Chinese Tea Ceremony (Gōngfū Chá) — Tools, Steps & Etiquette
The Chinese tea ceremony (功夫茶 gōngfū chá) is a mindful, hands-on way to brew small, concentrated infusions of high-quality leaves. In Chengdu’s teahouses and homes, it’s social, relaxed, and perfect for au pairs and students to practice Mandarin while sharing cups.
Essential Tools (Starter Kit)
Brewing & Serving
- Gaiwan (盖碗) or small teapot (功夫壶)
- Fairness pitcher (公道杯) to even out strength
- Tasting cups (品茗杯) — 2–6 small cups
- Tea tray (茶盘) / mat to catch spills
- Kettle & optional thermometer
Nice-to-Haves
- Tea scoop/tongs (茶则/茶夹) for clean handling
- Rinse bowl (建水) and microfibre cloth
- Scale (for nerds!) — consistent leaf:water ratio
No kit? A gaiwan + cups is enough to start; a small glass pitcher helps keep each pour even.
Which Teas Work Best for Ceremony
- Oolong (乌龙): floral tieguanyin, roasted wuyi, or green-fragrant dancong.
- Pu’er / Dark tea (普洱/黑茶): earthy, mellow—great for multiple infusions.
- High-grade green (绿茶) or white tea (白茶): delicate, cooler water.
- Black tea (红茶): honeyed, malty; very beginner-friendly.
Water Temperatures (Quick Guide)
- Green: 75–85 °C (167–185 °F) — avoid bitterness.
- White / Light oolong: 85–90 °C (185–194 °F).
- Roasted oolong / Black: 90–95 °C (194–203 °F).
- Pu’er / Dark: 95–100 °C (203–212 °F).
No thermometer? After boiling, wait ~1–2 min for greens; pour higher to cool water as you go.
Step-by-Step Gōngfū Brewing (Gaiwan)
- Warm all vessels with hot water; discard. This stabilizes temperature and hygiene.
- Leaf in: ~1g per 15–20 ml of gaiwan volume (e.g., 5–7 g for a 100 ml gaiwan).
- Awaken (optional rinse): quick 2–3 sec pour-through for oolong/pu’er; discard to pitcher.
- Infuse 1: pour water gently along the gaiwan wall; cover. Typical steep 10–20 sec.
- Pour out into the fairness pitcher, then into cups.
- Repeat: add 3–5 sec each round (adjust to taste) for 5–10 infusions depending on tea.
- Taste mindfully: aroma first, then sip; note changes across infusions.
Too strong? Shorten the next steep or pour sooner. Too light? Add time or a gram more leaf next round.
Tasting Notes & Pairing Ideas
- Aroma: smell warm leaves in the gaiwan lid; notice floral, nutty, honey, or mineral notes.
- Mouthfeel: silky, brisk, cooling? Texture matters as much as flavor.
- Pair: sunflower seeds, dried fruit, or plain biscuits—keep snacks neutral.
Etiquette & Hosting
- Serve guests first and keep cup levels consistent via the fairness pitcher.
- Hold the cup with two hands when receiving; a nod or “谢谢” is polite.
- Keep the space tidy; spills are fine—wipe calmly and continue.
- Talk softly—tea time is relaxed and reflective.
Beginner Session (30–40 Minutes)
- Choose one tea (light oolong or black) → weigh 5–6 g.
- Do 5 quick infusions, 10–15–20–25–30 sec; note how flavor evolves.
- Finish with a casual Mandarin swap (see phrases) while sipping the last round.
Troubleshooting
Too Bitter / Astringent
- Lower temperature or shorten steeps.
- Use a touch less leaf, especially for greens.
Too Weak / Flat
- Increase leaf slightly or extend by 5–10 sec.
- Pre-heat gaiwan/cups more thoroughly.
Harsh Water Taste
- Try filtered water; avoid heavily mineral or chlorinated water.
Leaf Clogs the Pour
- Use the gaiwan lid as a “strainer gap”; pour in a smooth, steady stream.
Easy Cleaning & Storage
- Rinse vessels with hot water only; avoid soap aromas sticking to porcelain/clay.
- Let everything air-dry fully; store tea leaves in airtight tins away from light/odors.
Useful Mandarin for Tea Time
- 功夫茶 (gōngfū chá) — Chinese tea ceremony / skillful tea
- 盖碗 / 公道杯 — gaiwan / fairness pitcher
- 第一泡 / 回甘 — first infusion / returning sweetness
- 请慢用 — please enjoy (take your time)
- 可以再续水吗？— Could we add more hot water?
Safety Notes
- Mind steam and hot lids—tilt the gaiwan lid away from your fingers.
- Keep cords and kettle out of kid reach; pour slowly over the tray/mat.
Learn Tea the Chengdu Way
Masons Au Pair organizes gōngfū chá intros at teahouses and homes—gear, water temps, and Mandarin phrases included—so you can host a calm, beautiful tea session with friends or your host family.
Join Our Au Pair Program