Stepping into a teahouse, the last thing to worry about is "making a wrong move". Rather than memorising etiquette, you will feel far more at ease by first getting a clear sense of the menu, the prices, and how the teahouse operates its service.
You can start by mentioning whether you prefer something refreshing, floral, roasted, or a richer ripe Pu-erh; if these terms are unfamiliar, simply ask the staff to recommend a tea suited to your party size and budget. Before ordering, clarify whether charges are per pot, per person, or by leaf weight, whether cover charges apply, and how hot water top-ups and extra leaves are billed. Practices vary from shop to shop, so avoid relying on assumptions from elsewhere.
Once you are seated
When someone pours tea for you, a nod or a brief "thank you" is quite sufficient. If you are unsure how to handle a gaiwan or fairness pitcher, feel free to ask staff for a demonstration; if it is too hot to touch, simply wait—there is no need to grip scalding utensils just to mimic others. When sharing tea in a group, check whether everyone is keen to drink tea and whether anyone has dietary restrictions before brewing. Saying "I find this cup rather strong" is far more helpful than pretending to recognise every aroma profile.
A teahouse might feature tea performance art, or it might simply be a quiet spot for a drink; so-called "standard etiquette" varies by venue. This article is intended to help first-time visitors initiate conversation and verify costs; it does not represent teahouse operations managed by Jiang Rong Hao, nor does it endorse the pricing of any specific teahouse.