What is Gongfu Cha? Exploring the Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

Kung Fu Tea

Gongfu Cha (literally, “Kung Fu Tea”) is a traditional Chinese term that refers to brewing tea with discipline and skill. One needs a few things to get started on this Chinese tea ceremony: great tea, water and particular vessels such as a gaiwan, a small clay or porcelain teapot, a sharing pitcher and small tasting cups, all often arranged on a tea table. The practice of Kung Fu martial arts requires intense deliberation, focus, mindfulness, and repetition to develop skill. The Gongfu Cha tea arts carry a similar gravity and intensity.

Gongfu Cha Teaware

Just as there are various schools of martial arts practice, so too are there various schools of Gongfu Cha ceremonies. In China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Chinese diaspora regions, the study of Gongfu Cha is an artistic passion similar to painting, calligraphy, opera, martial arts or dance. We have selected some classic pieces from our teaware collection and present them here in our Gongfu Cha Essentials to help you get started with this amazing practice which can last a lifetime.

FAQs About Gongfu Cha

What equipment do I need to start practicing Gongfu Cha?

To begin your Chinese tea ceremony, you’ll need premium tea, water and some specific teaware. Set yourself up with a gaiwan or small teapot, a sharing pitcher and small teacups. A tea table helps keep everything in place, or find a clear, flat space to prepare your tea.

How is Gongfu Cha different from regular tea brewing?

A Gongfu Cha ceremony is all about precision and mindfulness. Instead of one long steep, you do multiple short infusions. This way, you can more deeply explore the tea’s flavors and aromas, making each cup a new adventure. 

Can beginners get into Gongfu Cha?

Definitely. It might seem tricky at first, but starting with the basics and learning as you go makes it enjoyable for anyone. It’s a journey that improves with you as you take your time experiencing each tea and expanding your palate.

What kinds of tea work best for Gongfu Cha?

The kinds of tea for Gongfu Cha are those that can hold up with multiple steeps. In particular, Oolongs, Pu-ers and high-quality green and black teas are ideal since they can be re-steeped multiple times. The repeated steeps reveal new flavors with each infusion, perfect for this traditional Chinese tea ceremony.