Chinese Tea Set Materials: Porcelain vs Yixing vs Glass
Shopping for a Chinese tea set? Start with the material—flavor, heat, and care differ a lot. Use this table to choose fast.
| Material | Flavor/Heat | Care | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Neutral flavor; holds heat well | Dishwasher-safe (plain); easy | All teas; great starter/gifts |
| Yixing (Zisha) clay | Absorbs aroma; season to one tea | Hand-wash only; dedicate by tea type | Oolong, pu-erh, black tea lovers |
| Glass | Neutral; see leaves; cools faster | Hand-wash; avoid thermal shock | Green/white; showy infusions |
How big should the teapot be?
For Gongfu brewing: 100–180 ml serves 2–4 tiny cups. For casual serving: 300–600 ml.
Best picks
- Porcelain starter: Porcelain Tea Set (Gaiwan + 4 Cups)
- Yixing upgrade: Yixing Teapot 140 ml + Cups
- Glass showpiece: Glass Teapot + Infuser (600 ml)
Ready for the full set? Try one of our Gongfu tea sets.
Hosting a wedding? See the Chinese wedding tea ceremony guide. Want steps? Read the Gongfu Tea order.