The Journal

Gongfu Tea Ceremony (Gongfu Cha)

How to Host a Gongfu Tea Ceremony Step by Step at Home

2026-07-28 · 9 min read

Learn how to host a Gongfu tea ceremony step by step, from setting the scene and choosing teaware to brewing oolong through multiple infusions with Chaozhou-style grace.

Chaozhou Gongfu Cha: The 21 Steps Explained (With Home Adaptation)

2026-07-27 · 10 min read

Master the 21 steps of Chaozhou Gongfu Cha, from preparing teaware to the final sip. Includes a step-by-step guide for home practice.

Chinese Tea Etiquette: 6 Host Rules and the Finger-Tapping Thank You

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Learn Chinese tea etiquette for hosts and guests, including the finger-tapping thank-you gesture and unspoken Gongfu Cha rules.

Chinese Tea Ceremony vs Japanese Tea Ceremony: Key Differences

2026-07-27 · 9 min read

Compare Gongfu Cha and sadō: origins, vessels, movements, and philosophy. Discover which Chinese or Japanese tea ceremony fits you.

Sichuan Long-Spout Teapot Art: Chengdu's Dancing Kettle

2026-07-25 · 7 min read

Discover Sichuan long-spout teapot tea art, where Chengdu tea masters pour boiling tea from a meter away. History, moves, and where to see it.

What Is Gongfu Tea (Gongfu Cha)? A Beginner's Guide

2026-07-21 · 7 min read

Learn what gongfu tea is, where Gongfu Cha comes from, what teaware you need, and how to brew your first gongfu tea session step by step.

How to Drink

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How to Brew Gongfu Tea: Temperature & Time Chart (6 Tea Families)

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Learn how to brew gongfu tea (Gongfu Cha) with the right water temperature and steep time for green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark tea.

Tea and Health: How to Match Tea to Your Body and Daily Routine

2026-07-27 · 9 min read

A practical guide to drinking tea for health. Match tea to your constitution, learn the best times to drink, and avoid common mistakes.

How to Taste Tea: A Beginner's Guide to Gongfu Cha Appreciation

2026-07-21 · 8 min read

Learn the four steps of tea tasting: color, aroma, taste, and finish. A beginner-friendly guide to appreciating Gongfu Cha.

Tea History

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History of Chaozhou Gongfu Cha: From Song Dynasty to UNESCO

2026-07-21 · 9 min read

Trace Chaozhou Gongfu Cha from its Song dynasty roots to UNESCO recognition. Learn why this regional brewing style became a cultural symbol.

Tea Types

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How to Brew Black Tea: Gongfu and Western Methods

2026-07-28 · 9 min read

Learn how to brew black tea with both Gongfu and Western methods. Get the right temperature, leaf ratio, and steeping time for Chinese hong cha and Indian black teas.

How to Brew Green Tea: Water Temperature, Ratio & Steps

2026-07-28 · 8 min read

Learn how to brew green tea with the right water temperature, leaf ratio, and steeping steps. A practical guide to Chinese green tea from Longjing to Biluochun.

How to Brew Phoenix Dancong Oolong: Temperature, Ratio & Steps

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Brew Phoenix Dancong oolong like a Chaozhou master. Learn water temperature, leaf ratio, steeping steps, and how to taste multiple infusions.

How to Brew Pu-erh Tea: Sheng vs Shou Brewing Guide

2026-07-27 · 10 min read

Learn how to brew raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) Pu-erh tea. Get water temperature, rinsing technique, steeping times, and storage tips.

How to Brew Tieguanyin: Step-by-Step Gongfu Cha Guide

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Brew Tieguanyin oolong with the Gongfu Cha method. Water temperature, leaf ratio, timing, and tasting tips for orchid fragrance and Guanyin yun.

The Six Families of Chinese Tea: A Beginner's Guide

2026-07-21 · 9 min read

Discover the six families of Chinese tea and how processing creates green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark tea. A beginner's guide.

Teaware

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How to Season a Yixing Teapot: A Beginner's Guide

2026-07-28 · 7 min read

Learn how to season a Yixing teapot safely. This beginner's guide explains why zisha clay needs seasoning, a simple step-by-step method, daily care, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Tea Pet and How to Raise It

2026-07-28 · 8 min read

Discover what a tea pet is, why Yixing clay matters, and how to raise a tea pet that grows richer with every Gongfu Cha session.

Gongfu Tea Set for Beginners: Essential Pieces and Their Uses

2026-07-25 · 8 min read

Build your first Gongfu tea set. Learn what each piece does — gaiwan, fairness pitcher, tasting cups, tea tray, tea pet — and what you actually need.

Gaiwan vs Yixing Teapot: Which Is Better for Gongfu Cha?

2026-07-21 · 8 min read

Compare gaiwan and Yixing teapot for Gongfu Cha. Learn which vessel to buy first, how they affect flavor, and when to use each.

Yixing Teapot Care: Why One Pot Should Brew One Tea

2026-07-21 · 7 min read

Understand why Yixing teapots should be dedicated to one tea type. Learn about seasoning, patina, and the science behind one pot, one tea.