Longjing Tea Tasting

Longjing Tea Tasting

Longjing Tea Tasting

Longjing Tea Tasting in Hangzhou Longjing Tea Tasting is one of the New Ten Scenes of West Lake, located on Fenghuang Ridge to the west of the lake. It was formerly known as Longhongjian, Longqiu, and Longquan. Legend has it that Su Dongpo remarked, “Beneath lies an ancient dragon’s abyss,” hence the name Longjing. It is said that Ge Hong refined elixirs here during the Three Kingdoms period. The spring water is clear and never dries up. Longjing, Yuquan, and Hupao springs are acclaimed as the three most famous springs in Hangzhou. To the west of Longjing lies Longjing Village, surrounded by hills and renowned for its West Lake Dragon Well tea, famous for its emerald color, rich fragrance, mellow taste, and beautiful shape—praised as the “Four Excellences.” West Lake teas are distinguished by the names Long, Yun, Shi, and Hu, with those from Shifeng and Longjing being the finest. The subtleties can only be appreciated by visiting Longjing to taste and inquire about the tea. Hence the name “Longjing Tea Tasting.”

Surrounded by verdant peaks and dotted with peculiar rocks, Longjing is shaded by ancient trees and lush pines and bamboos, offering serene natural scenery. When Emperor Qianlong visited during his southern tour, he inscribed the five characters “First Fine Sight of Lake and Mountain” and named Guoxi Pavilion, ShenYun Stone, Yipian Cloud, Longhong Cave, Dixin Marsh, Fenghuang Ridge, Fangyuan Nunnery, and Cuifeng Pavilion the “Eight Scenic Spots of Longjing” (the nunnery and pavilion no longer exist). Chen Meigong of the Ming Dynasty wrote in his poem “Tea Tasting”: “Ask Su Zizhan about the source of Longjing,” and “Without visiting this mountain, one cannot know it all”—fine lines indeed.

Longjing is now a circular spring pool about two meters in diameter. The spring water flows via Yinma Bridge and Huangni Ridge, exiting at Maojiabu and entering West Lake. The peculiarity of Longjing water is that when stirred, a dividing line appears on the surface, swaying like a fine thread—referred to as the “dragon’s beard”—before slowly disappearing. This wonder brings added delight to visitors.

Longjing Village: Longjing Village is located southwest of the West Lake Scenic Area, embraced by mountains on all sides, sloping from north to south. The village has a permanent population of around 800 people and nearly 800 acres of high-mountain tea gardens. To the northwest of the village, Beigaofeng, Shizi Peak, and Tianzhu Peak form a natural barrier, blocking the cold northwest winds. To the south is Jiuxi Valley, deep and wide, leading directly to the Qiantang River. The southeast winds of spring and summer easily enter the valley, and the ventilated geographical conditions provide unparalleled advantages for the growth of Longjing tea. The Longjing tea produced here ranks first among the “Shi, Long, Yun, Hu” varieties. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong... Longjing Village detailed information++