All around the world, people drink tea. It is a simple drink that has long been central to the life of millions of people. China, the homeland of tea, is a leader of producing and drinking. The discovery and use of tea have a long history of four or five thousand years. 1. The first person to discover tea as a drink was Shen Nong, a Chinese ruler in history. Drinking tea first started to become popular in the Tang Dynasty and then in the Song Dynasty. It’s said that the Song Dynasty was an important age for tea, and tea houses were popular at that time. Today, it is a part of people’s daily life.

Nowadays people drink tea for many reasons. 2. Without doubt, more people take drinking tea as a habit and tradition. Many traditional Chinese families boil tea for guests when they welcome them. Drinking tea is not only a healthy habit but also shows the rich culture and history. 3. 对中国人来说，与朋友们聊天饮茶是开心的。Chinese people can chat with a friend for a whole afternoon over a pot of good tea.

Tea is also important in other Asian countries. People in these countries have a special way of serving tea. 4. 茶是友谊的象征。They hold a tea ceremony in their houses when important guests come. It is very old and full of meaning. Everything must be done in a special way in the ceremony. There is even a special room for it in their houses.

In the United States, people usually drink tea at breakfast or after meals. Americans usually use tea bags to make tea. 5. This is a faster and easier way of making tea. In summer, most Americans drink iced tea. They like to put some ice in their tea.