Chinese Tea Ceremony (Gongfu Cha): Steps & Order

The Chinese tea ceremony—often called Gongfu Cha—is a focused way to brew tea in small, flavorful infusions.

Use this quick checklist and step-by-step order to host at home. If you’re planning a wedding tea ceremony, see the wedding guide here.

Tools checklist

• Chinese tea set (teapot or gaiwan + cups)
• Fairness pitcher (cha hai) & filter
• Tea tray or water-catching mat
• Tea tongs or tea knives (optional), kettle, waste bowl

Tea ceremony order (quick)

1. Warm teaware with hot water; discard.
2. Rinse the leaves briefly; discard the rinse (optional).
3. First infusion: short brew (5–20 s); decant into fairness pitcher.
4. Serve into cups; sip while hot.
5. Repeat infusions: add 3–10 s each round to taste.
6. Close with a final pour-over to warm cups and thank guests.

Tea & water notes

• Use ~5–7 g leaf per 100–120 ml teapot/gaiwan.
• Water: 85–95°C for oolong/black; 80–85°C for green/white (adjust to taste).

Best picks 

1. Complete set: Porcelain Chinese Tea Set with Tray
2. Gaiwan starter: Gaiwan + 4 Cups
3. Yixing brew: Yixing Zisha Teapot (120–160 ml)

Related: Chinese wedding tea ceremony order · Chinese tea set materials: porcelain vs yixing vs glass.

 

 

Historical Roots of the Chinese Tea Ceremony

The origins of tea in China trace back to around 2737 BCE, during the reign of Emperor Shen Nong. Legend has it that the emperor, known for his interest in agriculture and medicine, discovered tea when leaves from a wild tea plant accidentally fell into his boiling water. Initially valued for its medicinal properties, tea quickly gained prominence as a daily beverage, becoming deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.

The philosophy behind the Chinese tea ceremony is rooted in principles of harmony, respect, and simplicity, reflecting the influences of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Every gesture and movement within the ceremony is intentional, emphasizing mindfulness and the beauty of the present moment. These values make the ceremony more than a method of brewing tea—it becomes a meditative practice.

Symbolism plays a vital role in the tea ceremony. Tea itself represents purity and natural simplicity, while the utensils—like the gaiwan and teapot—embody elegance, balance, and precision.

The careful selection and use of these elements transform the act of drinking tea into a meaningful ritual that transcends its everyday function, offering participants a deeper connection to tradition and tranquility.

Types of Tea Used in a Tea Ceremony

Chinese tea ceremonies are a celebration of the art and Chinese culture of tea, with different types of tea playing unique roles in these rituals. Each variety of tea brings its distinct flavors, aromas, and preparation methods, making the choice of tea an integral part of the tea ceremony.

Storing loose leaf teas further their longevity. From health benefits to symbolic meanings, the selection reflects the values and purpose of the occasion.

• Green Tea

  • Known for its fresh, grassy flavor.

  • Valued for its health benefits, including antioxidants.

  • Requires delicate preparation due to its sensitivity to water temperature and steeping time.

• Oolong Tea

  • Partially oxidized, offering a balance between green and black teas.

  • Popular for its rich, complex flavors and floral aroma.

  • A favorite choice for traditional tea ceremonies due to its versatility.

• Pu-erh Tea

  • A fermented tea known for its rich, earthy flavor profile.

  • Often aged for years or even decades, enhancing its depth and character.

  • Highly prized for its digestive and health benefits.

• Black Tea (Most Popular for Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremonies)

  • Frequently used in wedding tea ceremonies for its symbolic significance of prosperity and unity.

  • Its bold, full-bodied flavor pairs well with the sweetness of added ingredients like red dates or lotus seeds, which represent good fortune and fertility.

The type of tea chosen for a Chinese tea ceremony reflects its purpose and the traditions surrounding it. Whether it's green tea for its delicate health benefits, oolong tea for its balanced flavors, or black tea for its symbolic role in a Chinese tea ceremony, each variety adds a distinct dimension to the experience.

Keep your tea fresh in tea canisters especially if traveling or on-the-go. We also include our top loose leaf teas in this list here. The versatility and depth of Chinese tea continue to make it a cornerstone of cultural and ceremonial practices.

 

Tea Utensils and Their Significance

The Chinese tea ceremony is as much about the tools used as it is about the tea itself. Each utensil plays a specific role in enhancing the brewing process, preserving the tea's purity, and creating an immersive sensory experience. Here’s a closer look at these essential items:

Gaiwan and Teapot

• Gaiwan: Comprising a lid, bowl, and saucer, the gaiwan is a traditional and versatile tool often used to brew green and white teas. Its open design allows the tea drinker to appreciate the leaves’ aroma, color, and unfolding beauty. Handling a gaiwan requires practice, as the lid and bowl must be maneuvered gracefully to pour the tea without spilling. 

• Teapot: Teapots, especially Yixing clay teapots, are favored for brewing oolong and pu-erh teas. The clay’s porous nature absorbs the tea's flavors over time, enriching future brews with subtle layers of complexity. Teapots come in various shapes and sizes, each suited to specific types of tea and brewing methods. Browse these full Chinese tea sets.

Tea Strainer and Serving Cups

• Tea Strainer: Strainers are essential for removing fine particles and ensuring clarity in every cup. They are typically placed over the serving pitcher or cup during pouring, maintaining the tea's smooth texture. 

• Serving Tea Cups: These small, elegant tea cups are central to the communal aspect of the tea ceremony. Tea cups encourage mindfulness by serving small quantities, allowing participants to savor the tea fully. Their design often reflects cultural artistry, featuring intricate patterns or symbolic motifs. 

Tea Tray and Accessories

• Tea Tray: The tea tray, or "cha pan," serves as the base for the tea ceremony. Designed to catch spills and excess water, it keeps the workspace clean while showcasing the beauty of the utensils and the tea itself. Trays often feature wood, bamboo, or ceramic construction, chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. 

• Tea Towels and Picks: Tea towels are used for wiping spills and cleaning utensils during the ceremony, ensuring everything remains tidy. Tea picks or needles help unclog teapot spouts and handle compressed tea leaves, particularly in pu-erh preparation.

• Tea Tongs: Tea tongs help with holding hot cups and organizing a tea set on the tea table.

Tea Knives for Pu-erh Tea Bricks

Pu-erh tea is often compressed into dense cakes or bricks that require a specialized tea knife for preparation. The knife is used to gently pry apart the tightly packed leaves without breaking them, preserving their structure for optimal brewing. This tool is indispensable for tea enthusiasts who value the aged and robust flavors of pu-erh.

Tea Pets

Tea pets are small, decorative figurines made from unglazed clay, often shaped like animals or spirtual creatures like this Buddha tea pet or Lucky Cat tea pet. They are placed on the tea tray and "fed" with excess tea during the tea ceremony.

Over time, the tea nourishes the clay, giving the pet a unique, polished patina. Tea pets symbolize luck, prosperity, and the joy of sharing tea. They add an element of whimsy and personalization to the ritual, reflecting the tea drinker’s personality or beliefs.

Each utensil in the Chinese tea ceremony serves a dual purpose: functionality and cultural expression. Together, they create an atmosphere of elegance, mindfulness, and respect, enhancing the tea-drinking experience.

 

Steps of the Chinese Tea Ceremony

The Chinese tea ceremony whether for a daily tea ceremony or to meet a Chinese wedding tradition is a carefully choreographed process that emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and the art of tea preparation. Each step is deliberate, contributing to the sensory experience and cultural significance of the ritual.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing the Utensils

The tea ceremony begins with meticulous preparation of the utensils, a vital step that sets the tone for the entire ritual.

• Warming the Utensils: Hot water is poured over the gaiwan, teapot, serving pitcher, and cups. This step not only cleanses the tools but also warms them, ensuring the tea maintains its ideal temperature when poured. Use this bamboo tea tong to hold onto scalding cups when sterilizing them. 

• Rinsing the Tools: Utensils are carefully rinsed to remove any impurities or dust. This practice symbolizes respect for the guests and tea, ensuring a clean and uncontaminated brewing environment.

• Arranging the Tea Tray: All utensils are thoughtfully arranged on the tea tray in an aesthetically pleasing manner. This organization reflects the ceremony's focus on harmony and balance.

2. Selecting and Preparing the Tea Leaves

The choice of tea is crucial, with options often tailored to the occasion.

• Presenting the Tea: The tea leaves are presented to guests, allowing them to observe their color, shape, and aroma. This moment encourages appreciation of the tea’s quality and craftsmanship.

• Rinsing the Tea Leaves: A small amount of hot water is poured over the tea leaves and quickly discarded. Known as "awakening the tea," this step removes impurities and primes the leaves for brewing.

3. Brewing the Tea

This stage is the heart of the tea ceremony, requiring precision and attentiveness. We have an even more detailed guide on how to make Chinese tea.

• Heating the Water: The water temperature is carefully adjusted based on the type of tea. For instance, green tea requires cooler water (around 70-80°C), while pu-erh tea can handle higher temperatures (90-100°C).

• Steeping the Tea: The tea is steeped for a specific duration, often just a few seconds for the first infusion. The timing varies by tea type and affects the flavor profile.

• Pouring the Tea: The tea is poured from the gaiwan or teapot into a serving pitcher to ensure an even distribution of flavor.

4. Pouring and Serving

This step embodies the ceremony’s emphasis on respect and grace.

• Serving the Tea: The host pours tea from the pitcher into small serving cups. This act is performed with careful attention to balance and aesthetics, symbolizing hospitality and gratitude. 

• Offering the Tea: The cups are presented to guests with both hands as a sign of respect. Guests receive the cup with both hands, acknowledging the gesture. 
  

  

• Drinking the Tea: Participants sip the tea slowly, taking time to savor its aroma, taste, and texture. This mindful consumption fosters a deeper connection to the tea and the moment.

5. Re-Steeping the Tea

One of the unique aspects of Chinese tea is its ability to be steeped multiple times.

• Repeating the Process: The same tea leaves are steeped for subsequent infusions, each offering a slightly different flavor. Guests can enjoy the evolving taste and character of the tea.

The Chinese tea ceremony is more than a method of brewing tea—it’s a ritual that honors tradition, fosters mindfulness, and celebrates the connection between nature, culture, and community. Each step, from preparing the utensils to savoring the tea, reflects the profound elegance and harmony of this timeless practice.

 

FAQs about the Chinese Tea Ceremony

What is the Chinese tea ceremony?

The Chinese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual that emphasizes respect, mindfulness, and the appreciation of tea. It is often performed during significant occasions such as weddings, family gatherings, or important cultural celebrations.

Tea ceremonies involve preparing tea and to serve tea with precision, serving it to elders and guests, and receiving blessings in return. The tea ceremony symbolizes unity, honor, and the connection between generations. It’s not just about drinking tea but also about fostering harmony and respect among participants.

What is the purpose of a tea ceremony?

The purpose of the Chinese tea ceremony goes beyond simply serving and drinking tea—it is about honoring tradition, fostering respect, and celebrating significant moments. 

The tea ceremony emphasizes values such as respect, gratitude, and harmony, while the act of sharing tea promotes unity and community.