Starting gongfu tea doesn’t require a complete tea table. Here’s what you actually need to begin, what becomes useful later, and which accessories can wait.
How much tea should you use in a gaiwan? Start with a simple gongfu ratio, then adjust leaf, water, temperature and steep time to suit the tea and your own taste.
(The “Jewelled Box” of the Mansheng Eighteen Styles) In the world of Yixing teapots, Dian He 钿合壶 stands out not just as a vessel, but as a love poem in clay.Its name, Dian He, literally means “jewelled box” — a…
Among all Yixing teapots, few carry such poetic symbolism as the Jing Wa 镜瓦壶, or Mirror and Tile teapot.Created during the Qing dynasty by Chen Mansheng (陈鸿寿) and master potter Yang Pengnian (杨彭年), it’s one of the legendary “Eighteen Mansheng…
Among all the teas in China’s vast oolong universe, Phoenix Dancong holds a special throne — the “perfume of tea.” Each tree has its own fragrance, its own personality, its own magic. But here’s the thing: while everyone rushes to…
Tea and coffee are two of the world’s most popular drinks. But when it comes to anti-aging benefits, which is better for your health, longevity, skin, and brain? Science has the answer.
Among the many beloved shapes in the world of Yixing teapots, the Jing Lan (井栏) teapot stands out for its simple geometry, classical charm, and deeply cultural roots. Named after the stone well railings it draws inspiration from, the Jing…
In Chinese tea culture, rinsing tea—also called washing tea—is often done to remove dust, awaken the leaves, and help them unfurl more evenly. But not all teas require this step, and in some cases, rinsing can even diminish their flavor.…
The Dragon Egg Yixing teapot—or “Long Dan” in Chinese—is a charming and symbolic teapot shape inspired by the mythical dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon is more than just a creature—it’s a sacred symbol of power, fortune, and divine protection.…
The Hua Ying Yixing Teapot is a teapot design created by the legendary Yixing master Gu Jingzhou, inspired by the traditional Duo Qiu (stacked ball) shape. But instead of simply following tradition, Master Gu envisioned something more delicate—a teapot modeled…
