Intro to Chinese TeaThe Basics of Gong-fu Cha

Equipment

Labeled infographic:1) Gaiwan2) Gong dao bei3) cups4) cha pan

The primary vessel = Gai wan

1) Lid2) Bowl3) Saucer

Show: tea => water => cover w/ lid => steep => pour

Secondary vessel = gong dao bei

Why gong dao bei? Control tea concentration1) gong dao bei2) pour from gaiwan3) pour from gong dao bei

*I prefer glass to ceramic, b/c you can see the color of the tea

Cups

Good cups to start with● White● Small => 3 sips worth of tea● Round and open => allows for optimal

drinking and smelling aroma

Brewing surface = cha pan

Purpose = catch all excess waterWater overflows intentionally as part of the process.Many different forms of cha pans. The one used here is one of the most basic.

The skill & technique = gong fu

The skill used in brewing tea is referred to as “gong fu.” This is the same Chinese term used for kung fu in martial arts. As you work on your technique and develop your skills, you are cultivating your gong fu.