The luxury of Chinese artisan teas are finally available to western markets. True connoisseurs of premium tea are increasing, and they are turning away from mango, vanilla, and chocolate-mint teas.  Sophisticated tea lovers are selecting teas by region, time of harvest, the level of roasting and even by age.  While the intricate aspects of quality and taste are receiving their due attention, the spirit of Chinese tea culture remains to be discovered.

First developed in China five thousand years ago, tea evolved from a medicinal herb to an indulgence, and ultimately blossomed to a sublime art.  More than an art of taste, the authentic art of tea embodies the traditional spirit and values of Chinese culture.

Confucian themes of ritual, benevolence, and virtue, the Daoist ideals of inner balance and harmony, and the Buddhist aim of purification, have all shaped Chinese values for three thousand years.  The Chinese tea ceremony has cultivated the essence of all three philosophies since their beginnings.

“Appreciating the essence of tea is a spiritual pursuit that leads to tranquility. Only through serenity can the mind reach understanding, humility and openness.”

The authentic Chinese tea ceremony is considered the most sophisticated level of ritual to offer a guest. Performing the tea ceremony, known as Gongfu tea, requires careful selection of tea leaves and equipment, and control over water, temperature and time. Optimum flavours are produced only within marginal variances of quantity and time. Such an exacting art provides a meditative discipline for understanding and practicing Buddhism’s Middle Way (中道) and the Confucian Golden Mean (中庸).

In addition to developing mental focus and mindful balance, the tea ceremony fosters the Confucian aim of social harmony.  This is achieved by serving tea with humility, and interacting with mutual appreciation and respect. Tea rituals provide an opportunity for expressing respect and sincerity, and internalizing the characteristics that lead to generosity, benevolence and gratitude.

The Chinese art of tea is more than just a social experience or an aesthetic ceremony. Appreciating the essence of tea leads to moments of inner serenity that quiets our minds. Achieving such tranquility diminishes the ego and allows the realization of true understanding, openness and connection. As the flavors and aroma of nature permeate our senses we experience a mental and physical union between man and nature.

CHA DAO 茶道

Genuine Chinese tea art is respectfully called Cha Dao, meaning the Way of Tea. Tea is the only gastronomic art to attain the title of Dao (道) in Chinese culture. Dao refers to the source of the universe, the process of change, and the path to achieve harmony, virtue and enlightenment.  When the tea ceremony is understood and practiced to foster harmony in humanity, promote harmony with nature, discipline the mind, quiet the heart, and attain the purity of enlightenment, the art of tea becomes the Way of Tea.  

“The Authentic Chinese tea ceremony is considered the most sophisticated level of ritual to offer a guest.”

Although tea has become the most popular global beverage, the spirit of Chinese tea remains widely overlooked.  The art of tea promotes a healthy and contemplative lifestyle, while cultivating virtues that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. China Flair aims to introduce the full beauty and essence of the authentic Chinese art of tea.