“Can I have a glass of hot water?” This is a very common question in a restaurant. For many Chinese people, nothing is more common than drinking hot water every day. However, the simple habit is like a mystery to people from other countries.

For many Westerns, the idea of drinking hot water is very strange. However, most Chinese people think the Americans’ habit of drinking ice water is also strange and even unhealthy. Some old people carry a tea kettle (茶壶) when they travel. Chinese doctors are encouraging more people to take on the habit of drinking hot water, especially for women.

But in Western countries, drinking hot water isn’t common. Westerners often have drinks with ice, not just on hot days but almost every day.

There is a story online about a British man, who has been in Beijing for over five years. He visited a local café when going back to England. He asked for a glass of hot water in a British accent (口音). But his request surprised the waitress, “To…to…to drink?” she doubted. Finally, the man received the hot water but felt cold stares from every corner of the cafe.

Westerners wonder why Chinese people drink hot water as Chinese are wondering why Westerners drink cold water. This cultural difference is not a simple problem, but related to (与……有关联) history, culture and science.

As a matter of fact, many teenagers now depend on bottled water for daily drinking. With the younger generation growing up, will drinking hot water become a less popular life habit? Who knows?