Longjing Tea Village

Longjing Tea Village: The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Visitors

In the gentle hills southwest of West Lake, rows of meticulously tended tea bushes cascade down terraced slopes in every shade of green imaginable. This is Longjing Village — the birthplace and spiritual home of Dragon Well tea, widely considered the finest green tea in China and one of the most prized teas in the world. For centuries, emperors sent officials here to oversee the annual harvest. Today, visitors can walk through the same tea gardens, watch leaves being hand-roasted in iron woks by master craftsmen, and drink tea so fresh it was picked that morning — an experience that transforms your understanding of what tea can be.

Overview and Why Visit

Longjing (Dragon Well) Village sits in a valley about 5 kilometers southwest of West Lake, at the heart of the Longjing tea-growing region. The village and its surrounding hillsides produce some of the most expensive and celebrated tea in China — authentic Longjing tea from this specific area can sell for thousands of yuan per kilogram. The combination of unique microclimate, mineral-rich soil, and centuries of refined cultivation technique produces a tea with a distinctive flat leaf shape, jade-green color, chestnut-like aroma, and a sweet, mellow flavor utterly unlike any green tea you have tasted elsewhere.

For foreign visitors, Longjing Village offers a rare immersion into Chinese tea culture — not the staged tea ceremony of a tourist shop, but the living, working world of tea production. The village is surrounded by terraced tea gardens that are beautiful in their own right, especially during the spring picking season (late March to early May) when the hillsides come alive with pickers in wide straw hats moving through the bright green rows. Several tea houses in the village offer tastings, and some families welcome visitors into their homes for informal tea sessions.

The area is also a superb hiking and walking destination, with trails connecting the tea gardens to West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the surrounding forested hills.

A Brief History

Tea cultivation in the Longjing area dates back over 1,000 years to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The first written reference to Longjing tea appears in texts from the Song Dynasty, when the tea from this area was already recognized as exceptional. The name "Dragon Well" comes from a spring in the village that, according to legend, was home to a dragon who controlled the local rainfall — essential for the tea crops.

Longjing tea achieved its legendary status during the Qing Dynasty, largely due to the endorsement of the Qianlong Emperor (reigned 1735-1796), one of China's most famous rulers. The emperor visited Longjing Village multiple times and was so impressed that he designated 18 tea bushes near the Hugong Temple as "Imperial Tea Trees." These 18 bushes — still alive and still producing tea — became the most famous tea plants in China. Tea from these specific bushes was reserved exclusively for the emperor. The trees are now a protected cultural monument, and the tea they produce is priceless (it is reportedly auctioned for tens of thousands of yuan per gram at charity events).

In 2001, China designated the West Lake Longjing tea production area as a protected geographical indication, similar to the Champagne designation in France. Only tea grown within the defined area around West Lake can legally be called "West Lake Longjing." The designation recognizes five core production zones: Lion Peak (Shi Feng), Dragon Well (Longjing), Five Cloud Mountain (Wuyun Shan), Tiger Running (Hupao), and Meijiawu.

What to See and Do

Longjing Village Tea Gardens

The tea terraces surrounding the village are beautiful year-round but most spectacular in spring. Walking through the gardens — neatly trimmed rows of tea bushes following the contours of the hillsides, interspersed with shady trees and stone paths — is a serene experience. The gardens are freely accessible; wander at will. During the spring harvest (late March through April), you can watch tea pickers at work, selectively plucking only the youngest buds and top leaves. Each picker carries a bamboo basket on their back and moves through the rows with practiced efficiency.

Tea Tasting and Purchase

Numerous tea houses and family homes in the village offer tastings. The typical experience involves sitting at a low table while a host brews multiple infusions of Longjing tea in a glass cup (traditional method — the flat leaves unfurl beautifully in clear glass). You will taste the difference between early-spring "pre-Qingming" tea (picked before April 5, the highest grade) and later harvests. Expect to pay CNY 50-100 for a tasting session. If you wish to purchase tea, prices range from CNY 200-500 per 100 grams for decent quality, to CNY 1,000+ per 100 grams for premium early-spring tea. Be cautious — counterfeit Longjing is widespread, so buy only from reputable village families or certified shops.

The 18 Imperial Tea Trees

Near the Hugong Temple at the edge of the village, the 18 tea bushes designated by the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century are fenced off and clearly marked. They are surprisingly modest in appearance — just ordinary-looking bushes. But they are alive, still producing leaves, and represent a direct living connection to imperial China. A nearby stone inscription tells the story. This is a brief stop (10 minutes) but historically significant.

Dragon Well Spring

The actual Dragon Well (Longjing Quan) is a natural spring located near the village center. The spring water has an unusual property — when you stir the surface, the denser spring water and the lighter surface water create a visible boundary line that takes several seconds to dissipate, appearing to "writhe" like a dragon. This phenomenon, caused by differing mineral concentrations, is what gave rise to the dragon legend. The spring is freely accessible and fun to demonstrate for yourself.

China National Tea Museum

Located between Longjing Village and West Lake, this museum is China's only national-level museum dedicated to tea. It covers the complete history of Chinese tea culture, from its origins 5,000 years ago through modern production. The museum is well-designed with English signage, interactive displays, and a tea-tasting room. Free entry. Allow 1-1.5 hours. See our separate guide for details.

Hiking Trails

The hills around Longjing are crossed by excellent hiking trails that connect to West Lake's western shore, Lingyin Temple, and other scenic areas. The most popular route follows a path from the village through tea gardens and bamboo forest to Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies (Jiuxi Shiba Jian), a beautiful streamside walk that emerges at the Qiantang River. The full hike takes 2-3 hours and is one of the finest walks in Hangzhou — gentle terrain, constant shade, and no tourist crowds.

Practical Information for Foreign Tourists

Getting There

By bus: Bus route 27 runs from the north shore of West Lake (Yue Fei Temple area) to Longjing Village (about 30 minutes). The Y3 tourist line also connects West Lake to the Longjing area.

By taxi: From the West Lake area, about CNY 25-35 (15 minutes). Show the driver: 龙井村 (Longjing Cun).

On foot: A beautiful 45-60 minute walk from the west shore of West Lake through the hills. The path passes Yanggong Causeway, through forest, and up into the tea gardens. This is the recommended approach if the weather is good — the scenery is stunning.

Best Time to Visit

Late March to mid-April: The spring tea-picking season. The gardens are at their most active and most beautiful, with bright green new growth on every bush. Tea picked before the Qingming Festival (April 4-5) is considered the highest grade. This is the best time to see the full tea production process.

April to May: Still excellent. The gardens are lush, the weather is warm, and tea production continues (though post-Qingming tea is considered slightly less premium).

Autumn (September-November): Beautiful weather for hiking through the gardens. No picking activity, but the terraced gardens are serene and less crowded.

Avoid: Major Chinese holidays when the village is overwhelmed by domestic tourists.

Entry Fees

Longjing Village itself has no entrance fee. The surrounding tea gardens and walking paths are freely accessible. The China National Tea Museum is free. The only costs are optional tea tastings and purchases.

Tea Buying Tips

Buy from established families: Many village homes have been producing tea for generations and sell directly. This is generally more reliable than roadside vendors.

Taste before buying: Any reputable seller will brew a sample. Good Longjing should have a flat, smooth leaf; a fresh, chestnut-like aroma; and a sweet, clean taste with no bitterness.

Check the label: Authentic West Lake Longjing carries a certification label with an anti-counterfeiting code. Tea sold without certification may be Longjing-style tea from other regions (which can still be good, but is not the real thing).

Expect to pay: Genuine West Lake Longjing is not cheap. CNY 200-500 per 100g is reasonable for good quality. If someone offers "premium" Longjing for CNY 50 per 100g, it is almost certainly fake or from a different region.

Food Recommendations

• Longjing Shrimp (Longjing Xia Ren): The signature dish of the area — fresh river shrimp wok-fried with Longjing tea leaves. The tea adds a subtle, herbaceous fragrance to the sweet shrimp. Available at village restaurants. CNY 60-100.
• Tea-leaf eggs (cha ye dan): Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices. A simple, delicious snack available at street stalls in the village. CNY 3-5 each.
• Longjing chicken (Longjing Ji): Chicken steamed or braised with tea leaves. The tea tenderizes the meat and infuses it with aroma. Available at larger village restaurants. CNY 60-80.
• Farm-to-table village meals: Several family restaurants in Longjing Village serve simple meals using locally grown vegetables, bamboo shoots, and mountain herbs. The food is fresh, seasonal, and genuinely delicious. Point at dishes on display and the cook will prepare them. Budget CNY 40-70 per person.
• Meijiawu Tea Village restaurants: The neighboring Meijiawu village (another core Longjing production zone, about 10 minutes by car) has developed a cluster of excellent farm restaurants that are popular with local Hangzhou residents. Less touristy than Longjing Village, with equally good food.

Insider Tips

• The morning mist in the tea gardens is magical. Visit before 8 AM on a spring morning to see the gardens shrouded in mist, with the terraced bushes emerging from the fog. This is also when pickers begin work.
• Do not buy tea from the first person who approaches you. Aggressive sellers near the bus stop and village entrance typically offer lower quality at higher prices. Walk deeper into the village, sit down for a proper tasting, and make an informed decision.
• The Nine Creeks hike is a hidden gem. The trail from Longjing through Jiuxi Shiba Jian (Nine Creeks Eighteen Gullies) is one of the most beautiful walks near Hangzhou. It follows a clear stream through bamboo forest and tea gardens, with almost no tourists. Pack a lunch and make a half-day of it.
• Learn the vocabulary. Key tea terms to know: "Ming Qian" (pre-Qingming, highest grade), "Yu Qian" (pre-Grain Rain, second grade), "Shi Feng" (Lion Peak area, considered the best terroir), and "Yi Ji" (first grade). These terms will help you navigate tea purchases.
• Bring an empty water bottle. Fill it from the Dragon Well spring. The water is clean and is traditionally said to be the ideal water for brewing Longjing tea.
• The village is most authentic in the off-season. Visit in late autumn or winter when tourist numbers drop, and you can have genuine, unhurried conversations with tea-farming families over cups of their finest product.

Best Photography Spots

• Tea garden terraces: The sweeping rows of tea bushes following hillside contours make beautiful geometric compositions. Shoot from an elevated position (the paths above the gardens) for the most striking patterns. Early morning mist adds atmosphere.
• Tea pickers at work (spring only): With permission, photograph the pickers in their straw hats moving through the bright green rows. A telephoto lens allows you to capture candid moments without intrusion. The contrast of the workers' clothing against the green gardens is visually striking.
• The Dragon Well spring: Photograph the surface of the spring while someone stirs it — the visible boundary line between water layers is a unique natural phenomenon worth capturing on video as well as in stills.
• Tea processing: In the village, you may be able to photograph the hand-roasting process — skilled workers pressing and rolling tea leaves in a hot iron wok. The steam, the hand movements, and the backdrop of a traditional kitchen make compelling documentary-style images.
• Nine Creeks trail: The bamboo forest canopy, stream crossings over stepping stones, and dappled light through the forest create endless photographic opportunities. Soft, overcast light works best for the forest sections.
• Village architecture: The traditional whitewashed buildings with dark tile roofs, surrounded by tea gardens and forested hills, are quintessentially Chinese. A wide-angle lens captures the full scene of village nested in landscape.

Longjing Tea Village is not a theme park or a museum — it is a place where one of the world's great agricultural traditions continues to be practiced much as it has been for a thousand years. The tea is world-class, the scenery is sublime, the culture is deep and genuine, and the simple act of sitting in a village garden, drinking fresh-picked tea while watching the morning mist dissolve over the hills, is one of those travel moments that stays with you forever. If you visit only one place outside of West Lake in Hangzhou, make it Longjing.