Admire delicate Chaoshan teapots at Nanshan Museum

Following meticulous steps to brew tea, savoring its rich aroma, and enjoying sips from a tiny cup are the rituals that define Chaoshan gongfu tea culture, which treats tea as more than just a beverage.

In Chinese, “gongfu” refers to the skill and effort involved in brewing and serving tea, highlighting its sophisticated process and cultural significance. The artistry of Chaoshan gongfu tea is incomplete without teapots. Now, elegant red-clay teapots from Chaozhou can be admired at a Nanshan Museum exhibition.

Red-clay teapots are on display at the Nanshan Museum. Photos by Cao Zhen

Titled "Craftsmanship in Miniature," the exhibition features 101 exquisite contemporary hand-thrown, red-clay teapots from the Chaozhou Museum. With detailed English and Chinese descriptions, the exhibition introduces visitors to the tea-drinking culture of Chaozhou and the craft of red-clay, hand-thrown teapot making, which is recognized as an item of national intangible cultural heritage.

Chaozhou red-clay teapots, which date back to the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), are small, delicate, and notable for their fine texture, smooth surface, and low permeability. These teapots retain the original flavor of the tea and possess excellent heat retention, which keeps the tea fresh for an extended period. They are also highly adaptable to temperature changes, making them ideal for brewing tea. Today, advancements in craftsmanship and aesthetic design have resulted in a variety of creative hand-thrown, red-clay teapots from Chaozhou.

Red-clay teapots are on display.

Originating in the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong Province — an area that covers the cities of Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang — Chaoshan gongfu tea has long been an integral part of life in the region. This unique tea culture dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and has evolved over the centuries. The tradition is so strong that Chaoshan people who move abroad continue to use traditional tea sets to brew and enjoy gongfu tea.

Dates: Through Dec. 22

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Tue.-Fri. and Sundays), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Saturdays)

Entry: free, no reservations required

Venue: Nanshan Museum, Nanshan District (南山区南山博物馆)

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B