Nixon’s 1972 Visit to China and Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea
When President Nixon visited China in 1972, he traveled to Hangzhou, the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. At a dinner hosted by Premier Zhou Enlai at the famous Lou Wai Lou restaurant, he tasted Longjing shrimp, called it “a piece of art,” and went home with a big bag of Longjing tea. That trip helped make Longjing one of the best-known Chinese teas in America.
What happened at Nixon’s dinner in Hangzhou?
In 1972, besides Beijing, President Nixon also visited Hangzhou. Premier Zhou Enlai hosted a dinner for him at Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼), one of the city’s most famous restaurants. One unique dish was Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁, lóngjǐng xiārén): tender green Longjing leaves scattered over crystal-clear river shrimp. It looked beautiful and tasted delicious. Nixon liked it so much that he praised it as “a piece of art.”
What did Nixon say about Longjing tea?
After dinner came a cup of Longjing. The fragrance was refreshing, and Nixon couldn’t help praising it: Longjing tea truly deserved its reputation. Among his gifts from Hangzhou was a big bag of Longjing tea, which he shared with relatives and friends after returning home.
How did Nixon’s visit make Longjing famous in America?
As the door between China and the United States opened, a wave of “China fever” swept America. Longjing became a hot topic among Americans, especially Chinese Americans. That’s why you have probably heard of Longjing, even if you’ve never tried it.
You may not have heard about Nixon’s story with Da Hong Pao, though. He received only 200 grams, and I like to imagine he drank it all himself and kept it a secret. Read the full story in our Da Hong Pao trip.
More than 50 years have passed since 1972. So much has changed, but the taste of Longjing is still the same.
How do you brew Longjing?
Brew Longjing with water at 85°C (185°F), not boiling. For the Chinese gongfu method, use 3.5 g of leaf per 100 ml of water: the first infusion is 15 seconds, add 5 seconds for each infusion after that, and enjoy up to 6 infusions. For the western cup method, use 0.6 g per 100 ml: the first infusion is 180 seconds, the second is 60 seconds longer, for 2 infusions in total. These are the same steps as the Brewing Method tab on the product page. Prefer a glass? Read how to brew Longjing in a glass.
See also three tea-loving emperors and the top 10 famous teas of China.
FAQ
When did Nixon taste Longjing tea?
In 1972, during his historic visit to China, at a dinner in Hangzhou.
What is Longjing shrimp?
A classic Hangzhou dish of river shrimp stir-fried with fresh Longjing tea leaves.
How much Da Hong Pao did Nixon receive?
Just 200 grams, according to the famous story.