yin/yang)	Cold water is refreshing, especially in warm weather
Daily Carry	Insulated thermos flasks for warm water	Reusable bottles for cold or room temperature water
Food Pairing	Consumed with hot meals to aid digestion	Consumed with meals, sometimes believed to dilute digestive acids
Evolution	Stable tradition, but changing among youth	Long-standing preference for chilled drinks

The Modern Shift

While the tradition remains strong, particularly among older generations, there's a growing acceptance of cold drinks, especially among younger Chinese, influenced by Western culture and improved infrastructure. However, the core practice of drinking warm water persists, supported by facilities like hot water dispensers in public areas.

Conclusion

Understanding what temperature water do Chinese people drink reveals a practice deeply intertwined with culture, history, and health beliefs rooted in TCM. It reflects a long-held emphasis on well-being and sanitation. While modern influences are introducing change, the tradition of warm water remains a significant aspect of Chinese identity and health customs. For a deeper look into the history, you can read the article by Sixth Tone(https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1000919/the-history-behind-chinas-obsession-with-hot-water).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, cold water is often considered unhealthy. It is believed to disrupt the body's internal balance by introducing too much 'yin' energy, which can weaken the digestive system.

Many Chinese people carry insulated thermos flasks, or bǎowēn bēi, to ensure they always have access to warm water. This is a practical habit stemming from the preference for warm beverages for health and comfort.

No, while it is a prevalent cultural habit, it is not universal. Younger generations are increasingly influenced by Western culture and are more likely to drink cold or iced beverages. However, the tradition remains very strong, especially among older people.

Electric kettles are a standard amenity in most Chinese hotels to accommodate the widespread preference for drinking hot water. This allows guests to easily boil water for drinking or for making tea.

Yes, it is very common. Many Chinese people drink warm or hot water with meals, as it is believed to help with digestion, especially with hot or greasy food.

The practice has roots in ancient history and philosophical traditions but was heavily reinforced in the 20th century through government-led public health campaigns that promoted boiling water for sanitation purposes.

Yes, it is possible to find cold drinks, especially in larger cities and convenience stores. However, in many traditional restaurants, cold or iced water is not the default and may need to be specifically requested.

While modern science does not universally support all TCM claims about hot water, some studies suggest warm water may aid digestion and improve circulation. The historical and cultural benefits are what have sustained the practice, not necessarily scientific validation alone.