Longjing Tea: China’s Legendary Green Treasure

Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of the most celebrated and prestigious green teas in China and around the world. Grown in the scenic hills surrounding West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Longjing tea is famed for its flat, smooth leaves, delicate aroma, mellow flavor, and rich cultural heritage. More than just a beverage, it is a symbol of elegance, status, and centuries-old tea artistry.

Origins and Historical Significance

Longjing tea has a history that spans over 1,200 years. According to historical records, it became prominent during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and reached royal status during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD). The name “Longjing,” which translates to “Dragon Well,” originates from the Longjing village near West Lake, where a famous well was said to be inhabited by a dragon spirit. The area’s rich limestone soil, misty climate, and pristine water from the Hu Pao (“Tiger Run”) spring created ideal conditions for growing tea.

Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty is perhaps the most legendary figure associated with Longjing tea. During his southern tours, he visited the tea gardens of West Lake and was so impressed by the tea’s flavor and quality that he designated 18 tea bushes near the Hu Gong Temple as imperial property. Today, these trees are known as the “18 Imperial Tea Trees,” and tea harvested from them is considered priceless.

Geographic Origin and Terroir

Authentic Longjing tea can only come from specific areas in Zhejiang Province, particularly around West Lake. The Chinese government classifies Longjing into four main protected production zones:

1. Shifeng (Lion Peak) – Considered the top-tier origin. Teas from here are known for their strong aroma, high sweetness, and deep chestnut flavor.
2. Meijiawu – A well-known tea village producing delicate and fragrant Longjing with excellent balance.
3. Wengjiashan – Produces high-quality Longjing tea with a fresh, smooth profile.
4. Yunqi and Hupao – These areas offer slightly more affordable Longjing with good quality.

The terroir—comprising soil composition, altitude, rainfall, and temperature—gives Longjing tea its unique flavor profile. The best tea grows at elevations between 500 and 1,200 meters, where frequent mists provide natural shading and moisture, slowing leaf growth and enriching flavor.

Distinctive Characteristics of Longjing Tea

What makes Longjing tea unique and highly valued are its physical, aromatic, and flavor characteristics:

• Appearance: Flat, sword-shaped leaves with a yellow-green color and a slight sheen. This is a result of the pan-frying technique used during processing.
• Aroma: Fresh, floral, and chestnut-like fragrance with a lingering sweetness.
• Taste: Smooth, mellow, and sweet with a delicate vegetal note. High-end Longjing tea leaves no bitterness or astringency.
• Liquor: Pale jade to golden yellow, clear and bright.

The balance of fragrance, taste, and visual beauty defines Longjing’s high status in the world of tea.

Cultivars Used in Longjing Tea

Several tea cultivars are used to produce Longjing, each with slight variations in flavor and leaf shape:

1. Longjing #43 – A modern, early-sprouting cultivar widely used in commercial production for its high yield and stable quality.
2. Qunti Zhong (Local varietal) – The traditional heirloom variety considered the most authentic. It offers richer aroma and complex flavors but is lower in yield.
3. Wuniuzao – Known for its strong chestnut aroma and early harvest, though less commonly used for top-tier tea.

The finest Longjing teas come from Qunti Zhong, often harvested during the early spring (before the Qingming Festival), when the buds are tender and full of natural sweetness.

The Art of Longjing Tea Processing

Processing Longjing tea is an art passed down through generations. It requires skill, experience, and sensitivity to timing and temperature. The entire process includes several critical steps:

1. Plucking: High-grade Longjing is hand-harvested during early spring, focusing on a single bud with one or two young leaves.
2. Withering: The freshly picked leaves are spread out to reduce moisture and prepare for pan-frying.
3. Fixation (Shaqing): Leaves are pan-fired in a wok to deactivate enzymes and stop oxidation. This gives Longjing its green character and kills grassy odors.
4. Shaping and Drying: While still in the pan, the tea master presses and smooths the leaves into their iconic flat shape using hand techniques. This step is repeated several times under controlled heat, developing the tea’s signature aroma and flavor.

The whole process takes precision. A misstep in temperature or timing can result in burned leaves or loss of fragrance. For premium teas, this process is entirely done by hand, reflecting both artistry and labor.

Grades and Quality Levels

Longjing tea is classified by various grading systems, typically based on the picking time, leaf shape, tenderness, aroma, and origin. Common grades include:

• Mingqian Longjing: Harvested before the Qingming Festival (April 4–6). Known for the finest buds, delicate flavor, and highest price.
• Yu Qian Longjing: Picked between Qingming and Guyu (April 20). Still high-quality but slightly more robust in flavor.
• Pre-rain and Post-rain: Later harvests with stronger taste but less delicacy.

Commercial producers also grade teas into categories such as Special Grade, Grade 1, Grade 2, and so on. Authentic West Lake Longjing, especially from Shifeng, commands premium prices.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

To appreciate Longjing tea fully, it must be brewed with care and attention. Brewing too hot or for too long can destroy its subtle flavors.

Brewing Guidelines:

• Water Temperature: 75°C to 85°C (167°F to 185°F). Avoid boiling water.
• Tea Quantity: 2-3 grams per 150 ml of water.
• Steeping Time: 1 to 2 minutes for the first infusion; shorter for subsequent ones.
• Vessel: Glass or porcelain cup preferred for visual appreciation of leaf unfurling.

Many tea enthusiasts prefer to use the “glass brewing” method—placing the dry leaves in a tall glass and pouring in hot water without a lid. This allows the leaves to float and then sink gradually, a visual experience known as “Phoenix dancing.”

High-grade Longjing tea can be brewed for 3–4 infusions, with the flavor evolving subtly with each round.

Health Benefits of Longjing Tea

As a type of green tea, Longjing offers numerous health benefits, many of which are supported by modern scientific research:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: High levels of catechins, especially EGCG, help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
2. Promotes Heart Health: Regular consumption may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Enhances Mental Alertness: Contains moderate caffeine and L-theanine, promoting focused calmness without the jitters.
4. Supports Weight Management: Boosts metabolism and fat oxidation, making it a natural aid for weight control.
5. Protects Liver and Brain Function: Green tea compounds may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and support liver detoxification.
6. Improves Oral Health: Antibacterial properties help reduce plaque and freshen breath.
7. Regulates Blood Sugar: May help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

These benefits make Longjing not only a flavorful drink but also a wise daily health choice.

Longjing Tea in Chinese Culture

In Chinese culture, Longjing tea is more than a daily beverage—it is a symbol of refinement, respect, and tradition. It is served to guests as a gesture of honor and is often gifted during festivals and business exchanges.

Tea scholars and poets throughout Chinese history have praised Longjing in verses and essays, elevating it to a spiritual and intellectual status. Even today, tea enthusiasts consider drinking Longjing a meditative experience—a moment of serenity and aesthetic pleasure.

In Chinese tea ceremonies, Longjing represents the pinnacle of green tea appreciation. Unlike complex Gongfu ceremonies, Longjing is often enjoyed in simple but elegant settings that emphasize its clarity, fragrance, and elegance.

Challenges Facing Longjing Tea Today

Despite its prestige, Longjing tea faces modern challenges:

• Counterfeiting and Mislabeling: Because of its fame and high price, many teas labeled as “Longjing” are grown outside West Lake or use different cultivars. These imitations often lack the true flavor and character.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affect the harvest timing and quality.
• Labor Shortages: Traditional hand-processing methods are labor-intensive, and fewer young people are entering the tea industry.
• Commercialization: Some producers focus on yield over quality, leading to lower standards in mass-market Longjing.

To preserve Longjing’s legacy, efforts are being made to promote authenticity through geographical indications (GI) and strict quality control measures.

Buying Authentic Longjing Tea

When purchasing Longjing tea, discerning buyers should look for the following:

• Origin: Genuine West Lake Longjing should specify production zones such as Shifeng or Meijiawu.
• Harvest Date: Mingqian teas are the most prized and should come with clear labeling.
• Leaf Appearance: Flat, uniform, jade-green leaves with a slight sheen.
• Smell: Fresh, toasty, and vegetal aroma, not grassy or sour.
• Taste: Sweet, smooth, and mellow with no bitterness.

Reputable sources often provide origin certification, harvest information, and cultivar details. Buying directly from trusted producers or specialized tea shops is recommended.

The Legacy of Longjing Tea

Longjing tea represents the best of Chinese tea culture: a fusion of craftsmanship, natural beauty, health benefits, and historical prestige. Whether sipped in a quiet moment of solitude or shared with friends, Longjing offers an experience that transcends taste—it connects drinkers with centuries of tradition and the essence of Chinese artistry.

From emperors to everyday tea lovers, Longjing continues to enchant and inspire. Its delicate leaves, carefully hand-shaped and infused with centuries of wisdom, make every cup a tribute to the enduring legacy of Chinese tea.