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It's All About Tea — gong fu cha

A Lifetime of Tea: An Insider's Look at Gongfu Cha Culture

Posted by Boyka Mihaylova on

In the previous blog post, we explored a hidden gem in the 22-million megapolis of Shenzhen – a tea house-turned-private museum of a renowned tea person, lover, and collector. Mr. Chen, the president of the Chaoshan Tea Association in Shenzhen, has a lifelong passion for tea and Gongfu Cha culture. With him as our guide, we embarked on a journey through time, discovering antique Gongfu Cha memorabilia, the air of then-times, and the stories hidden behind those objects.

In this blog post, we continue our journey in the Gongfu Cha realm, sipping high-quality almond-flavored Dancong Wulong, diving into the history and present of Gongfu Cha, as well as its representation in the daily life of local Chaozhou people (Read More)

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A Journey Through a Collector's Gongfu Tea Sanctuary

Posted by Boyka Mihaylova on

A tea journey anywhere in Guangdong would not be complete without a visit dedicated to Gongfu tea culture and practice. Lucky for us, the 22-million megapolis of Shenzhen is not just near Chaozhou, the cradle of Gongfu tea. Many Chaozhou people moved there in the last four decades, making Shenzhen their new home. They have carried their culture and customs with them, establishing some of the most vibrant Gongfu tea communities in China and beyond. Currently, there are several tea associations, as well as a great number of tea companies and tea spaces originating from Chaozhou. They are engaged in the production and trade with Chaozhou-grown tea. At the same time, they promote and develop the Gongfu tea culture, shaping its new face and serving as a bridge between past and present times.

 

While in Shenzhen, we were lucky to meet with a notable figure in the Gongfu tea world, the president of the Chaoshan Tea Association in Shenzhen. Mr. Chen is a tea person who runs their own tea company and is a long-time collector of Gongfu tea culture artifacts and memorabilia. In an effort to preserve and pass on the legacy of his Chaoshan predecessors, he has turned his tea space into a private museum dedicated to Gongfu tea culture. (Read More)

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The Enigmatic Cha Qi: Tea Experience and Its Transformative Powers

Posted by Misha Gulko on

In the world of tea, there is a fascinating concept known as "Cha Qi" (茶气) – a notion that adds an intriguing dimension to the tea experience. 

To grasp the essence of Cha Qi, let's look at the hieroglyph 气, pronounced "Qi." Its form signifies an energy that is fluid, ever-present, ever-changing, and elusive – an embodiment of the unseen forces that govern life itself. Within the realm of tea (茶 – Cha), Cha Qi plays a significant role, extending beyond the act of tea drinking to influence the entire tea experience.

In this exploration, we'll delve into Cha Qi as the tea's ability to affect a person's physical and mental state. Beyond being a simple beverage, tea becomes a gateway to altered states of mind and heightened sensations. From teas that help you focus to those that induce a sense of calm, the tea experience becomes a personal voyage where the ordinary transcends into something extraordinary. Throughout this exploration, we'll try to understand and define the enigmatic nature of Cha Qi. (Read more)

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Gong Fu Cha: Tea Ritual or Brewing Technique?

Posted by Misha Gulko on

Today, we're, once again, delving into the world of Gong Fu Cha, a fascinating Chinese tea practice that combines traditions with the art of brewing. Practice that aims to unlock the full potential of tea leaves through meticulous techniques.

But here's the big question: Is Gong Fu Cha just a brewing technique? Or does it hold a deeper spiritual meaning? In this exploration, we'll dive into the two sides of the debate and unravel the layers of Gong Fu Cha. We'll uncover its connection to mindfulness, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of extracting the most delightful flavors and aromas from tea leaves.

So, grab your favorite teacup and join us as we embark on this journey through the enchanting realm of Gong Fu Cha. (Read more)

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Gong Fu Cha: Intuition or Structure?

Posted by Misha Gulko on

In a world where everything can be divided into two groups, Gong Fu Cha practitioners can be split between two distinct "schools of thought": those who believe that tea should be approached with a free and intuitive mindset and those who see it as a disciplined practice that requires adherence to rules and standards. Each school offers unique perspectives and benefits but also potential flaws.

In this article, we will explore these two approaches to Gong Fu Cha practice, discuss their benefits and potential shortcomings. So, grab a cup of tea and let's dive in! (Read more)

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