Autumn has arrived at Lan Su. The osmanthus blossoms are sweet and golden, the maples glow in amber and red, and even the air smells different: cool, crisp, and full of promise. It’s the kind of season that whispers, slow down… breathe deeply… take another sip. And really, what better way to savor the moment than with a cup of Gong Fu tea?
When people hear Gong Fu, their minds often jump to martial arts, but here there are no flying kicks involved. In the world of tea, gong fu (功夫) means “skill through effort.” It’s not about combat, but about care: The art of brewing tea with patience, focus, and heart. Every pour is a gentle reminder to be fully present.
This tradition blossomed in southern China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, taking root in Fujian and Guangdong before finding a beloved home in Taiwan. There, it became an everyday ritual of connection with tiny teapots, miniature cups, and movements so deliberate they feel like choreography. Brewing becomes a dance of precision and mindfulness.
At the heart of the Gong Fu tea set is the Gaiwan, a graceful trio of cup, lid, and saucer symbolizing 天地人 (heaven, earth, and humankind). A skilled brewer uses the Gaiwan to reveal layers of aroma and flavor, guiding the tea to bloom like a flower in warm water. At Lan Su’s Yun Shui Teahouse, our Gaiwan Gong Fu tea sets invite visitors to experience this timeless ritual firsthand. Perfect for oolong or black teas (or as we say in Chinese, hong cha, 紅茶 “red tea”), it is as comforting as it is captivating, especially in this season.
A Gaiwan from our Yun Shui Teahouse
For me, Gong Fu tea stirs warm memories. I grew up in the southern part of Taipei, just miles from some of the world’s finest Oolong tea farms. After-dinner tea wasn’t a luxury; it was simply a way of life. I can still picture my friend’s father ending the evening with a round of steaming tea, laughter, and the kind of stories that grew sweeter with each pour.
Gong Fu Tea Table at the 380-year-old Ruiquan Tea Company, Wuyishan
Years later, visiting Wuyishan (武夷山), Fujian Province’s legendary tea country just across the Taiwan Strait, I found everything felt very much like home. Tea is infused in everyday life. I see Gong Fu tea tables everywhere—in homes, shops, and even small offices. Once a scholar’s quiet pastime, Gong Fu tea has become a way to connect, share stories, and celebrate life’s simple joys. That is what I imagine teas should be!
I also got to see a demo of the “ball-rolling technique” of oolong in Wuyishan.
(Fun fact: Fujian Province and Oregon are sister states, and Wuyishan National Park is Crater Lake National Park’s sister park!)
To make sure you have a tea-filled autumn, we are hosting a new sensory activity, “What’s the Tea?” at Lan Su every Sunday in October. Get ready to touch, smell, and observe different seasonal teas, then take on the challenge of guessing the mysterious brews in front of you. If you are lucky, you might also sample something new from our Yun Shui Teahouse.
Autumn Tea Tasting with Eric is now available for booking!
If you are looking for something more exclusive, join our tea master-in-residence, Eric, for a session of Autumn Tea Tastings (available on Saturdays and Sundays) and discover the art of Gong Fu brewing for yourself. You will enjoy tea stories, brewing artistry, and the comforting rhythm of slowing down.
Here’s a toast of tea to the season. Cheers to slowing down, one sip at a time.
Venus Sun
Vice President of Culture & Community
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Leave a Reply