When visiting a new country, learning more about its culture is always a good idea. 

If you travel or do business in China, you will spend some time drinking tea. You should be aware of the appropriate way to drink tea because it has been a part of Chinese culture for hundreds of years.

Seating configuration

The honoree is supposed to sit to the left of the host. The chairs are arranged in decreasing importance, beginning on the host's left and moving to the right. Keep your legs from crossing.

Kowtowing with one's finger

Finger kowtowing is when you tap your fingers together. According to tradition, you should thank the person who serves you tea in silence. It began during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong. While traveling through China, he stopped at a tea house. The server poured them three ups and downs of tea without missing a beat. After learning its name, the emperor decided to try the "Three Nods of the Phoenix" movement.

As Emperor Qianlong poured the tea into the cups, his companions began tapping their fingers on the table. They couldn't risk revealing his true identity to the general public. Because they couldn't kowtow to him, his friends were tapping their fingers to express their respect and thanks, so he asked them what that was about.

Keep an eye out for red flags.

Finish your tea to thank the host for going through the formal process of making tea so that you can have the best tea possible. They would certainly appreciate it.

It is critical to remember that smoking is considered impolite when drinking tea. Ask your host for permission if you genuinely can't help yourself after a few rounds of serving.