Tea ceremonies in China: should tourists try them?

The Chinese tea ceremony is not just a way of preparing tea, but a profound art form steeped in history, philosophy and subtle traditions. It is a harmonious blend of ritual, aesthetics and communication, making it a unique experience for any visitor to China. For tourists, learning about this tradition can be not only an educational but also an inspiring journey into the culture of the Middle Kingdom. Travelling around the country, you can see how traditions vary from region to region. In Beijing's teahouses, you will be offered an elegant ceremony with an emphasis on aesthetics, while in Shanghai, you will find modern interpretations of ancient rituals. Another great way to get acquainted with Chinese tea culture is to fly to Guangzhou with Centrum Air. The city is famous as the heart of the tea trade, and visitors can enjoy the special atmosphere of the tea markets, where they can try dozens of varieties and watch the art of tea brewing right behind the counter.

The history and philosophy of tea ceremonies in China

China is rightly called the birthplace of tea, and getting to know this culture is one of the most vivid experiences for travellers. Legends tell of the wise Emperor Shen Nung, who first noticed how the leaves of a wild shrub changed the taste of boiling water. From that moment on, the centuries-old history of the drink began, undergoing an amazing evolution: in ancient times, it was ground into powder, in the Middle Ages it was pressed into tiles, and later the familiar method of brewing whole leaves became widespread. Each era has left its mark, and today, tourists travelling to China can literally ‘touch’ these pages of history.

However, tea in the Celestial Empire is not just a drink, but a whole philosophy. Gradually, it became an art form that absorbed the worldview teachings of Ancient China. Confucians saw tea as a symbol of respect and etiquette, Taoists considered it a means of connecting with nature, and Buddhists used it for meditation. This is how the concept of ‘Cha Dao’ arose - the way of tea, which teaches us to respect nature, appreciate harmony and enjoy the moment. At a tea ceremony, every gesture has meaning: from how the master holds the teapot to how the fragrant infusion is served.

Types and features of tea ceremonies

The Chinese tea tradition has many formats for ceremonies, each of which reflects the philosophy, aesthetics and culture of the region. The most famous and widespread is the Gongfu Cha (工夫茶) ceremony, which translates as ‘skill’ or ‘art of tea’. Its origins lie in the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. The main emphasis here is on the precision, rhythm and gracefulness of the master's movements. Special tools are used for the ceremony: a small Yixing clay teapot or gaiwan, a chahai (‘sea of tea’), aromatic cups (wengxiangbei), tasting cups (pingmingbei), a strainer, tongs and a tea needle. The tea is brewed several times, revealing new facets of taste and aroma with each pour. This process requires attention to water temperature, brewing time and smooth movements, turning it into a meditative act.

No less impressive is the Sichuan tea ceremony, which is known for its theatricality and elements of performing arts. It is based on a unique presentation: the master uses a tall copper teapot with a long, thin spout and pours tea from a great distance, making smooth and precise movements. The combination of acrobatics, martial arts elements and traditional gestures turns the brewing process into a real performance. This ceremony is especially popular in southwestern China and is a must-see for tourists who want not only to taste tea but also to witness the art of serving it.

Another style is Pincha (品茶) - ‘tea tasting’. This is a simpler and more democratic way to get acquainted with the drink, which is popular in different parts of the country. There are no complicated tools or strict rituals: most often a glass or gaiwan is used, and the emphasis is on the tea itself, its purity and richness of flavour. The focus is on conversation among participants, a leisurely discussion of the taste, aroma and sensations evoked by each variety. Pincha is suitable for both home tea drinking and friendly gatherings, where tea becomes an occasion for communication and unity.

The tea ceremony process

The traditional Chinese tea ceremony begins with a beautiful preparation ritual: the master warms the tea utensils, introduces the guests to the aroma of dry leaves and carefully makes the first infusion, which is not drunk - it is needed to ‘awaken’ the tea and cleanse it. At this stage, you will already feel how meticulously the Chinese pay attention to detail, because even the temperature of the water and the smoothness of the movements are important.

Next, the infusion is poured into the so-called ‘cup of justice’ so that all participants have the same taste and strength of the drink. The atmosphere of the ceremony is conducive to complete relaxation: soft lighting, calm music or complete silence, the smooth movements of the master and an unhurried rhythm. It is customary to drink tea here in small sips, savouring every nuance of taste and aroma.

It is important to remember that in Chinese tradition, tea is drunk without sugar or milk - the drink must remain pure, reflecting the natural power and richness of the leaf. For tourists, participating in such a ceremony is not only an introduction to the drink, but also an opportunity to touch the philosophy of the country, to feel its respect for nature and its ability to enjoy simple moments. Many travellers note that after such a ceremony, they begin to perceive tea in a completely different way, and this experience remains in their memory no less than walks through ancient temples or markets in Beijing.

What you need to know

We recommend paying attention to a few practical points. First, choose places where the ceremony is conducted by experienced masters: in large cities, these may be specialised tea houses, and in the provinces, family establishments with a long history. Secondly, clarify the format in advance: if you are interested in aesthetics and meditation, choose Gongfu Cha; if you want something spectacular, pay attention to the Sichuan ceremony; and if you prefer lightness and communication, opt for Pingcha. Thirdly, be sure to try different varieties - oolong, pu-erh, green or red tea. Each of them reveals itself in its own way and leaves completely different impressions.

It is also useful to remember the rules of conduct. At the ceremony, it is not customary to rush, add sugar or milk: the pure taste of the leaves is the main thing. Drink in small sips, enjoy the aroma and do not be distracted by your phone - this way you will fully experience the atmosphere. It is a good idea to buy some tea after the ceremony to bring home a piece of this experience and repeat the ritual with family or friends.

If you are interested in tea culture outside of China, Turkey is an interesting destination. Here, tea is served in distinctive glass cups called ‘tulips,’ and the process of drinking tea has long been an integral part of everyday life and friendly communication. Thanks to Centrum Air's flights to Istanbul, travellers have an excellent opportunity to discover another unique facet of the world's tea traditions.