Oolong Tea, originating from Fujian, has a history of over a thousand years. Today, I want to discuss brewing Oolong tea: is it better to use a Gaiwan or Purple Clay?

The majority of tea enthusiasts prefer using a Gaiwan for brewing.
In my opinion, the reasons tea enthusiasts like using a Gaiwan for brewing Oolong tea are mainly due to the following:
First, it's a matter of habit. Habits become natural, and if one is accustomed to using a Gaiwan, then it makes sense to use it when brewing Oolong tea.
Second, a Gaiwan preserves the true flavor of the tea. When using a Gaiwan to brew Oolong tea, it neither enhances nor detracts from its flavor, whereas Purple Clay tends to absorb some of the aroma.

Third, it's essential for appreciating the tea. A Gaiwan, being made of porcelain, is suitable for admiring the leaves, observing the color of the tea, and smelling its aroma, which helps in better appreciating the essence of Oolong tea.
Fourth, it's due to the nature of tea ceremony. In my understanding, vessels evolve from complexity to simplicity and back again. The greatest truth lies in simplicity, and the Gaiwan embodies the middle way. It is simple to use and clean, embodying the essence of “simplicity.”
However, many tea enthusiasts also prefer using Purple Clay for brewing.
That said, the truth isn't always held by the majority. Many tea enthusiasts insist on using Purple Clay to brew Oolong tea. Their reasons include:
First, the inherent advantages of Purple Clay. Purple Clay is widely recognized as the best material for brewing tea. It heats up slowly, retains heat well, and has a double-pore structure that allows it to adapt quickly to temperature changes, while also being breathable.
Second, Purple Clay's ability to concentrate aromas. Purple Clay has the effect of enhancing and absorbing off-flavors, helping to retain the aroma of Oolong tea more effectively.

Third, the need for a healthy lifestyle. Purple Clay Teapots contain various trace elements beneficial to human health, providing good health benefits. Long-term use of a Purple Clay teapot for brewing Oolong tea can help with weight loss and overall well-being.
Fourth, the need for nurturing the teapot. Oolong tea infusions can nourish Purple Clay, making it appear smoother and more beautiful over time. Eventually, even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will yield a tea-like flavor.
As the saying goes, “Different strokes for different folks!” Personally, for Oolong teas, Tieguanyin has a great color and aroma, so I would recommend using a Gaiwan. For rock teas, which are not particularly attractive, it's better to use a Purple Clay teapot. As for other Oolong teas, feel free to choose whichever method you prefer.