Tea Host:

1. Keep the tea setting simple

No need for luxury, but it must be clean. Unused utensils should be kept off the table as much as possible. For dry brewing, any waste bowl (water container) that must appear on the table should be placed in a convenient but unobtrusive spot. Cups, utensils, flower arrangements, and other decorations should match the theme. Small decorative items like lid rests should be carefully chosen in color and material, ideally blending with the tea setting or echoing the main brewing vessel. Avoid stealing the spotlight.

2. Clean tea ware

All tea utensils must appear clean and transparent from the outside, with no tea stains, impurities, fingerprints, or other foreign matter adhering to the cups. Many people like to use old items because they carry traces of time, which is certainly acceptable. However, this does not include yellow-brown tea stains on a glass公道杯 (fairness cup), nor unpleasant water stains or tea residue left on the waste bowl,壶承 (tea pedestal), or tea tray. These personal preferences and casual habits should not affect others' senses.

3. Avoid touching the rim of others' cups

In reality, we also see some tea pourers making these mistakes: a. Picking up a cup carelessly, directly touching the rim with their hands; b. Playing with others' personal cups.

These are all unacceptable. Whether picking up a cup, offering tea, or borrowing someone else's personal cup, one should hold the bottom of the cup with one hand and support the lower half of the cup (below the handle or the cup body) with the other hand, keeping fingers away from the rim. If possible, use a tea saucer when serving tea.

4. Let guests choose and appreciate the tea

Before brewing tea for guests, the host should first present some fine teas on a tea tray for guests to select, expressing respect for the guests and allowing them to carefully appreciate the tea's appearance, color, and dry aroma.

5. Taking tea

When transferring tea leaves from the tea canister to the pot or cup, use a bamboo or wooden tea scoop. Do not use your hands. If no scoop is available, tilt the canister over the pot or cup and gently shake it to let the appropriate amount of leaves fall in. This is a sign of hygiene and civility.

6. The significance of counterclockwise movement

When performing circular movements such as pouring water, warming cups, or heating the pot, use both hands in a rotating motion. Generally, use the right hand in a counterclockwise direction, similar to a gesture inviting "come, come, come," which signifies welcome. Conversely, a clockwise motion implies waving away, meaning "go, go, go." If using the left hand, the direction is reversed.

7. The significance of clockwise movement

Usually, the tea host holds the teapot or fairness pitcher with the right hand to pour tea for guests, moving clockwise from left to right. In this way, the spout of the pot or pitcher moves backward as it serves tea. If pouring counterclockwise from right to left, the spout points forward toward the guests like a sharp blade, becoming an aggressive gesture that makes everyone uneasy. Of course, if you are left-handed, you may pour counterclockwise.

8. Serving tea

The principle "pour water from a height, serve tea from a low position" means care must be taken not to spill tea. Ensure each guest receives the same amount of tea, showing fairness and equality without favoritism. When serving tea, place the cups on the right side of the guests.

9. Full tea offends guests

Only fill the cup to seven-tenths full, implying "seven-tenths tea, three-tenths sentiment." As the saying goes, "Full tea offends guests," because a full cup is inconvenient to hold and sip.

10. Finally, pour tea for yourself

By convention, the cup on the far right is the last seat. Pour an appropriate amount of tea, and the host should handle the final pour for each infusion. The host should always pay attention to the changes in each tea infusion, adjusting brewing factors as needed to bring out the best quality.

11. Refilling tea

Once a guest finishes their cup and reaches the "end," the host should promptly refill it. If the guest's cup has tea residue, the host should wash it or replace it with a clean cup. The host should be familiar with the tea's condition; if the tea soup has become watery, it is time to change the tea. Evening tea sessions should not go too late. While enjoying the moment, the host should also know when to conclude the gathering.

12. Tea snacks

In formal settings, it is inappropriate to eat snacks while tasting fine tea, as it is considered disrespectful to the tea. If snacks are offered, avoid strongly flavored candied fruits or dairy sweets; nuts are more suitable. For late-night tea sessions, prepare some snacks.

13. Seating arrangement

To respect the order of seniority, try to seat elders or the chief guest to the far left of the tea brewer. This way, tea is served from left to right in order, ending with the host. If the main guest is placed incorrectly, the serving order will be disrupted and become chaotic.

14. Refilling the kettle

If there are many guests and an assistant is needed to refill the kettle, the host can signal by slightly opening the kettle lid when water is needed, avoiding loudly calling for water, which might embarrass the guests.

15. Placing the teapot

When setting down the teapot, never point the spout at anyone, as this implies asking them to leave quickly.

16. Wiping the teapot

Some tea hosts are very fond of their teapots and may pour water over them, wipe them, handle them, or even care for multiple pots during brewing. Unconsciously, these extra movements can distract guests from the tea. Similarly, tidying the tea table or wiping the furniture during a tea session may signal that the host wants the guests to leave.

Tea Guest:

1. Dress appropriately

Tea’s essence is calm and peaceful, so tea-drinking etiquette requires neat and tidy attire. Women should avoid heavy makeup and revealing clothing; men should avoid bizarre looks, such as long hair or beggar-style outfits. Besides a tidy appearance, guests should behave with dignity and poise.

2. Know the hierarchy of seating

Few people today understand the hierarchy of "guest seats." Although tea ceremony values "the host follows the guest's convenience," when many people drink tea together, this principle should be followed: facing the host, the host's left side is the "seat of honor." Moving clockwise, from honored to less honored, all the way to the host's right side—this rule is invariable regardless of the tea table's shape. The first priority for the seat of honor goes to the elderly, middle-aged, and those older than oneself. Among them, teachers and elders take precedence. If the age difference is small, women are given the seat of honor first.

3. About smoking

Smoking is strictly forbidden during tea drinking. If absolutely necessary, wait until after the fifth infusion and ask the host's permission first. Lighting up a cigarette as soon as you sit down is considered rude!

4. Control your words and actions

Topics of conversation should avoid gossip, speaking ill of others, or excessive excitement such as waving hands or slapping the table. A quiet atmosphere is best to truly taste the essence of the tea.

Whether host or guest, only sip tea slowly and carefully. Avoid drinking in big gulps or making slurping sounds. If tea leaves float on the surface, use the cup lid to brush them aside or gently blow them away. Do not pick leaves out of the cup with your fingers and throw them on the floor, nor eat the tea leaves.