Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony by Riverside
About this Event
China was the first country in the world to discover and cultivate the tea tree, giving rise to a rich and refined Chinese tea culture that has endured for thousands of years.
If you’re searching for a tea ceremony in London, this is a traditional Chinese tea ceremony (gongfu style) in Greenwich - calm, guided, and genuinely educational. In 90 minutes, you’ll taste 3 premium Chinese teas, learn how to taste properly (aroma, texture, aftertaste), and leave with brewing cues you can actually repeat at home. Two traditional pastries per guest are included.
Tea ceremony London - Chinese gongfu vs Japanese matcha
“Tea ceremony” in London can mean a few different things. Japanese tea ceremony is usually matcha-based and highly formalised. A Chinese tea ceremony (gongfu tea) is centred on multiple short infusions of the same leaves, so flavour unfolds gradually - sweetness, florals, roasted notes, and aftertaste can change from round to round.
If you want a tea ceremony in London that’s hands-on, flavour-led, and easy to replicate at home, this Chinese gongfu ceremony is the best fit.
What happens in this Chinese Tea Ceremony
1) A guided tasting journey (3 teas, chosen for contrast)
You’ll taste three premium Chinese teas chosen to show clear differences in style and character - so you learn how to tell teas apart, not just “what it tastes like today”.
2) Gongfu brewing - made practical
Gongfu brewing uses small teaware and repeated short infusions. You’ll learn the simple cues that actually matter: leaf-to-water ratio, temperature, timing, and how to adjust if your tea tastes too bitter, too light, or too flat.
3) Traditional pastry pairing
The tea tasting during the ceremony is accompanied by 2 different traditional Chinese pastries chosen to complement the teas of the session. This adds another dimension to the experience, allowing you to explore how tea and food interact while enjoying a more complete introduction to Chinese tea culture.
Why this is more than a "tea tasting"
A lot of tastings give you one steep and a few notes. A traditional Chinese tea ceremony teaches a method: how the leaves open up across infusions, why flavour changes, and how to brew with intention.
Tea is widely believed to have originated in China and evolved over centuries into a refined cultural practice. By the time of the Tang dynasty, tea culture had become a serious art, later captured in The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing) by Lu Yu - a foundational text on growing, preparing, and appreciating tea.
Who this tea ceremony is for
- Beginners who want a proper introduction (no tea knowledge needed)
- Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a calm cultural experience
- Tea drinkers who want to understand Chinese tea beyond “green vs black”
- Visitors exploring Greenwich and looking for something memorable (and not touristy)
Where it takes place
Amitabha Garden is at 10 Wood Wharf, London SE10 9FL, in Greenwich by the Thames.
Customers say...
“The hostess guided us through the history and relevance of tea within society and the benefits to our health. It was a peaceful and calming experience, well worth it.” - Jess W ★★★★★
“Wonderful and one of a kind experience in tea ceremony. We learned so much from Yiqing, who was nice, welcoming and resourceful about the history and benefits of different Chinese tea. 10/10 would recommend.” - Freejiee Y ★★★★★
“The tea ceremony was 90 minutes, with three different types of tea (our choice what to try) with a great deal of knowledge shared from the owner to us - it was peaceful, insightful and joyful too. Highly recommend, having a curious mind is probably best!” - Lara C. ★★★★★
"We had the tea ceremony, what a lovely experience! The hostess guided us through the history and relevance of tea within society and the benefits to our health. It was a peaceful and calming experience, well worth it" - Jessica W ★★★★★
“Had tea ceremony here a while ago. Learned so much about Chinese tea history, had great fun with my friends tasting tea with Yiqing. Thank you!” - Rachel L ★★★★★
Perfect for tea lovers, cultural explorers, and anyone seeking a meaningful tea experience in London, this ceremony offers a tranquil retreat from city life and a deeper connection to traditional Chinese culture.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 103.63 to GBP 195.72
