Objective:

Through explanations, demonstrations, and interactive experiences, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of Chinese tea culture. They will learn how to classify teas, master preparation techniques, and practice tea etiquette—experiencing the true spirit of the tea ceremony.

1. Opening the Event

• Introduction by the Moderator:
  Welcome participants and introduce the topic, structure, and goals of the workshop.

• Overview of Tea Culture:
  Brief history and development of Chinese tea culture, highlighting its significance in Chinese society, philosophy, and art.

• Interactive Warm-Up Activity

2. Introduction to Tea Cultivation Techniques

• Types and Characteristics of Tea:
  Using real leaves or images to explore the fundamental traits and representative teas of:

  • Green tea
  • Black tea
  • Oolong tea
  • White tea
  • Yellow tea

• Tea Utensils and Preparation Methods:
  Overview of the different tools and their uses, including Gaiwan (lidded cup), Yixing teapots (Zisha), and glass teacups.

  • Choosing the right water temperature, tea quantity, and steeping time.

• Tea Etiquette:
  Introduction to tea table preparation and etiquette in serving tea.

• Interactive Demonstration:
  How to properly receive and taste tea.

3. Demonstration of the Tea Ceremony

• Live Tea Preparation by the Tea Master (suggested: Oolong or Green Tea)

• Steps of the Ceremony:
  Warming cups, rinsing tea leaves, brewing, pouring, and serving.

• Explanation of Each Step:
  Understanding the meaning and purpose behind each action.

• Interactive Experience:

  • How to smell the tea aroma, observe the infusion, and taste the tea.
  • ​​​​​​​Participants are encouraged to try preparing tea themselves.

4. Interactive Experience: Tea Tasting & Sharing

• Tea Set Distribution:
  Participants receive tea sets and are guided to brew their own tea.

• Pair Practice:
  In pairs, participants attempt to prepare their favorite tea using Gaiwan or glass teacups.

• Instructor Support:
  The workshop leader observes and offers feedback to improve brewing technique.

• Tasting & Discussion:
  Participants taste their tea and share experiences with others.

• Introduction to the "Four Observations" of Tea Tasting:

  • Color
  • Aroma
  • Flavor
  • ​​​​​​​Aftertaste

• Poems and Stories About Tea Culture

5. Fun Cultural Interaction

• Tea Culture Quiz

• Etiquette Practice in Pairs:
  Participants practice the proper gestures for offering and receiving tea.

• Gesture and Etiquette Training:
  Learn the symbolic movements and manners used in a traditional tea ceremony.

6. Q&A and Conclusion

• Open floor for questions and reflections.

• Summary of key learnings and final remarks.