Question 1

What actually happens during a tea session?

Accepted Answer

It begins with a brief introduction. The master arranges the tea table, warms the teaware, and presents the first tea. You'll be guided through smelling the dry leaf, observing the colour of the liquor, and tasting each steep. The master may explain the tea's origin, processing, and the current steep's character — for instance, how a 2020 *Shēng Pǔ'ěr* from Yìwǔ evolves from a meadow-like freshness in the first infusion to a deeper, woodier sweetness by the fifth. Sessions are conversational but unhurried; there's no rush to finish a cup. You can ask questions at any time, and the master will adapt the pacing to your comfort.

Question 2

How long does a session last?

Accepted Answer

A private ceremony typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. A cupping or pairing consultation may extend to two hours. The master lets the tea guide the rhythm — some leaves open slowly and deserve extra infusions. There's no strict timer; the session ends when the tea has told its story. For corporate workshops, the format might span two to three hours, including a demonstration and a hands-on component for participants. You'll receive an estimated duration at the time of booking.

Question 3

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear what feels comfortable. Many guests choose soft, natural fabrics and avoid strong perfumes or scented lotions — fragrance can interfere with the delicate aromas of the tea. Layers are helpful, as some venues adjust temperature for tea service. If you're seated on floor cushions, loose-fitting trousers or a long skirt give you ease. There is no formal dress code, but we recommend clean, subtle attire to keep the focus on the tea. Avoid noisy jewellery that might clink against porcelain.

Question 4

Should I eat or drink anything before the session?

Accepted Answer

It’s best to arrive with a neutral palate. Avoid coffee, spicy foods, alcohol, or heavily flavoured chewing gum for at least an hour beforehand. A light, bland snack — plain rice crackers or a piece of bread — is fine. If you’re hungry, the master can adjust the tea selection; a mellow shu pu'er like a 2017 *Lín Cāng* (临沧) is gentler on an empty stomach than a young sheng. You’ll be offered tea throughout, so you won’t leave thirsty.

Question 5

May I bring a guest who wasn't on the booking?

Accepted Answer

Please let us know in advance if you'd like to add a guest. The session is designed around the confirmed party size — the master prepares the right amount of teaware and tea leaf. A late addition is sometimes possible with 24 hours' notice, subject to an additional fee. If you arrive with an unexpected guest, the master will do their best to accommodate, but the experience may be slightly compressed. Everyone deserves a full cup, so early notice is appreciated.

Question 6

Can I take photos or record the session?

Accepted Answer

Quiet, discreet photography is welcome — capturing a beautifully poured bowl or a cup backlit by steam is part of the pleasure. We ask that you avoid flash and keep the session’s calm. Video recording or livestreaming is not permitted without prior agreement, to respect the master’s privacy and the intimate nature of the ceremony. If you share photos on social media, tagging tea.services and your master’s profile is a kind gesture, but the experience always comes first.

Question 7

Will I learn about the teas we drink?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The master will introduce each tea by name, region, cultivar, and processing method, often with notes on the farmers or factories behind it. You’ll learn to recognise differences between infusions — for example, how a Fènghuáng Dān Cōng’s honeyed aroma deepens as the water cools. The session is as much an education as a sensory experience. For deeper study, tea.school offers formal courses and tea.community hosts discussions with fellow enthusiasts.

Question 8

I'm completely new to Chinese tea. Is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Every session is tailored to the guest. No prior knowledge is required; many masters say they find it a pleasure to introduce someone to their first gōngfū experience. You’ll leave with a basic understanding of the six tea categories, how to brew with short steeps, and a sense of what you enjoy. Fang Ting often begins with a gentle *Tiě Guān Yīn* — its floral clarity makes a welcoming first encounter — before moving to more complex teas.

Question 9

Can I request a specific master?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you book, you’ll see availability for individual masters. Each profile page details their specialties and regions. Zhou Xiang, for instance, brings deep knowledge of Hunan’s green and yellow teas, while Chen Hui Yi is sought for her yín zhēn ceremonies. If your preferred master isn’t available on your date, we can suggest someone with a complementary approach. Many guests build a relationship with a master over several sessions, exploring different tea families together.

Question 10

What happens if I'm running late?

Accepted Answer

Please inform your master via the contact number provided in your booking confirmation. The session will still end at the scheduled time to honour any subsequent commitments. If you arrive very late, the master will curate a condensed but meaningful experience. We recommend arriving ten minutes early to settle into the space. If you anticipate a significant delay, let us know; in some cases, a gentle rearrangement of the tea order can preserve the best moments.

Question 11

Are sessions wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

We hold sessions at partner venues, private studios, and in your own home. Accessibility varies by location. When booking, please mention any accessibility needs — we’ll confirm that the space is step-free, has a suitable table height, and any other requirements. For home sessions, the master brings all equipment and can adapt the setup to your environment. If you have specific concerns, email us at accessibility@tea.services before you book.

Question 12

Will I take anything home?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the session, you’ll receive a small gesture: perhaps a sample of one of the teas you tasted, a hand-written note from the master, or a sachet of leaves for a single brew at home. This is a keepsake, not a product catalogue. If you’d like to purchase teas encountered during the ceremony, the master can guide you to tea.equipment or recommend puerh.app for sourcing aged pu'er. There’s no obligation to buy.

Question 13

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit confirms your booking. If you cancel with at least 48 hours’ notice before the session start time, you’ll receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the deposit. The balance is due 7 days before the session. If you need to reschedule, we’ll do our best to accommodate a new date with sufficient notice. Refunds are processed within five business days. For corporate bookings, different terms may apply and will be stated in the agreement.

Question 14

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

After selecting a service and a master, you’ll proceed to a secure checkout where a 50% deposit is charged. We accept major credit cards. For corporate bookings, bank transfer can be arranged upon request. The remaining balance is automatically charged 7 days before your session. You’ll receive a receipt by email immediately. If you have any billing questions, our support team is reachable at hello@tea.services.

Question 15

What's the maximum group size?

Accepted Answer

Private ceremonies accommodate up to 8 guests seated around the tea table. For larger groups, our corporate workshop format allows up to 100 participants. In a corporate setting, the master demonstrates the ceremony to the full audience, then small breakout tables practise brewing with guided support. If your group falls between these ranges, contact us to design a custom experience. A private ceremony for 9 would feel cramped, so we encourage the corporate format beyond 8.

Question 16

Can I purchase the teas I tasted?

Accepted Answer

Some teas are available for purchase through tea.equipment, or the master can connect you to trusted suppliers. The session itself is not a sales pitch — you are paying for the experience and the master’s knowledge. The tea is served as part of that experience, and you’re under no obligation to buy. If a particular tea leaves a strong impression, ask the master; they’ll happily share its provenance and where to find it.

ما الذي تتوقعه في جلسة الشاي

تهيئة الأجواء لحفل الشاي

أسئلة شائعة

ما الذي يحدث فعليًا خلال جلسة الشاي؟

كم تستغرق الجلسة؟

ماذا يجب أن أرتدي؟

هل يجب أن آكل أو أشرب شيئًا قبل الجلسة؟

هل يمكنني إحضار ضيف غير مدرج في الحجز؟

هل يمكنني التقاط الصور أو تسجيل الجلسة؟

هل سأتعلم عن أنواع الشاي التي نشربها؟

أنا جديد تمامًا على الشاي الصيني. هل هذا مناسب؟

هل يمكنني طلب خبير معين؟

ماذا يحدث إذا تأخرت؟

هل الجلسات مناسبة للكراسي المتحركة؟

هل سآخذ شيئًا معي إلى المنزل؟

ما سياسة الإلغاء؟

كيف أدفع؟

ما الحد الأقصى لحجم المجموعة؟

هل يمكنني شراء الشاي الذي تذوقته؟

لا تزال لديك أسئلة؟