Wang Huiling, 80, prepares free tea for nearby residents. [Photo/WeChat account: shangchengdangqun]

This year's herbal tea stall is still in the same old place, under Building 10 in Pujia Xincun residential community, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou.

"Am I the first customer this year?" asked Li Guanglian, 65, a frequenter of the tea stall, who arrived in a hurry on July 1. She didn't get the first cup last year, so she tried again this year.

"Yes, you are the first this year," replied Wang Huiling, the founder of the stall, with a smile as she poured her a cup of tea.

"They have been here for 21 years, and I have been drinking for 21 years," said Li, who comes every year for the first cup. "It has become a tradition for me every July 1."

With the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, the tea stall has also added an "Asian Games flavor" this year by placing some decorative sculptures next to the stall.

On the first day of opening, fearing that there wouldn't be enough time to boil the water, Wang got up at 5:20 am. Already 80 years old, she still puts her heart and soul into the tea stall and has hence gained the attention and support of many volunteers.

Yu Yunquan, a retired Party member, was chosen by Wang as the successor for the tea stall last year.

"If I need help, I'll call Yu and he'll come over. He puts a lot of effort into the stall," Wang said. "I have no worries about handing over the stall to him."

"I will try my best to keep the stall as long as my neighbors love the drinks," Wang added.

Neighbors drink tea prepared by Wang and volunteers. [Photo/WeChat account: hzscfb]