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A good starting point is 5–7 grams of Liu Bao per 100–120 ml for gongfu brewing and roughly 3–5 grams per liter for large-pot or boiling methods, but the ideal amount depends heavily on fermentation level, leaf size, compression, and desired strength.

Liu Bao is exceptionally well suited to thermos brewing because its leaves generally tolerate prolonged contact with hot water, and the method can produce a smooth, convenient tea without requiring gongfu equipment.

Liu Bao does not have to be boiled instead of brewed gongfu style, but boiling is one of the best alternative methods for mature or heavily fermented Liu Bao because prolonged extraction can reveal sweetness, body, woody depth, and savory flavors that short gongfu infusions may not emphasize.

The best way to brew Liu Bao depends on its fermentation level, age, compression, and personal taste, but a good starting point is gongfu brewing with boiling or near-boiling water, a moderate amount of leaf, and progressively longer infusions.

Gongfu tea is a method of brewing tea with a relatively high leaf-to-water ratio, small vessels, and multiple short infusions, while a Gongfu tea ceremony is a broader cultural and social practice that may incorporate etiquette, presentation, hospitality, and ritual. The brewing method and the ceremony are related but should not be treated as identical.