Longjing Tea Hangzhou Travel Guide: Tea Village & Plantation Experience

Nestled at the foot of the majestic West Lake, Hangzhou is not only a city of scenic beauty and historical importance but also a hub for tea culture. Among the most famous varieties of Chinese tea, Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea) is regarded as a symbol of Hangzhou’s rich tea heritage. A visit to Hangzhou wouldn’t be complete without a journey through its lush Longjing tea plantations and tranquil tea villages, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of tea traditions. This guide will explore the beauty of Longjing tea, its history, and the immersive experiences that await you in Hangzhou’s tea heartlands.

Longjing tea, often referred to as Dragon Well tea, is one of China’s most famous green teas, celebrated for its delicate flavor and rich aroma. Grown primarily in the hills surrounding Hangzhou, the tea leaves are handpicked from a unique tea variety known for its jade-green color, flat appearance, and refreshing taste. The name Longjing (Dragon Well) is derived from a legend where the tea leaves were said to have been watered by a dragon residing in a well, infusing them with an almost mystical essence.

History & Background

Before the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Hangzhou's tea culture was in its early stages. During the Three Kingdoms and Jin Dynasties, the economy and culture along the banks of the Qiantang River gradually developed. The construction of Lingyin Temple promoted Buddhist and Taoist activities, and the scenic spots around West Lake were gradually opened up. As temples and Taoist shrines were established, tea was planted and spread in the region. After the Sui Dynasty opened the Grand Canal, Hangzhou, due to its geographic convenience for both water and land transport, became a prosperous "rich and famous city" in Southeast China. The prosperity of Hangzhou during the Tang Dynasty began to take shape, and tea cultivation became widespread throughout the area.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Longjing tea-growing region had already formed on a preliminary scale. At that time, Xianglin Tea from Xianglin Cave at Tianzhu, Baiyun Tea from Baiyun Peak at Shangtianzhu, and Baoyun Tea from Baoyun Mountain in Gelingshan had already become tribute offerings. During the reign of the Ming Emperor Jiajing, it was recorded that, "Among all the teas in Hangzhou, none can match Longjing, especially the tender buds picked before the rain, which are the most precious."

In the Yuan Dynasty, Longjing tea began to gain a good reputation. The tea lover Yu Ji wrote a famous tea poem called "Visiting Longjing", in which the lines, "Wandering above Longjing, clouds and mist rise like a painting. Brewing the golden buds, I hesitate to swallow the third sip" became widely sung.

During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited Jiangnan six times and Longjing four times. He wrote six imperial poems about Longjing tea and personally sealed "the eighteen royal tea trees," elevating Longjing tea to the highest status.

After the Republic of China era, Longjing tea gradually became regarded as China’s premier tea.

Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea Village & Longjing Tea Plantation Day Tour Shanghai to Hangzhou Day Trip: Dragon Well Tea Plantation and Culture Tour

Dragon Well Tea Plantation

Longjing Village is the most real and original place where produces Dragon Well tea in Hangzhou! You can see the real tea field! It was once visited by Queen Elisabeth and Bill Clinton and other famous Prime Minister and governors.

Dragon well tea Village is located southwest of West Lake scenic area, surrounded by mountains, trending from north to south, and the village resident population of about 800 people. It has nearly 800 acres of high mountain tea garden. In the northwest of the village, there are Beigao Peak, Lion Peak, Tianzhu Peak. They become the natural barrier to resist breeze wind. In the south, there is a streamlet called Nanxi. This creek valley is vary wide, and it straight towards Qiantang River. Southeast wind blow into the valley in spring and summer. So ventilation makes the tea grow well and geography conditions provide a unique advantage.

In this area, the tea booth (Chatan) and small tea house (Chaliao) existed longtime ago. During the Song Dynasty, Chasi and Chafang, where tea was sold, were already ubiquitous. The tea shop industry was further developed in the Ming Dynasty. At the same time, the business of selling big bowls of tea began prosperous in Beijing and was included as a formal industry into 360 industries. During the Qing Dynasty, since the Manchu aristocracy often spent their time in tea houses, they become important activity places for people from all walks of life, such as high officials, merchants and underlings, there. To the Chinese people, tea house, similar to the cafes in western countries, are social places where various kinds of social information are gathered and spread and where customers taste tea and talk about birds, news and daily things. In order to attract customers, stages are built in some tea houses to play tom-tom, Storytelling (Pingshu) and Beijing opera, making these tea houses amusement places. The drama Tea House, written by famous Chinese writer Lao She, revealed vividly the unstable society of the last phase of the Qing Dynasty through describing various kinds of people’s words and behaviors in a tea house. 

What You Can Do In The Tea Viliage?

Tea Picking Experience
Participate in the traditional tea-picking process, where you can pluck fresh Longjing tea leaves directly from the bushes. Learn from local farmers about the best techniques for picking the perfect leaves, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the lush tea fields.

Tea Tasting and Brewing Sessions
Experience a guided tea tasting session, where you can sample different grades of Longjing tea. Learn the art of brewing tea with the correct temperature and timing to extract the best flavor. It's an immersive way to deepen your appreciation for tea culture.

Traditional Tea Ceremonies
Watch or participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where every step from the preparation to the pouring of the tea is done with precision. It’s a wonderful opportunity to understand the cultural importance of tea in Chinese society.

Visit Local Tea Farms and Workshops
Tour local tea farms and workshops where tea production takes place. See the entire process, from the drying of leaves to the unique roasting techniques used to bring out the signature Longjing flavor. You might even have a chance to participate in the production process.

Stroll Through Scenic Tea Plantations
Take a relaxing walk through the beautiful tea plantations, with scenic views of the rolling hills and serene landscapes. This tranquil experience allows you to connect with nature while exploring the area’s tea culture.

Stir-Frying Tea Experience (Chao Cha)
Try your hand at the traditional method of stir-frying Longjing tea leaves, known as "Chao Cha." This hands-on experience will teach you how tea leaves are carefully pan-fried to preserve their flavor and aroma. Under the guidance of experienced tea artisans, you’ll learn the delicate techniques involved in making the perfect batch of tea.

Best Time to Visit Hangzhou's Tea Villages

The best time to visit Hangzhou’s tea villages largely depends on what kind of tea experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the optimal times to visit based on the seasons and tea harvest cycles:

Spring (March to May) – Peak Tea Harvest Season
Best for: Tea Picking and Tasting

Why visit: Spring is the best time to visit Hangzhou’s tea villages, especially from March to May, when the tea trees are in full bloom and the first flush of leaves are picked. This is when Longjing tea (Dragon Well) is at its finest. Freshly harvested tea leaves, delicate in flavor, are perfect for tasting and brewing. Spring also brings vibrant green landscapes, with tea terraces and rolling hills covered in lush greenery.

Highlights:
Participate in tea-picking activities in villages like Longjing and Meijiawu.
Tea-tasting sessions at local tea houses and tea plantations.
Enjoy the tea festivals and learn about the centuries-old tea culture of Hangzhou.

Special note: “Mingqian” tea, the first-picked tea leaves of the season, are considered the most prized and are harvested before Qingming (around early April). Early spring (pre-Qingming) offers the freshest and most aromatic teas.

Summer (June to August) – Scenic Beauty and Peaceful Retreats
Best for: Scenic Views and Relaxation

Why visit: While summer isn’t the best time for harvesting tea, it offers beautiful, lush landscapes and is ideal for those who want to enjoy tea-related experiences without the crowds. The weather is warm and perfect for leisurely walks through the tea fields, especially around West Lake and Longjing.

Highlights:
Tea ceremonies and workshops focusing on tea culture.
Quiet strolls through the picturesque tea plantations surrounded by nature.
Enjoy the cool tea houses and experience the traditional Chinese tea culture.

Special note: Summer teas tend to be more mature and bitter, as they are harvested later in the season. They’re usually more affordable compared to spring teas.

Autumn (September to November) – Great for Scenic Beauty and Less Crowded
Best for: Scenic Views and Photography

Why visit: Autumn is another great time to visit for scenic beauty, with the tea terraces often misted in the morning and the air cooler. While the tea harvest has ended, the weather is still pleasant for outdoor exploration and photography. This is a quieter time compared to spring and summer, making it a peaceful option for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights:
The fall foliage enhances the scenic beauty of tea plantations.
Fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the serenity of the tea villages.
The harvest is over, so it’s a great time to learn about the post-harvest tea production process.

Special note: Autumn is not peak tea season, but you can still find leftover tea leaves or low-cost teas to purchase for a more affordable tea experience.

Winter (December to February) – Quiet and Peaceful Escape
Best for: Peaceful Retreats and Tea Culture Learning

Why visit: Winter is the least popular time for tea picking, but it can offer an entirely different experience. The tea villages are peaceful, with fewer tourists and a serene atmosphere. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in tea culture without distractions, winter is ideal for relaxing and learning.

Highlights:
Tea museums and tea workshops focused on the cultural aspects of tea.
A peaceful experience with fewer tourists, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Beautiful winter landscapes around the tea villages and West Lake.

Special note: While you won’t be able to pick fresh tea, you can experience winter tea-making traditions and learn about how tea is stored and prepared for the next harvest.

What Makes Longjing Tea Unique?

Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, stands out for its distinctive flavor, hand-picking tradition, and deep cultural significance. Here’s what makes it unique:

Ideal Growing Conditions
Grown in Hangzhou’s fertile hills, Longjing tea thrives in cool, misty climates, creating a fresh, delicate flavor.

Hand-Picking Tradition
Only the youngest, most tender leaves are picked by hand during early spring, ensuring top-quality tea.

Stir-Frying Process
After picking, the leaves are wok-roasted to stop oxidation, preserving their green taste and bringing out chestnut-like flavors.

Flat, Needle-Like Shape
Longjing’s flat, elongated leaves are unique to this tea, enhancing the brewing experience and flavor release.

Fresh, Fragrant Flavor
Known for its floral aroma and sweet aftertaste, Longjing tea is smooth, refreshing, and well-balanced.

High-Quality Grading
Tea is graded by quality, with the highest grades coming from the first flush of young buds, known for their complex aromas.

Cultural Significance
With over a thousand years of history, Longjing has earned a revered place in Chinese tea culture.

Health Benefits
Packed with antioxidants, Longjing boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and offers calming effects.

Seasonal Harvesting
The best Longjing tea is harvested in early spring, ensuring its freshness and delicate flavor.

Global Recognition
Longjing is regarded as one of China’s finest teas, often gifted to officials and recognized in international tea competitions.

How to Make Longjing Tea?

Brewing Longjing tea properly enhances its delicate flavors and aromatic profile. Follow these steps to make the perfect cup:

Use the Right Water
Water quality is crucial. Use fresh, filtered water or spring water to avoid any off-tastes from tap water.
The ideal temperature for Longjing tea is 80–85°C (175–185°F), just below boiling point. Boiling water can make the tea bitter.

Measure the Tea
Use about 3-5 grams of Longjing tea leaves for a 180 ml (6 oz) cup. Adjust based on personal preference for strength.

Rinse the Leaves (Optional)
Rinse the leaves with a small amount of hot water (about 5-10 seconds) to remove any dust and awaken the tea’s aroma. Discard this water.

Brew the Tea
Pour the hot water over the tea leaves, just enough to cover them. This ensures the leaves open up and release their flavor.
Steep for 1–2 minutes for the first infusion. Don’t steep too long to avoid bitterness.

Pour and Enjoy
Pour the tea into a glass or ceramic cup, ideally transparent to admire the color of the brew.
Longjing tea is known for its light green color and floral fragrance.

Rebrew the Leaves
Longjing tea can be brewed multiple times, typically 3-4 times. Each subsequent infusion will bring out different layers of flavor.
Adjust the brewing time slightly for each new steep (add 30 seconds for each infusion).

Tips for Perfect Longjing Tea:
Tea-to-water ratio: Keep the ratio of tea leaves to water consistent for balanced flavor.
Water temperature: Avoid water that is too hot, as it can make the tea bitter.
Steeping time: Experiment with steeping times based on your taste preference, but don’t let it brew too long.

Enjoy your Longjing tea with a light, sweet taste and a refreshing finish!

Varieties(Types of Longjing Tea Based on Harvest Time)

Mingqian Longjing (Pre-Qingming Longjing)
Harvest Time: Before the Qingming Festival (late March to early April)
Characteristics: Mingqian tea is the earliest harvest of the spring, with tender leaves and the highest quality.
Key Features: It has a delicate fragrance, a clear tea liquor, a fresh taste, a strong sweet aftertaste, and a slight chestnut aroma.

Yuqian Longjing (Post-Qingming Longjing)
Harvest Time: After the Qingming Festival and before the Grain Rain (mid-April)
Characteristics: Yuqian tea is harvested slightly later than Mingqian tea. Although the leaves are not as tender, the quality is still high.
Key Features: It has a fragrant taste, a relatively refreshing flavor, but with a slightly weaker aroma. It’s suitable for general drinking.

Guyu Longjing (Grain Rain Longjing)
Harvest Time: During the Grain Rain period (late April to early May)
Characteristics: Guyu tea is the last harvest of the spring, with more mature leaves, resulting in a stronger flavor and more intense aroma.
Key Features: It has a rich taste, intense aroma, and is more bitter, making it ideal for those who enjoy strong tea flavors.

Xiaji Longjing (Summer Longjing)
Harvest Time: Summer (after May)
Characteristics: Summer-harvested Longjing leaves are more mature, resulting in a stronger taste with a bit of bitterness.
Key Features: It’s best for making strong tea or for blending with other ingredients.

Where you can buy Dragon Well Tea

Meijiawu Village 
Located to the west of West Lake, Meijiawu Village is Hangzhou’s quintessential tea destination. Its quaint alleys and hilly landscape make it the ideal location to watch a tea ceremony, learn about different varieties of Chinese tea, and pick up some invigorating Longjing for the road.

Add: Meijiawu Village, Hangzhou

Getting there from downtown Hangzhou:

By bus: from the bus stop on Tiyuchang Lu in front of the post office just east of Wulin Square, take No. 28 bus to Qu Yuan Feng He stop; walk south a few meters to the Yu Quan stop; transfer to No. 27 bus and ride to Longjing Cha Shi stop; walk west to the last fork in road, turn right and go to the end to find the tea garden.

By taxi: fares from downtown should be about RMB 35-45.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit.

From Shanghai: catch the high-speed train to Hangzhou from Hongqiao Railway Station, take taxi or B2 bus to Wulin Square, then follow previous directions.

More Information About Meijiawu tea plantation

Location : 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of West Lake, 30 minutes’ drive

Highlights: Pick tea leaves, stir-fry tea, taste tea food, learn about tea culture, witness a Chinese tea ceremony

Best time: March to May

Opening hours: Whole day

Admission Fee: Free

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