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Traditional Chinese tea ceremonies are often held during formal occasions like Chinese weddings, but they are also done to welcome guests into one's home.



Gather all the tools you need to perform a traditional Chinese tea ceremony: teapot, tea strainer, kettle (stove top or electric), tea pitcher, brewing tray, deep plate or bowl, tea towel, water, tea leaves (not bagged), tea pick, tea leaf holder, tongs (挾), narrow snifter cups, tea cups, and optional tea snacks like dried plums and pistachios.



1. Prep the Chinese Tea Set



To prepare the Chinese tea set, heat water in a kettle. Then, place the teapot, snifter tea cups and regular tea cups in the bowl and pour the heated water over them to warm up the tea set. Then, remove the teapot and cups from the bowl. The tongs may be used to handle the cups if they are too hot to handle with your hands.



2. Appreciation of Tea Is Key



In a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the tea (traditionally oolong tea) is passed around for participants to examine and admire its appearance, aroma, and quality.

3. Time for Tea

To make Chinese tea, use the tea leaf holder to scoop the loose tea leaves from the tea canister.



4. Tea Brewing: The Black Dragon Enters the Palace
Using the tea leaf holder, pour the tea leaves into the teapot. This step is called 'the black dragon enters the palace.' The amount of tea and water will vary on the type of tea, its quality, and the size of the teapot but generally, one teaspoon of tea leaves for every 6 ounces of water will do.



5. It's Getting Hot in Here

Heating water to the proper temperature is important when making Chinese tea. Heat cool, spring mountain or bottled water to the following temperatures:

White and green: 172° - 185°F

Black: 210°F

Oolong: 185° - 212°F

Pu’er: 212°F

Avoid distilled, soft, or hard water.

Next, place the teapot into the bowl, raise the kettle at shoulder length above the kettle, and pour the heated water into the teapot until it overflows.

After pouring the water, scoop away any excess bubbles or tea leaves and place the lid on the teapot. Pour hot water onto the teapot to ensure the temperature inside and outside the teapot is the same.




6. Enjoy the Fragrance of the Tea