This image features a minimalist arrangement of a traditional Chinese teapot and three teacups displaying a gradient of tea colors, from light yellow to a deep amber, symbolizing different tea varieties or steeping levels. The setup showcases the elegance

How To Drink Chinese Tea? - 8 Chinese Traditional Tea Drinking Customs

Written by: Qiao Fan

October 8, 2024

Time to read 3 min

Introduction

For thousands of years, Chinese people have refined the practice of drinking Chinese tea to its purest form.

When a few people gather to enjoy Chinese tea, all their attention is focused on it: brewing tea with great care, concentrating solely on the tea during tasting, avoiding any snacks, and even refraining from discussing topics unrelated to Chinese tea.

This purity is summed up in one word: “exquisite.” But what does this "exquisite" practice look like?

1. The Quality of Water

One essential aspect is the quality of water. Ancient wisdom holds that "mountain spring water is best, stream water is second, and well water is the least preferable."

Tap water is considered unsuitable for brewing tea. Tea enthusiasts often enjoy the process of fetching water from the mountains to make tea, finding it a very relaxing and delightful activity.

This image depicts a serene mountain stream flowing through a lush forest, surrounded by dense greenery and moss-covered rocks. The clear, fast-moving water winds its way through the natural landscape, creating a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere. It embodies the tranquility of nature and could symbolize the source of pure, fresh water often sought in traditional tea-making practices.

2. The Utensils for Boiling Water

The type of kettle used to boil the water also matters. Iron kettles, aluminum kettles, stainless steel kettles, tempered glass kettles, and clay kettles all produce different sensations and effects when used to boil water.

Clay kettles are considered the most suitable, while metal kettles like iron or aluminum are seen as slightly inferior.

The image shows a delicate ceramic teapot with a round, decorated lid resting next to it. The lid features an intricate floral design in soft pastel colors, adding an artistic touch to the otherwise simple white teapot. This combination of craftsmanship and elegance reflects the traditional beauty often associated with Chinese tea culture, highlighting the importance of both aesthetic and functionality in tea preparation and presentation.

3. Methods of Boiling Water

The way water is boiled is also a point of attention. The first choice is a red clay stove that uses charcoal. This small stove is aesthetically pleasing, with a lid and a door, and its firepower can be easily adjusted.

The second choice is a modern electric kettle. The water should be brought to an initial boil (when bubbles the size of fish eyes appear), forming "living water." If boiled for too long, it becomes "dead water." After removing from heat, it is best to wait a second or two before pouring the water, as using it too quickly can negatively affect the flavor.

The image shows a traditional Chinese tea setup featuring a clay kettle heating over a rustic clay stove. Steam is rising from the kettle, indicating that the water is being heated to the perfect temperature for tea. Next to the stove are a white gaiwan (a lidded bowl used for brewing tea) and a small tea cup, ready for tea brewing. The scene reflects an authentic and serene tea preparation process, emphasizing the craftsmanship and ritual involved in making tea, which is an integral part of Chinese tea culture.

4. Choosing a Chinese Tea Cup

Different tea types require different Chinese tea cups. For example, Wuyi rock tea is most often brewed in a gaiwan (a lidded bowl), but occasionally a Yixing clay teapot or a floating elegance cup is used.

Brewing in a gaiwan helps maintain the proper temperature and enhances the fragrance of the tea.

type of teapot, known for its rich brown-red hue, is highly regarded in Chinese tea culture, particularly for brewing oolong and pu-erh teas. The clay material enhances the flavor of the tea with each use, as it absorbs the tea

The image features an elegant set of traditional Chinese porcelain gaiwans (lidded tea bowls). Each gaiwan is beautifully decorated with intricate blue and white designs, showcasing traditional Chinese art and craftsmanship. The patterns range from floral motifs to delicate brushstroke illustrations, highlighting the cultural significance of tea drinking in Chinese history. These gaiwans are typically used for brewing and sipping fine teas, especially in traditional tea ceremonies. The white porcelain is designed to retain the tea

The image shows an elegant white porcelain tea set with a teapot, gaiwan, fairness pitcher, and small cups. Perfect for traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, it highlights simplicity and refinement.

5. Water Pouring Technique

The way water is poured also matters—the speed, height, and thickness of the stream all make a difference. Some people like to pour from a high position, while others prefer a gentle, slow pour. The aim is to create a smooth flow, allowing the tea's life and vitality to unfold in the water.

The image depicts a traditional Chinese teapot pouring tea into a ceramic cup. The set has a rustic, earthy look, with deep brown tones and textured surfaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The scene emphasizes the art of tea brewing and the cultural significance of tea in Chinese traditions.

6. Steeping Time

This is the most crucial part of the process. The steeping time varies with each infusion and type of Chinese tea.

Different tea drinkers may also have different preferences. This aspect requires practice and tasting to get just right.

The image shows a traditional tea set with a sleek, dark teapot and four small tea cups filled with a golden-yellow tea. The set is placed on a bamboo mat, adding a natural and simple aesthetic. A sprig of fresh mint is arranged beside the teapot, giving the scene a refreshing touch. The overall composition highlights a calm and inviting moment for tea drinking, blending elegance with traditional tea culture.

7. The Chinese Tea Cup for Tasting

Choosing the right cup for tasting Chinese tea involves a significant amount of knowledge. The choice should follow four principles: small, shallow, thin, and white.

A small cup allows a single sip; a shallow cup prevents leftover water; a white cup enhances the tea’s color; and a thin cup, like paper, helps capture the fragrance. Sipping the tea should be done with small, slow sips to fully appreciate the taste.

The sound made while sipping enhances the flavor, similar to wine tasting. Beginners should start with slow and gentle sips to avoid gulping too fast and choking. Sipping Chinese tea is a slow and mindful experience.

The image showcases a delicate Chinese tea set, consisting of a gaiwan (lidded cup), a fair cup (used to evenly distribute tea), and six small tea cups. Each piece is beautifully decorated with soft butterfly patterns, adding an elegant and whimsical touch to the white porcelain. The tea cups are filled with a rich amber tea, arranged in a neat row on a dark table mat. The overall setting creates a harmonious and traditional atmosphere, perfect for a refined tea session.

8. Discussing the Chinese Tea

After tasting comes the discussion: analyzing the aroma, the water, the aftertaste, the origin of the Chinese tea, the tree it came from, and the overall sensation.

Aroma: Chinese tea can carry various fragrances, such as orchid, magnolia, peach, almond, bamboo leaf, cream, pear, and more.

Water Quality: This does not refer to the water used for brewing but the Chinese tea infusion itself. Some may describe the tea as "thick" or "thin," "soft" or "hard," or compare its texture to things like honey or rice soup.

Tea Qi: "Tea Qi" can mean several things: a strong Chinese tea aroma, rich tea infusion, a full-bodied mouthfeel, bitterness and astringency, or the strong "force" that experienced tea tasters sense when the tea enters their mouth.