But actually, cold tea is neither cold, nor a kind of tea. Known as herbal tea in Chinatowns and traditional Chinese medicine shops in western countries, it is a drink made with single or multiple local herbs to drive away the heat and humidity from the body in summer, or to relieve sore throats in winter.

Drinking herbal tea is a long cherished tradition in Lingnan, which covers Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Taiwan provinces, with Guangdong as its core area. The tradition has been a major component of Lingnan culture. Others include Cantonese opera, Cantonese cuisine and Cantonese dialect. The popularity of herbal tea might largely be attributed to the warm and humid climate of the Lingnan area, which is thought to be the cause of the body's internal heat according to traditional Chinese medical thought.. Local people learn which kind of tea to drink for which condition from childhood.

Today, herbal tea is still an indispensable part of life for Lingnan people, especially in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. Wanglaoji, Huangzhenlong and Shiqi herbal teas, as well as other traditional brands are still quite popular nowadays.

Along with roast goose and litchi, herbal tea is valued as one of the "three treasures of Guangdong." Besides a long history, herbal tea also has many varieties. In general idea, herbal tea not only refers to drinks, but also Guilinggao, a bitter-flavored dessert traditionally made out of turtle shell boiled in herbal medicine in form of a jelly, as well as other soups cooked with fish and vegetables.

 Herbal Tea Stores

Some may wonder why Cantonese people drink herbal tea, as the unique bitter taste and dark appearance is anything but appetizing.

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