What is a gong fu (kung fu) ceremony?
[Back To Top] Gong Fu tea ceremony is a method of preparing loose leaf tea that originated in Fujian province during the late Ming Dynasty about 450 years ago. Unlike the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is descended from the Song Dynasty method of preparing whisked powdered tea, the Gong Fu ceremony is less ceremony and more a simple method of skillful preparation, hence the name (which means something done with skill). Gong Fu tea is not a religious or ritual process, although it can be made to be so; rather, it is a way of making tea that brings out the very best in both the tea leaf itself, and the appreciation of those who enjoy it. Gong Fu tea requires more than simply tea, pot, and water; a range of tools is needed (although far short of the 22 or so in common use during the Song) for optimal preparation, good teapots and high quality tea, and the most important ingredient–time. Gong Fu preparation is a process that allows tea to be enjoyed to its fullest, and is by nat
