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Yixing teapots, also known as zisha teapots, are prized by tea lovers for their porous clay, which enhances the flavour of tea over time. With centuries of history, these handcrafted teapots come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique shape and function. Whether you’re brewing Pu’er tea (Pu’er cha), oolong tea, or even certain black teas, choosing the right Yixing teapot can elevate your tea experience.
In this guide, I’ll introduce six of the most popular Yixing teapot styles, explaining what makes each one special and which tea it’s best suited for.
What Makes Yixing Teapots Special?
Before we dive into the teapot styles, let’s quickly cover why Yixing teapots are the go-to choice for many serious tea drinkers:
- Made from Zisha Clay: This unglazed, porous clay absorbs the tea’s flavours over time, making each brew richer.
- Enhances Tea Aroma: The more you use a zisha teapot, the better it becomes at bringing out complex tea notes.
- Designed for Specific Teas: Different shapes control heat retention and water flow, affecting how tea is extracted.
Now, let’s look at six of the most popular Yixing teapot styles and how to use them.
1. Xishi Teapot (西施壶) – The Classic Round Beauty
How It Looks
Named after Xishi, one of China’s Four Great Beauties, this teapot has a smooth, round shape, resembling a water chestnut. The short spout and well-fitted lid create a seamless, elegant look.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Oolong tea (Anxi Tieguanyin, Wuyi Rock Tea)
✔ Pu’er tea (both Sheng and Shou)
✔ Black tea (Qimen Hong Cha)
The rounded body allows water to flow smoothly, making it ideal for aromatic teas like oolongs and black teas that need even heat distribution.
2. Dragon Egg Teapot (龙蛋壶) – A Symbol of Strength
How It Looks
With its oval, egg-like shape, the Dragon Egg teapot has a low centre of gravity, making it incredibly stable. The balanced spout ensures precise pouring.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Pu’er tea (Shou Pu’er, aged Sheng Pu’er)
✔ Dark roasted oolong tea
Since Pu’er tea requires longer steeping and multiple infusions, the Dragon Egg’s thick clay walls retain heat well, helping to extract deep, earthy flavours.
3. Wendan Teapot (文旦壶) – The Scholar’s Choice
How It Looks
This pear-shaped teapot is inspired by the pomelo fruit (Wendan), with a curved spout that ensures a smooth pour.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Oolong tea (Tieguanyin)
The slightly taller body makes it a great choice for lighter, fragrant teas, allowing them to unfurl gradually while maintaining their delicate aromas.
4. Fanggu Teapot (仿古壶) – A Tribute to Tradition
How It Looks
This teapot follows an ancient, minimalist design, with a cylindrical body, an arched handle, and a slightly outward-curved spout.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Aged Pu’er tea
✔ Dark-roasted Wuyi Rock Tea
The thick clay walls help retain heat, which is perfect for aged teas that require higher temperatures to release complex flavours.
5. Pear-Shaped Teapot (梨形壶) – Simple and Elegant
How It Looks
A slender, pear-like body with a smooth, curved spout, giving it a natural and harmonious look.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Oolong tea
✔ Pu’er tea
This versatile teapot works well for mid-roast oolongs and Pu’er cha, keeping the flavour well-balanced without overheating the leaves.
6. De Zhong Teapot (得钟壶) – The Perfect Balance
How It Looks
Shaped like an ancient Chinese bronze bell, the De Zhong teapot has a wide, straight body with a slightly domed lid.
Best Teas to Brew
✔ Wuyi Rock Tea
✔ Sheng Pu’er (Raw Pu’er tea)
The straight walls of the teapot allow tea leaves to expand fully, releasing more floral and mineral-rich notes—perfect for complex oolong and Pu’er teas.
Which Yixing Teapot Should You Choose?
Choosing the right Yixing teapot depends on what type of tea you drink the most. If you love Pu’er cha, opt for a teapot with thicker clay to retain heat. If you prefer light oolongs, go for a teapot with a slimmer body to enhance fragrance.
As a tea sommelier, I’ve found that seasoning a Yixing teapot over time makes a noticeable difference. A Yixing teapot isn’t just a brewing tool—it’s an investment. The more you use it, the better it gets, deepening the flavours of your favourite tea.