Why Do Chinese People Like Drinking Hot Water?
How Did the Tradition of Drinking Hot Water Begin?
The habit of drinking boiled water is connected not only with culture but also with China's history.
In the past, drinking water was not always safe. Boiling helped kill many harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of infections.
During the 20th century, China carried out large-scale public hygiene campaigns. People were encouraged to boil water before drinking it to help prevent the spread of diseases.
Gradually, this practice became part of everyday life. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces introduced hot water stations, and thermoses became common household items.
Over time, the habit of drinking boiled water also developed into a preference for a certain drinking temperature: many Chinese people simply find warm water more pleasant than cold water.
Hot Water and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Another reason for the popularity of hot water is connected with traditional Chinese medicine — 中医 zhōngyī.
In traditional Chinese medicine, great importance is placed on the balance between 阴 yīn and 阳 yáng — yin and yang.
According to these traditional beliefs, cold foods and drinks may disrupt the body's internal balance, while warm water is considered more comfortable for digestion and general well-being.
Drinking warm water is especially often recommended during cold weather or when someone is feeling unwell.
However, it is important to understand that these are traditional beliefs. There is no scientific evidence that hot water is healthier than ordinary drinking water for everyone. What matters much more is drinking enough safe water at a comfortable temperature.
Moreover, extremely hot drinks can be harmful to the esophagus.
多喝热水 — “Drink More Hot Water”
One of the most recognizable phrases in Chinese is:
多喝热水
duō hē rè shuǐ
Drink more hot water.
Let's break down the expression:
多
duō
much / more
喝
hē
to drink
热水
rè shuǐ
hot water
In China, this phrase is often used as a universal piece of advice when someone is not feeling well.
For example:
我感冒了。
wǒ gǎnmào le.
I have a cold.
多喝热水，好好休息。
duō hē rè shuǐ, hǎohǎo xiūxi.
Drink more warm water and get plenty of rest.
For many Chinese people, this advice is a simple way to show care and concern.
However, on the Chinese internet, 多喝热水 has also taken on an ironic meaning. People sometimes joke about it because the advice is given in almost any situation, even when someone needs emotional support rather than a recommendation.
Why Do Chinese People Carry Thermoses?
Thermoses are a common sight throughout China: in offices, universities, parks, and on public transportation.
For many people, carrying a thermos is a convenient way to always have water at their preferred temperature.
In Chinese, a thermos or insulated cup is called:
保温杯
bǎowēn bēi
thermos / insulated cup
保温
bǎowēn
to keep warm / to retain heat
杯子
bēizi
cup / glass
For example:
我每天都带保温杯。
wǒ měitiān dōu dài bǎowēn bēi.
I bring my thermos with me every day.
Interestingly, some Chinese people use thermoses not only for water but also for tea, goji berries, or other ingredients added to drinks.
Do Chinese People Drink Cold Water at All?
Of course! It would be wrong to assume that everyone in China drinks only hot water.
Today, cold drinks, iced coffee, fruit teas, and bubble tea are very popular, especially among young people.
However, the habit of drinking warm water remains widespread and is often passed down from older generations to younger ones.
That is why you may be offered warm water in a Chinese restaurant or café, but you can also ask for cold water if you prefer.
热水
rè shuǐ
hot water
温水
wēn shuǐ
warm water
凉水
liáng shuǐ
cool / cold water
冰水
bīng shuǐ
iced water / ice water
How to Ask for Water in China
Here are a few useful phrases for traveling in China.
请给我一杯温水。
qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi wēn shuǐ.
Could I have a glass of warm water, please?
我想喝热水。
wǒ xiǎng hē rè shuǐ.
I would like some hot water.
有冰水吗？
yǒu bīng shuǐ ma?
Do you have iced water?
我不想喝冰的。
wǒ bù xiǎng hē bīng de.
I don't want anything ice-cold.
Notice the difference between 热水 rè shuǐ and 温水 wēn shuǐ. The first refers to hot water, while the second means warm water at a comfortable temperature.
Useful Chinese Vocabulary
热水
rè shuǐ
hot water
温水
wēn shuǐ
warm water
开水
kāi shuǐ
boiling water / boiled water
白开水
bái kāi shuǐ
plain boiled water without any added ingredients
喝水
hē shuǐ
to drink water
保温杯
bǎowēn bēi
thermos / insulated cup
健康
jiànkāng
health / healthy
习惯
xíguàn
habit
照顾
zhàogù
to take care of / to look after
中医
zhōngyī
traditional Chinese medicine
The Main Idea
The Chinese preference for hot water is a combination of history, cultural beliefs, and everyday habits.
Originally, the widespread practice of drinking boiled water was connected with hygiene and the prevention of infections. Over time, the habit became deeply rooted in everyday life through family traditions and beliefs about health.
Today, hot water in China is not just a drink — it can also be a way to express care and concern for someone close to you.
And the phrase 多喝热水 duō hē rè shuǐ has become so recognizable that it is now part of modern conversational culture and Chinese internet humor.
For Chinese language learners, this is another interesting example of how everyday habits can help us better understand Chinese culture.