Tea in Asia is more than just a drink—it is a ritual, a philosophy, and an art form. Across Japan, China, and Korea, tea ceremonies have been refined over centuries, offering insight into each culture’s heritage and spiritual traditions. These ceremonies blend hospitality and harmony, transforming tea preparation into a meditative experience. Practiced in tea houses, ancient temples, and private gatherings, they invite participants to slow down, be present, and savor the moment.
Tea as an Art Form
Originating in China, tea ceremonies date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when Buddhist monks drank tea to aid meditation. Over time, this practice evolved into a refined tradition that embodies grace, discipline, and artistry. While each culture has developed distinct variations, all share a deep respect for the process.
Every detail matters, from the careful selection of tea leaves and precise brewing techniques to the ideal water temperature and thoughtful arrangement of utensils. Even the way tea is poured carries meaning, blending hospitality with connection and contemplation.
Beyond aesthetics, tea ceremonies serve as cultural bridges between past and present, preserving traditions while strengthening social and personal bonds. These rituals, historically used for meditation, diplomacy, and ceremonial gatherings, continue to shape the cultural identity of East Asia today.
Tea Ceremonies in China
The Chinese tea ceremony, particularly Gongfu Cha, emphasizes balance and harmony, drawing influence from Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Originating in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, it epitomizes meticulous tea preparation. The term gongfu translates to “making tea with skill,” and is most associated with oolong and pu-erh teas, which reveal layers of flavor through careful, repeated infusions.
Small Yixing clay teapots and gaiwans, designed to enhance flavor and aroma, are used for brewing. Typically holding between 70 to 250 milliliters, they allow multiple short infusions, gradually unfurling the tea leaves. Each infusion is carefully timed to appreciate the tea’s evolving taste.
To experience this ceremony firsthand, the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa offers guided sessions with a Tea Guru, where guests can learn about Pu-erh tea and participate in traditional tea brickmaking.
Tea Ceremonies in Japan
The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sado, is built on the principles of harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku). Though tea was introduced to Japan from China in the 9th century, it wasn’t until the 12th century that the ritual developed into a distinctly Japanese tradition, deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism. The most influential figure in its evolution was Sen no Rikyū, a 16th-century tea master whose teachings emphasized simplicity and the spiritual aspects of tea preparation. His philosophy shaped the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
At the heart of chanoyu is the preparation and serving of matcha, a finely powdered green tea. Every step is intentional, from selecting the right chawan (tea bowl) based on the season to using a chasen (bamboo whisk) to create a smooth, frothy mixture. Even the chakin (hemp cloth) used to wipe the bowl carries symbolic meaning, representing purity. Each movement, from measuring the tea to the host’s graceful gestures, is performed with deliberate intent.
The setting is as important as the tea itself. Traditional tatami-matted tea rooms are designed with simplicity in mind, often featuring a tokonoma alcove displaying a hanging scroll or flower arrangement reflecting the season. The entrance to the tea room is intentionally low, requiring guests to bow as they enter, symbolizing humility and the shedding of worldly status.
Today, authentic chanoyu experiences can be found across Japan. Sasayuri-Ann offers a traditional tatami-floored tearoom in a serene setting where guests can take part in this centuries-old ritual.
Korean Tea Ceremonies
The Korean tea ceremony, darye, meaning “etiquette for tea,” values naturalness and ease. Unlike the more structured tea ceremonies of Japan and China, darye is less formal and focuses on harmony. Rooted in both Buddhist and Confucian traditions, it has been part of Korean culture for centuries. Though it faded for a time, modern revivals have renewed appreciation for its meditative qualities.
Darye is performed in hanok houses or temples, with minimalist decor to enhance tranquility. Guests often wear hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, to honor the occasion. The tea is prepared using simple but elegant utensils, including the cha-sabal (tea bowl). The process involves carefully heating water to the correct temperature, rinsing the tea leaves, and steeping them with care so that flavors gradually unfold.
Today, visitors can experience darye at cultural centers and temples such as Geumgangsa Temple in Busan, which offers year-round tea ceremonies and an annual Tea Culture Festival in the spring.
Other Traditional Tea Ceremonies
Taiwan
Taiwan is renowned for its high-quality oolong teas and has cultivated a tea culture emphasizing the appreciation of aroma, flavor, and appearance. Traditional Taiwanese tea ceremonies are often intimate gatherings, sharing similarities with Chinese practices.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, green tea (trà xanh) is the most common variety, often served as a gesture of hospitality. While formal tea ceremonies are less prominent than in neighboring countries, Vietnamese tea culture emphasizes simplicity and the communal experience of sharing tea with family and friends.
Mongolia
Mongolian tea culture features suutei tsai, a traditional beverage made by brewing tea with milk and salt. This unique preparation reflects the nomadic lifestyle and the importance of dairy in the Mongolian diet. Serving suutei tsai is a customary act of hospitality, symbolizing warmth and respect toward guests.