Zhejiang Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea

Zhejiang Longjing (浙江龙井), also called Dragon Well, is a pan-fired green tea in the classic Longjing style from Zhejiang. Its flat, smooth leaves brew a pale green cup that is mellow and sweet, with a refreshing, long-lasting aroma and a soft, toasty, chestnut-like note. This is our spring 2026 harvest. It is not from the West Lake (西湖) core production zone.

At a Glance

• Tea type: Green tea (Longjing, 龙井)
• Origin: Hangzhou, China
• Elevation: 15 meters
• Harvest season: Spring 2026

What Does Longjing Taste Like?

• Dry leaf: flat, smooth and straight, jade green to light beige.
• Aroma: fresh and long-lasting.
• Liquor: green, clear.
• Taste: mellow and sweet, with a gentle toasted, nutty note.

What Is Zhejiang Longjing?

Longjing (龙井, “Dragon Well”) is one of China’s best-known green tea styles, named after an old well in Longjing village. The most famous gardens sit in a small protected zone around West Lake in Hangzhou; tea from elsewhere in Zhejiang that is made the same way is sold as Zhejiang Longjing. Ours is that wider Zhejiang style — same flat, pan-fired leaf and chestnut-like cup, without a West Lake core-zone claim.

How Is Longjing Made?

After picking, the fresh leaves are spread on bamboo trays for a few hours. They are then pan-fired in a hot wok, where the maker presses, shakes and flattens them by hand to create Longjing’s famous flat shape and toasty aroma.

How to Brew Zhejiang Longjing

Method	Water	Leaf per 100 ml	First steep	Each extra steep	Infusions
Gongfu (gaiwan or small teapot)	85°C/185°F	3.5g	15 seconds	+5 seconds	6
Western (mug or teapot)	85°C/185°F	0.6g	180 seconds	+60 seconds	2

In practice, for gongfu brewing that means about 4.2 g of leaf in a 120 ml gaiwan. Pour the water, wait 15 seconds, then pour off all the tea. Add 5 seconds to each steep after that. For a 350 ml (12 oz) mug, use about 2.1 g and steep for 180 seconds.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage: Store in airtight, opaque packaging; in cool, dry place
• Shelf life: 18 months

FAQ

Is this West Lake Longjing?

No. Ours is Zhejiang Longjing in the Dragon Well style, not from the West Lake core production zone.

Why is it called Dragon Well?

Longjing (龙井) literally means dragon well, after an old well in Longjing village. The name is used for the style as well as for tea from that village.

Can I brew Longjing in a glass?

Yes, and it is a lovely way to watch the leaves sink and unfold. Use about 3 g in a 250 ml glass at 85°C (185°F) and sip as it brews.

Why not use boiling water for green tea?

Very hot water can scald delicate green leaves and pull out bitterness. Around 85°C (185°F) keeps the cup sweet and fresh. If you do not have a variable kettle, let boiled water cool for 3–4 minutes.

Keep Exploring

• Read: President Nixon’s visit to China & Long Jing Tea (Dragon Well)
• Read: Top 10 famous teas of China
• Pairs well with: Grand Buddha Longjing
• Pairs well with: Bi Luo Chun