The practice of drinking hot water is one of the most prominent and, for Westerners, often surprising cultural habits in China. Its importance is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and centuries of custom.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): In TCM, the body's health depends on a balance between two opposing forces: `yin` (阴, cool/passive energy) and `yang` (阳, hot/active energy). Cold foods and drinks are considered highly `yin` and are believed to shock the system, constrict blood vessels, and hinder digestion by “dousing the fire” of the stomach. Hot water, being `yang`, is thought to aid digestion, promote blood circulation (improving the flow of `气`, qi), and help the body expel toxins and coldness.
A Universal Panacea: For almost any minor ailment—a common cold, a stomachache, fatigue, or menstrual cramps—the default advice from friends, family, and even doctors is to `多喝热水` (duō hē rè shuǐ), or “drink more hot water.” While sometimes mocked by younger generations as a low-effort, cure-all response, the belief in its restorative power remains strong.
Comparison to Western Culture: This contrasts sharply with the West, where iced water is standard in restaurants and cold drinks are seen as refreshing. In China, asking for cold water might be met with a look of concern, as it's seen as unhealthy. The Western “get some rest” or “take an Advil” is culturally analogous to the Chinese “drink more hot water” as a first-line, caring response to someone feeling unwell. Historically, boiling water was also the most reliable way to ensure it was sanitary and safe to drink, a practice that has solidified into a cultural norm.