Practical Chinese tea guides

Brew Chinese tea with confidence

Clear guidance on gongfu technique, water temperature, tea types, teaware, buying, and storage—made for curious beginners.

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Everything you need for a better cup

Choose a practical starting point, whether you are learning your first steep or refining a daily gongfu routine.

Leaf-to-water ratios, temperature, steep time, and repeat infusions.

Understand green, white, oolong, black, and pu-erh tea.

Choose and use a gaiwan, teapot, fairness pitcher, and cups.

Buy whole-leaf tea thoughtfully and protect it from heat, light, and odors.

A simple starting method

Good tea does not require complicated ceremony. Begin with the right vessel, water temperature, and timing.

A gaiwan or small teapot makes it easier to control short, repeat infusions.

Use cooler water for delicate green and white teas, and hotter water for oolong, black tea, and pu-erh.

Short steeps and a complete pour keep the leaves from continuing to brew between infusions.

Start here

These cornerstone guides cover the questions that matter most when you begin brewing loose-leaf Chinese tea.

Start with the complete brewing guide, then explore the tea and teaware that fit the way you like to drink.