Why Longjing is China's Most Famous Green Tea

Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is arguably China's most celebrated green tea. Grown in the hills surrounding Hangzhou's West Lake, this pan-fired green tea has been prized by emperors and tea connoisseurs for centuries.

What Makes Longjing Special

Longjing's distinctive flat, sword-shaped leaves are achieved through a unique pan-firing process where tea masters press and shape the leaves by hand in heated woks. This technique gives Longjing its characteristic chestnut aroma, mellow sweetness, and clean finish.

Grading System

Longjing is classified into several grades: Premium (te qi), Superior (yi qi), and Standard (er qi). The highest grade teas are made from tender, one-bud-one-leaf picks harvested before Qingming Festival (early April).