Gongfu Cha Hosting Online Course: The Evolution of Gongfu Cha
 
Elevate your passion for tea into a cultivated practice, and learn how to truly master the rituals and art of gongfu cha, under the guidance of Pink Luk. An intimate 5 Lessons online course explores the evolution of the Chinese tea culture across the dynasties, from Tang to Qing.
 
After the success of 6 generations of the course, we are ready to share the same knowledge to international tea lovers for the 7th time. 6 months of research into original texts and insights from tea masters, the curriculum traces tea's fascinating transition from medicinal plant to a high art form, as you learn through time from the Tang to Qing eras. You will learn different brewing techniques to etiquette and manners ans understand the philosophy behind every ceremonial gesture.
 
Before starting the course, you will receive a kit of tea for each dynasty for our practice, and we will brew the tea together like ancient Chinese. Every lesson will be presented in private live meeting on Google Meet. This course is live and not recorded.
 
Lesson 1: Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) - A Turning Point
The foundation of the Chinese tea culture.
Historical context of the Tang Dynasty, early drinking tea habits and brewing methods.
"The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu and its impact on tea culture in the society.
Introduction to the initial forms of gongfu cha.
Brewing experience: Brewing techniques and tea appreciation of this era.
 
Lesson 2: Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) - A Technological Revolution
The era where tea culture flourished into an art form.
The Golden Era: the imperial influence on tea culture and the art of tea whisking.
The evolution of teaware and the invention of porcelain artwork.
Chadao 茶道: the diversity of tea rituals in Song Dynasty, and how tea rituals shape social and individual values.
Brewing experience: Preparing a tea ceremony in the Song style.
 
Lesson 3: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)
The Era of Qing Yin 清飲 Significant transformations in tea culture.
Shifting from powdered to loose leaf tea and its cultural and historial implications.
The development of tea making method and brewing techniques.
The rise of teaware: Jingdezhen porcelain, Yixing clay pots and more.
Brewing experience: Experimenting the early stage of gongfu cha in Ming style.
 
Lesson 4: Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) - The Refinement of Gongfu Cha
The refinement of Gongfu Cha to what we know today.
The advancement of tea production and tea varieties.
How anicent Chinese adopted Gongfu Cha on social customs and etiquette.
In-depth analysis of teaware craftsmanship.
Brewing experience: Final form of tea ceremony in Qing style.
 
Lesson 5: Hosting a Gongfu Cha Ceremony - Bringing Tradition to Modernity
The art of hosting a modern Gongfu Cha ceremony.
The essential elements and principles of a modern Gongfu Cha ceremony.
How to choose the right teaware for the session, understanding materials and craftmanship of modern teaware.
How to continue exploring and growing in the art of Gongfu Cha.
 
 
About the Teacher: Pink Luk
 
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Pink grew up in a traditional Cantonese family where tea was an essential part of daily life. Her passion for Chinese history began in high school and has remained central to her personal and professional journey. Since 2013, she has traveled extensively across China’s key tea regions including Yunnan, Fujian, Guangdong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Taiwan, studying tea cultivation and brewing traditions directly from local masters.
 
In 2024, she was certified as a Senior Tea Art Specialist (高級茶藝師) under China's nationally recognized professional standards. With more than a decade of hands-on experience and an academic foundation in Chinese history, Pink offers a historically informed and culturally sensitive perspective on the evolution of Gongfu Cha. Her teaching approach is designed to bridge cultures—offering foreign tea lovers an accessible, insightful, and engaging perspective on Chinese tea culture without barriers.
 
Pink and Nadi are now based in Xiamen, Fujian, at the heart of Min 閩 tea culture, where they continue to promote authentic Chinese tea through both online and offline experiences.