Guangzhou is a strategic city for hardware importers, and it is here, as you know, where IBMH headquarters are located. This city, situated in the south of China, maintains some very rich and interesting culture and traditions. If you want to start doing business in this country, you’ll probably be interested in learning some of their most important customs.
We have lived and worked here for more than 20 years, and we know their customs perfectly. That’s why today, we want to talk about one of the most famous traditions: the importance of morning tea in Guangzhou. A tradition that, as recent as it may seem, dates back to hundreds of years ago.
The importance of morning tea in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is characterized by its hectic pace of life. It’s a big business city where it seems like everyone is always in a hurry. But despite the first impression that stress reigns in the lives of Guangzhou residents, this really isn’t the case.
They know better than anyone how to enjoy the little pleasures in life. Tea rooms are the clearest example of this. Places brimming with peace and harmony, establishments where you can enjoy the true taste of the city.
The Cantonese are passionate about drinking tea, no matter what time of day, although their favorite is in the morning. For them, accompanying breakfast with a cup of tea is something sacred. In fact, the Cantonese often greet each other by asking, “Have you had tea?”
Tea rooms open at around five in the morning and don’t close until seven or even eight in the evening. They tend to fill with people first thing in the morning and enjoy a very lively atmosphere.
Morning tea in Guangzhou isn’t just something to “fill your stomach”, but is used as a “leisure” activity. It’s very common to see people heating up their teapots, ordering varied Cantonese small plates (known as dimsum) and chatting about the news, talking business or simply enjoying time with friends.
Today, it’s not just tea rooms that offer morning tea. It’s a custom that has spread far and wide. Nowadays, you can also enjoy it in restaurants and hotels.
The origin of tea in Guangzhou
The tradition of morning tea in Guangzhou is not a recent one, dating back to the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). In those days, Guangzhou was home to a small establishment called “Yi Li Guan”, whose door displayed a sign that read, “Tea and talk”.
In the beginning, it was a very humble place, although that didn’t stop numerous customers from gathering there to relax while they enjoyed their tea. Over time, Yi Li Guan became fashionable, gradually becoming a great tea house. It continued to grow, adding floors, improving the décor…
The real success of this place is closely related to commerce. Guangzhou’s economy has developed very quickly in large part thanks to these establishments, which have become an icon of Chinese culture today.
Now that you know about the importance of morning tea in Guangzhou, you can use this special tradition to close deals and grow your business in China. But remember that we can help make your hardware imports a much simpler process, always at the best price. That’s because IBMH has more than 24 years of experience and our own team capable of strategically and comprehensively managing every aspect of your import business. Let’s talk?