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8 Unbelievable Reasons Why Chinese People STILL Drink Hot Water (Even In Summer)

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For a Westerner, the sight of a Chinese person sipping piping-hot water on a sweltering summer day can be perplexing, even bizarre. This practice, known as rè shuǐ (热水), is not just a quirky habit; it is a profound, non-negotiable cultural ritual deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese society, health, and history. To understand this phenomenon, which persists strongly in December 2025, one must look beyond simple hydration and delve into centuries of public health crises, ancient medical philosophy, and government-led campaigns that have cemented hot water as the default beverage.

The commitment to hot water is so pervasive that it dictates the design of infrastructure, from train stations and airports equipped with hot water dispensers to restaurants that automatically serve a glass of warm water, never iced. The reasons are multifaceted, spanning from life-saving necessity in the past to a holistic approach to wellness in the present, offering a fascinating glimpse into a culture that views health through the lens of balance and warmth.

The Life-Saving History: From Ancient Necessity to Public Health Mandate

The tradition of drinking warm or hot water in China is not a modern fad; its roots stretch back nearly 2,500 years. The practice began to develop during the Zhou Dynasty, around 400–300 BC, but it was not until much later that it became a widespread, almost universal custom.

1. The Critical Issue of Water Safety and Boiling

The single most practical and life-saving reason for the hot water tradition is the simple act of boiling. For centuries, before modern sanitation and clean public water systems were established, consuming unboiled or cold water was a direct path to contracting serious, often fatal, waterborne illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

  • Killing Pathogens: Boiling water was the most effective, accessible, and affordable way for the masses to sterilize their drinking supply and kill bacteria and viruses.
  • A Cultural Reflex: The necessity of boiling became a deeply ingrained cultural reflex. Even with modern, clean tap water in many urban areas today, the inherent distrust of tap water and the safety-first mentality passed down through generations means boiling remains the default.

2. Government Promotion and National Health Campaigns

The practice was heavily reinforced and popularized during the 20th century through massive government initiatives. The People's Republic of China actively promoted the drinking of hot water as a cornerstone of national health and hygiene campaigns.

  • The Patriotic Health Campaign: During the mid-20th century, the government encouraged citizens to boil water as part of nationwide efforts to improve public health and hygiene standards, effectively turning a common-sense safety measure into a patriotic duty.
  • Infrastructure Support: This promotion led to the widespread installation of public hot water dispensers (known as kāishuǐ or boiling water stations) in public spaces like schools, workplaces, hospitals, and train stations, making the practice convenient and accessible for everyone.

Foundations in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

While public health was the practical driver, the philosophical and medical backbone of the hot water habit lies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM views the body as a delicate ecosystem that must maintain a harmonious balance, and hot water is considered the simplest, most fundamental tool for achieving this equilibrium.

3. Balancing the Body's Qi and Temperature

In TCM, health is maintained by the balanced flow of Qi (life energy) and the harmony between opposing forces, such as Yin (cold, passive) and Yang (hot, active).

  • Expelling Cold and Dampness: Cold water is seen as an assault on the digestive system (the Spleen and Stomach systems in TCM), which is considered the body's 'furnace.' Introducing cold water douses this fire, slowing down digestion and creating 'dampness' or 'cold' in the body, which is believed to lead to illness, fatigue, and poor circulation.
  • Promoting Qi Flow: Warm water, conversely, is believed to gently stimulate the internal organs, promote the smooth flow of Qi, and help the body expel toxins and 'dampness,' which is especially important in humid climates or during illness.

4. A Simple Remedy for Every Ailment

In Chinese culture, hot water is the ultimate panacea—a first-line defense and universal prescription for almost any minor ailment.

  • "Drink More Hot Water": This phrase is often the first advice given for symptoms ranging from a common cold and a sore throat to menstrual cramps, stomach aches, and even general fatigue. It is a simple, non-invasive, and accessible form of 'hot water therapy' recommended by practitioners and family members alike.
  • Aiding Digestion: TCM principles suggest that warm water helps break down food more effectively, stimulating digestive enzymes and easing the movement of food through the gut, which can help alleviate constipation and indigestion.

The Modern Lifestyle and Physiological Benefits

While ancient and historical reasons established the custom, modern Chinese people continue the tradition because they genuinely feel the physiological benefits and it has become a deeply ingrained habit that aligns with contemporary wellness trends.

5. The Digestive System Preference and Mealtime Ritual

The Chinese diet is generally based on hot, cooked meals. The cultural preference is to pair hot food with hot drinks, as cold beverages are thought to solidify oils and fats in the digestive tract, making food harder to process.

  • No Ice, Please: The aversion to ice is strong. Serving cold or iced water is often seen as a sign of poor hospitality or even an insult, as it suggests a lack of care for the guest’s well-being and digestive comfort.
  • Stomach Comfort: Many Chinese people report that drinking cold beverages, especially with meals, causes immediate stomach discomfort, cramping, or bloating, reinforcing the belief that warm water is superior for gut health.

6. Boosting Circulation and Detoxification

Beyond digestion, the belief persists that warm water helps the body function more efficiently, a belief that is increasingly finding support in general wellness circles worldwide.

  • Promoting Blood Flow: Warm water is believed to help dilate blood vessels, improving overall blood circulation. Better circulation is linked to everything from improved body temperature regulation to more efficient nutrient delivery.
  • Hydration and Detox: Drinking warm water, particularly first thing in the morning, is a popular ritual believed to kickstart the body’s metabolic processes, flush out toxins, and ensure optimal hydration. The steam from hot water can also help relieve nasal and chest congestion.

7. A Simple Comfort and Habit

Ultimately, for many Chinese people, the reason is simply habit and comfort. It is the default, the familiar, and the easiest drink to access. After decades of cultural reinforcement, it has become a deeply comforting ritual.

  • A Sense of Warmth: Especially in China's northern provinces, which can experience harsh winters without widespread central heating, a thermos of hot water provides a constant source of warmth and comfort.
  • The Power of the Thermos: The ubiquitous thermos flask (or modern insulated bottle) is a necessity, ensuring that a supply of hot water is always at hand, whether at home, in the office, or traveling.

8. A Symbol of Care and Respect

In a social context, offering hot water is an act of consideration and respect. It shows the host is mindful of the guest's health and comfort, reinforcing the deeply communal and health-conscious nature of Chinese hospitality. This simple act transcends mere hydration, serving as a powerful, silent language of care in a culture where health and well-being are paramount.

8 Unbelievable Reasons Why Chinese People STILL Drink Hot Water (Even in Summer)
why do chinese drink hot water
why do chinese drink hot water

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