Linglong Journal

In a world where everything moves fast, the simple act of making tea can slow us down.

Among all teaware, the gaiwan stands out as a timeless vessel — elegant, versatile, and deeply rooted in Chinese tea culture.

If you have ever been curious about using a gaiwan but felt intimidated, this guide will show you how easy and rewarding it can be.

What Is a Gaiwan?

A gaiwan (盖碗) is a traditional Chinese lidded bowl, usually made of porcelain or ceramic.
It consists of three parts:

• The bowl – to hold the tea leaves and water

• The lid – to control brewing and aroma

• The saucer – to hold and move the hot bowl safely

Unlike a teapot, a gaiwan gives you more control and allows the full fragrance of the tea to rise.

Why Use a Gaiwan?

• Versatility: You can brew almost any type of loose-leaf tea — green, white, oolong, puerh.

• Clarity: Because the lid is removable, you can see the leaves unfurl and control steeping more precisely.

• Tradition: Brewing with a gaiwan connects you to centuries of tea craftsmanship.

How to Prepare for Brewing

Before you start, you will need:

1. A gaiwan

2. Loose-leaf tea of your choice

3. Fresh water (ideally filtered)

4. A kettle

5. Optional: a fairness pitcher (gongdao bei) and small teacups

Water temperature matters:

• Green/white teas: 80–85°C (176–185°F)

• Oolong: 90–95°C (194–203°F)

• Puerh/black teas: 95–100°C (203–212°F)

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Gaiwan

1. Warm the Gaiwan

Pour hot water into the gaiwan, swirl it around, and discard. This warms the bowl and cleans it.

2. Add Tea Leaves

Add about 5 grams (1–2 teaspoons) of loose leaves. Adjust based on taste.

3. Pour Hot Water

Pour water gently along the side of the gaiwan. This protects the leaves and allows them to open slowly.

4. Cover and Steep

Place the lid on and let it steep:

• First infusion: usually 5–10 seconds for oolong/green

• Later infusions: slightly longer each time

5. Pour the Tea

Tilt the lid slightly to hold back the leaves and pour the tea into a fairness pitcher or directly into cups.
Hold the saucer at the bottom and the lid with your fingers to avoid burning yourself.

6. Enjoy Slowly

Sip, breathe, and notice how the tea changes with each infusion.

Tips for Beginners

• Start with lighter teas (green, white, or floral oolong).

• Don’t overfill the gaiwan; give the leaves space to expand.

• Use short steeps — it’s better to brew multiple times than oversteep once.

• Treat the process as a moment of mindfulness, not just a drink.

Gaiwan Brewing: A Gateway to Mindful Living

Using a gaiwan is simple, but it transforms tea into an experience.
Every motion — from pouring water to lifting the lid — slows you down and brings you into the present moment.

At Linglong Gallery, we believe teaware is more than a tool; it is a bridge between craftsmanship, beauty, and a calm life.
So, next time you make tea, try a gaiwan. One cup at a time, you might discover a new rhythm for your day.

Explore more about Oriental teaware and mindful tea culture at LinglongGallery.com