Gongfu Cha is a traditional Chinese tea ceremony that started in Fujian and Guangdong and is now popular all over China and even beyond. It’s all about brewing tea in a careful, skillful way using high-quality loose-leaf tea and special tools. Instead of one long steep, the tea is brewed in several short infusions to bring out the full flavor and aroma.
Must-Have Tools for Gongfu Cha
Brewing Essentials
- Gaiwan (Lidded Bowl): A small bowl with a lid and saucer, usually made of porcelain or glass. It gives you full control while steeping the tea.
- Yixing Teapot: A small clay teapot made from purple clay (Zisha). It absorbs flavors over time, so many people dedicate it to just one kind of tea.
- Cha Hai (Fairness Pitcher): A glass or ceramic pitcher used to pour the tea evenly for everyone, so each cup tastes the same.
- Tea Cups: Small cups made of porcelain, glass, or clay. They’re perfect for sipping and enjoying every flavor note.
Tools for Handling Tea Leaves
- Cha He (Presentation Vessel): A small dish to show off the dry tea leaves before brewing.
- Cha Ze (Tea Scoop): A wooden or bamboo scoop used to move tea leaves from the container to the teapot.
- Cha Lou (Funnel): Helps guide tea leaves into teapots with narrow openings—no mess!
Also Read: Korean Tea Traditions and Their Minimalist Teaware
fanquare Porcelain Gongfu Tea Set for 6
A good tool set includes essentials like a tea scoop, tongs, funnel, and needle — all vital for a precise and respectful ceremony.
Water & Heat Tools
- Cha Hu (Kettle): Heats the water to the perfect brewing temperature. Some use clay kettles over charcoal, while others go for electric ones.
- Huo Lu (Charcoal Stove): A traditional way to boil water during the ceremony using real charcoal.
Serving and Cleaning Tools
- Cha Ban (Tea Tray): Catches any spills or extra water. Usually made from bamboo, wood, or plastic—some even drain water automatically.
- Cha Dao (Tool Set):
- Cha Jia (Tweezers): Helps handle hot cups safely.
- Cha Chi (Spoon): Used to scoop dry tea leaves.
- Cha Dao (Needle/Knife): For breaking apart compressed tea cakes.
- Cha Jin (Tea Cloth): A soft cloth for wiping and cleaning teaware.
Also Read: Brewing Black Tea with Milk: Do You Add It First or Last?
15 Inch Bamboo Kung Fu Tea Tray
A functional tea tray is a must-have for Gongfu Cha, as it helps catch spills and keeps the brewing space clean and elegant.
Optional Tools to Enhance the Experience
For Aroma & Ambiance
- Wen Xiang Bei (Scent Cup): A tall, narrow cup used to smell the tea’s aroma before drinking.
- Xiang Dao Bei (Incense Burner): Adds a relaxing scent to the tea session.
- Chabaixi (Art Basin): A shallow bowl used in traditional “tea art” to create patterns in frothed tea.
For Storage & Water Quality
- Cha Cang (Storage Container): Airtight jars made of bamboo, ceramic, or metal to keep tea leaves fresh.
- Chaozhou Sha Diao (Clay Filter): A traditional clay water filter used to improve water quality.
Also Read: The 4 Best Travel Tea Sets for On-the-Go Brewing
Goclothod Chinese Kungfu Teapot
Yixing teapots are iconic in Gongfu tea culture. Their porous clay absorbs flavors over time, enhancing the taste of each brew.
Tea Table Add-Ons
- Shui Fang (Waste Bowl): For pouring out extra tea or rinse water.
- Zhuo Cha (Rinsing Bowl): Used to clean teaware before and after brewing.
- Shui Tong (Drain Bucket): Collects leftover water from the tea tray.
Tools for Specific Teas
- Cha Dao (Tea Knife): Helps break apart tightly packed tea cakes like Pu’erh.
- Pu’erh Storage Crock: A ceramic jar that’s perfect for aging and storing Pu’erh tea.
