On the shores of West Lake, in Hangzhou, grows one of China's most famous and most imitated teas: Longjing, or Dragon Well. Its story is as much about place and prestige as it is about flavor.
A Tea Tied to a Lake
West Lake's specific microclimate — misty mornings, mild temperatures, and mineral-rich soil — is credited with giving authentic Longjing its signature chestnut-like sweetness and flat, hand-pressed leaf shape. Tea from this specific area carries a protected designation, similar to Champagne in France.
Hand-Pressed, Not Rolled
Unlike most green teas, Longjing leaves are pressed flat in a hot wok by hand — a skilled, labor-intensive technique that shapes the tea's distinctive appearance and toasty aroma. Master processors can take years to perfect the pressing motion.
A Tea With Imperial Fans
Longjing has a long history of imperial favor, with legend crediting the Qianlong Emperor with personally naming certain bushes near West Lake as tribute tea during a visit. That imperial endorsement helped cement its reputation as one of China's ten most famous teas.
Today, genuine West Lake Longjing remains one of the most sought-after — and most counterfeited — green teas in the world.