It's All About Tea — gong fu cha

Yixing teaware has gained immense popularity. By many it is considered the only possible option for gong fu style tea, beating porcelain, glass, and even other clay types. However, the steep price has tea drinkers questioning if it's really superior to other types of unglazed clay teapots. (Read more)

Gong fu cha refers to the Chinese tea ceremony, and it translates as “skillfully making tea”. Chanoyu, on the other hand, is the Japanese tea ceremony which literally translates as “hot water for tea”. What are some of the biggest differences between the two? (Read more)

If you have looked into yixing clay before then you have probably heard people suggesting only to use your yixing teaware with one type of tea. This is because the clay is porous and easily absorbs flavors and aromas. (Read more)

The Gaiwan has existed as part of traditional Chinese tea drinking since the 12th century, if not earlier. However, it was not always implemented in the same ways as it is in today’s gong fu ceremonies. Back in the day, people would drink tea directly from the Gaiwan. (Read more)

When, where, and by who, the first cha hai was used by is unknown even though now it is an irreplaceable part of gong fu brewing. It is especially important to use cha hai for denser teas. Ensuring that the participants of a tea ceremony have the equal experiences is an integral part of tea culture that should not be overlooked. (Read more)