A Chinese tea set is built for the gongfu way of brewing — small vessels, short steepings, and tea shared over several pours. A typical set includes some or all of:

• A gaiwan or teapot — the brewing vessel.
• Tea cups — small cups for sipping, usually four or six.
• A fairness cup — to even out the brew before pouring.
• A tea strainer — to catch loose leaves.
• A tea tray — to catch water and hold the setup.

Not every set includes all of these — each listing says exactly what's included.

Our Chinese tea sets come in a range of materials, each suited to different teas and tastes:

• Porcelain and ceramic tea sets — neutral, easy to clean, good for any tea. Includes fine Dehua porcelain (Blanc de Chine) and soft jade-green celadon (Qing Ci).
• Kiln-glazed sets — Jun Kiln's bold kiln-transformed colour, and Ru Kiln's milky crackle glaze.
• Yixing zisha clay — unglazed purple clay that seasons over time, best for dark teas.

• For everyday tea — a simple porcelain tea set or gaiwan tea set with a few cups is all you need.
• For gongfu brewing — a full gongfu tea set (or gong fu cha set) with a gaiwan or teapot, fairness cup and tray.
• As a gift — a Chinese tea set gift in a presentation box makes a thoughtful present. Our tea set gift range runs from compact travel sets to full gongfu sets.
• For travel — a travel tea set or portable tea set that packs into a case (Travel Tea Set)
• For one or two people — a compact tea set for one or small gaiwan set with cups suits solo or shared brewing.
• For weddings — a red Chinese wedding tea set with double-happiness for the tea ceremony (Wedding Tea Set)
• For beginners — an easy gaiwan or simple beginner tea set makes gongfu brewing approachable (Starter Kits)

• Gaiwan Tea Sets — the classic lidded gaiwan for gongfu brewing
• Chinese Tea Cups — tea cup sets in porcelain and ceramic
• Gong Fu Teapots — ceramic and porcelain teapots
• Yixing Zisha Teapots — handmade purple clay teapots
• Gong Fu Tea Trays — tea trays for a proper gongfu setup
• Travel Tea Sets — portable tea sets for home or away
• Wedding Tea Sets — red Chinese wedding tea sets with double-happiness

What is a gongfu tea set?

A gongfu tea set (also written gong fu tea set or kung fu tea set) is a set made for gongfu brewing — short steepings and small cups, with multiple pours from the same leaves. It usually includes a gaiwan or teapot, small cups, a fairness cup and often a tray.

What's included in a Chinese tea set?

It varies by set. A full traditional Chinese tea set usually has a brewing vessel (gaiwan or teapot), four to six cups, a fairness cup and sometimes a tray. Each listing lists exactly what's included.

How do I make Chinese tea?

Warm the gaiwan or teapot, add loose leaf tea, pour over hot water and steep briefly — often just 10–30 seconds. Pour into the fairness cup, then into the small cups, and re-steep the same leaves several times. Good tea is only half of it — how you brew matters just as much. Every tea is a little different, so each of our loose leaf tea pages includes a brewing guide with the right water temperature and steeping times to get the best from it.

How do I use a gaiwan?

Add tea, pour in hot water, rest the lid slightly ajar and pour off the brew through the gap. The wide rim keeps the leaves back. It takes a little practice, but it's the most versatile way to brew Chinese tea.

What's the difference between a gaiwan and a teapot?

A gaiwan cools quickly and brews delicate teas well — green, white, yellow and oolong. A teapot holds heat longer and suits darker teas like black tea and pu-erh. Many tea drinkers keep both.

Which Chinese tea set is best for a gift?

A Chinese tea set gift in a presentation box works well — celadon and porcelain sets present beautifully, and travel sets make a practical, giftable option. Our tea set gift range covers everything from compact travel sets to full gongfu sets.

Do you ship across Australia?

Yes — all orders are dispatched from Sydney, Australia, with standard and express options at checkout. Orders over $100 ship free.