In many Western countries, especially the United States, a glass filled to the brim with ice is the default for most cold drinks. In China, the cultural norm is quite different. Rooted in principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a widespread belief that consuming overly cold or iced beverages is harmful to the body's internal balance (Yin and Yang) and can disrupt the digestive system. Hot or warm water (热水 hè shuǐ) is often considered the healthiest beverage. While younger generations have embraced cold drinks more readily due to global influences, the underlying cultural preference for less ice remains strong. Therefore, asking for “去冰” is not an unusual or high-maintenance request in China; it's a completely standard option. Baristas will often ask you about your ice and sugar preferences proactively. This contrasts with some Western cafes where asking for “no ice” might be met with a bit of surprise or result in a half-empty cup. In China, requesting `去冰` is just another step in the ordering process, as common as asking for whole or skim milk.
“去冰” is used almost exclusively in the context of ordering food and drinks. It's a neutral, direct, and universally understood term in any establishment that serves beverages, from street-side vendors to high-end restaurants. When ordering, you typically state the drink you want, followed by your customizations. The standard structure is: (Item) + (Customization 1) + (Customization 2) For example: “一杯奶茶，去冰，半糖。” (Yībēi nǎichá, qù bīng, bàn táng.) — “A cup of milk tea, no ice, half sugar.” It's part of a system of customization options, which commonly include: