Of all the pastimes(消遣) that the Chinese (bring) to a fine art since the dawn of civilization, tea drinking is one of the most typical and it requires highly trained mind as well as palate(味觉) (appreciate) it to the full.
Moreover, there is a book known as the Cha-Ching or Tea Classic, which shows us that in former centuries tea drinking in this country was developed to an even (high) form of art than today. Among other things that we are told in this delightful book is the fact tea should be drunk from green transparent cups, in order that the light, shining through the cup, may reveal the delicate beauty of the coloring of the tea.
the Cha-Ching is no longer a popular book, tea drinking still persists (继续存在) in many parts of the country. Almost every part of China has 62. (it) own customs and (prefer) with regard to tea. Not only do the ways of preparation and drinking differ province to province, but even tea-houses take on (vast) different characters.
