How to Choose the Right Gaiwan, Teapot & Gongfu Set

1. Why teaware matters for Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan

Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan teas look simple:
just citrus peel and Pu-erh leaves.

But they behave very differently from light green teas or tea bags.
They are:

Aromatic and oily – rich citrus oils and Pu-erh compounds
Best with short, repeated infusions – classic gongfu style
Sensitive to heat retention and material – clay, porcelain, and glass change the taste

The right teaware helps you:

control strength and bitterness,
bring out deeper citrus and aged notes,
and avoid “muddy” or flat flavors.

That’s why Pu-erh and aged teas are often brewed in small gaiwans or clay teapots, not big kettles.

2. Gaiwan vs teapot vs mug: which one should you start with?

2.1 Gaiwan – the most versatile choice

For most tea lovers, a gaiwan (lidded cup) is the best starting point for Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan:

Neutral material (usually porcelain) – keeps the true flavor of tea
Easy to control steeping time
Works for almost all tea types

For gongfu style, many tea shops recommend 100–150 ml gaiwans as the most practical size for 1–2 people.

If you’re just starting your Chenpi journey and don’t own any teaware yet,
a simple 100–150 ml porcelain gaiwan + 1–2 cups is already enough.

2.2 Teapots – especially Yixing clay for Pu-erh lovers

A small teapot (especially Yixing clay) is perfect if you:

often drink ripe Pu-erh, Chenpi, and Xiao Qing Gan,
like deeper, rounder flavor,
and don’t mind dedicating the pot to one tea family.

Yixing clay teapots are unglazed and slightly porous,
so they gradually absorb tea oils and aroma,
enhancing future brews.

That’s why many tea drinkers follow the rule:

“One clay teapot, one type of tea.”

For Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan, a 120–180 ml Yixing teapot is ideal for most home sessions.

2.3 Glass mug or teapot – for office and beginners

If you mainly drink tea at work or prefer something very simple,
a heat-resistant glass mug or teapot is still a good match for Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan:

You can see the color and strength of the tea clearly.
Easy to clean and neutral in flavor.
Great for “grandpa style” brewing (leave leaves in, sip slowly).

It won’t give you the full gongfu experience,
but it’s the most convenient setup for daily hydration with a hint of citrus comfort.

3. Best teaware materials for Chenpi & Xiao Qing Gan

Different materials highlight different sides of Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan:

Porcelain (recommended for beginners)
- Neutral, smooth, doesn’t absorb flavor
- Shows the true taste of both citrus peel and Pu-erh
Glass
- Also neutral; lets you enjoy the color of the liquor
- Great for casual brewing and photography
Yixing clay and other unglazed clay
- Excellent heat retention and slow flavor release,
  ideal for ripe Pu-erh and aged teas.
- Best if you mostly drink one style of tea and dedicate the pot to it.

For your first Chenpi setup,
a porcelain gaiwan + cups is still the most flexible option.
Later, you can add a Yixing teapot if you fall in love with ripe Pu-erh and Xiao Qing Gan.

4. A simple gongfu setup for Chenpi & Xiao Qing Gan (step by step)

Here’s a minimal yet complete setup you can build at home:

100–150 ml porcelain gaiwan
1 fairness cup (gong dao bei) – to even out each infusion
2–4 small cups – for sharing or enjoying small sips
Small kettle or electric gooseneck kettle
Tea tray or simple tray – to catch spills

With this, you can:

brew pure Chenpi tea,
Xiao Qing Gan Pu-erh,
or Chenpi + ripe Pu-erh blends

the same way you see in Chinese tea sessions.

5. Office & travel setups for busy tea lovers

You don’t always need a full tea table.
For the office or travel, consider:

Glass mug with infuser
- Add a few pieces of Chenpi or half a Xiao Qing Gan
- Brew with hot water, remove infuser when strong enough
Portable gongfu set
- Small lidded cup + 2 cups + mini pitcher in a zipper case
- Perfect for hotel rooms or small desks
Thermos + Chenpi pieces
- For long days out, you can add a few Chenpi pieces into a thermos
- Refill hot water throughout the day for gentle citrus warmth

This way, Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan can become part of your everyday routine,
not just something you drink on special weekends.

6. Basic care tips for your Chenpi teaware

To keep your teaware in good condition and avoid strange flavors:

Porcelain & glass
- Rinse with warm water after each session.
- Mild, unscented detergent is okay—but rinse very well.
Yixing and unglazed clay
- Avoid detergent (it can be absorbed by the clay).
- Simply rinse with hot water and let it air-dry.
- Try to use one pot for one family of teas (like ripe Pu-erh + Chenpi).
Always dry fully
- Make sure everything is completely dry before storing
  to avoid mold or off-smells.

With a little care, your teaware will accompany your Chenpi journey for many years.

7. Build your own Chenpi tea corner with OUDATEA

Teaware doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
What matters most is that it:

matches your daily routine,
helps you control your brew,
and makes you want to sit down and enjoy a quiet cup.

At OUDATEA, our mission is to bring:

authentic Xinhui Chenpi and Xiao Qing Gan, and
practical, beautiful teaware

to tea lovers around the world.

If you’re ready to upgrade from a random mug
to a small Chenpi tea corner at home,
you can explore our curated teaware here:

🛒 Discover teapots, gaiwans, and cups for Chenpi & Xiao Qing Gan at OUDATEA.COM