Dragon Well Tea

Introduction

In the lush hills surrounding Hangzhou, China, a timeless ritual unfolds each spring: the careful hand-picking and roasting of Dragon Well tea, known in Mandarin as Longjing. Revered for its smooth, nutty flavor and emerald-green leaves, Dragon Well is more than a beverage—it’s a national treasure, a symbol of refinement, and a daily practice rooted in centuries of culture.

For anyone serious about green tea or simply curious about what makes Longjing so exceptional, this guide offers a complete, engaging look at every dimension of this iconic tea.

What is Dragon Well Tea?

Dragon Well tea is a type of pan-fired green tea from the West Lake area of Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. It’s renowned for:

• Its flat, sword-shaped leaves

• A delicate chestnut aroma

• A smooth, lingering taste with no bitterness

Known as “the emperor’s tea,” it has been listed among the Ten Famous Teas of China and continues to capture the hearts of both scholars and tea beginners alike.

The Origin of Longjing in West Lake

According to legend, during the Tang Dynasty, monks first cultivated the tea in the Longjing (“Dragon Well”) village. Over the years, emperors bestowed titles and tribute status to this particular green tea. The area became synonymous with tea quality and precision.

The region is rich in limestone and iron, contributing to the minerality and sweetness of the leaves grown there.

Longjing: A Tribute Tea of Emperors

Dragon Well tea became imperial tribute during the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Qianlong visited the region and fell in love with its soothing aroma and balanced flavor. He famously picked leaves himself and dubbed eighteen bushes near Hugong Temple as “Imperial Tea Trees.”

This association with royalty raised the tea’s prestige—and price—across China and eventually the world.

The Six Famous Tea Trees of Longjing

These imperial trees still stand today and are strictly harvested for government or ceremonial use. Their yield is minuscule, and tea from them is not sold to the public, making it one of the most exclusive teas in existence.

Dragon Well’s Place in Chinese Culture

More than a drink, Longjing is used in:

• Calligraphy and poetry gatherings

• Family ceremonies

• Spring rituals celebrating nature’s renewal

It's often gifted in elaborate tins as a sign of respect, honor, and good health.

Dragon Well Tea Varieties & Cultivars

Dragon Well tea is not a monolith. Several cultivars are used, such as:

• Longjing #43: Early budding, more commercially available

• Qunti Zhong: Traditional cultivar with nuanced, layered flavor

• Wuniuzao: Extremely early harvest, light in taste

Region & Terroir: Why West Lake Matters

The original Dragon Well tea is grown in the Xihu (West Lake) protected zone, which includes:

• Shifeng

• Meijiawu

• Wengjiashan

• Longjing Village

Tea grown here develops more sweetness, floral aroma, and lingering complexity due to the unique microclimate, humidity, and traditional processing.

Dragon Well Tea Grades Explained

Grades are based on leaf shape, color, and harvest time:

• Ming Qian: Picked before Qingming Festival (April 5); most prized

• Yu Qian: Picked before Grain Rain (April 20); still high quality

• Qian Long: Picked later; deeper taste but slightly more astringent

• Summer Tea: Everyday grade, more robust and affordable

Key Characteristics of Dragon Well Leaves

You’ll notice:

• Flat, jade-green leaves, pressed like a sword blade

• Slight downy fuzz from early buds

• Lightly curled edges showing hand-firing

• Sweet, chestnut fragrance in dry and steeped form

How Dragon Well Tea is Processed

Unlike steamed Japanese green teas, Longjing is pan-fired to halt oxidation. This:

• Locks in green color and nutrients

• Gives it a savory, nutty flavor

• Enhances the buttery, silky mouthfeel

Processing includes shaqing (kill-green), shaping, drying—all done manually in high-grade teas.

The Art of Pan-Firing: Flat Leaf Formation

The leaves are pressed flat in a hot wok by hand, using about ten distinct motions like “pressing,” “tossing,” and “grasping.” Each motion influences the leaf shape and flavor.

Skilled tea masters train for years to perfect this tradition.

Flavor Notes: What Dragon Well Tastes Like

Expect:

• Top notes: chestnut, sweetgrass

• Mid-palate: creamy, mineral-rich, light floral

• Finish: clean, delicate umami, no bitterness

Brewing Dragon Well Tea Properly

Use:

• Water: 80–85°C spring or filtered water

• Ratio: 1 tsp per 150ml

• Steep time: 1–2 mins; good for 3–4 infusions

Steep in a glass vessel to enjoy the leaf dance.

Best Teaware for Brewing Longjing

Ideal:

• Glass cups: View leaf unfurling

• Porcelain gaiwan: For precise steeping

• Ruyao-glazed vessels: Enhance sweetness

Avoid clay, which mutes the delicate notes.

Dragon Well Tea Health Benefits

This tea offers:

• Antioxidant support from catechins (EGCG)

• Improved metabolism and mild fat-burning effect

• Cardiovascular benefits by lowering LDL

• Calm alertness from the L-theanine + caffeine combo

• Hydration and anti-aging properties

Caffeine Content in Dragon Well

Moderate caffeine: ~30 mg per cup
Enough for focus without crashes. Less than coffee, more than white tea.

Dragon Well Tea vs. Sencha vs. Matcha

Pairing Dragon Well with Food

Great with:

• Dim sum

• Fish or tofu dishes

• Almond cookies

• Fresh fruit, especially citrus or melon

Storing and Preserving Freshness

Store in:

• Airtight tins

• Refrigerated if possible

• Away from heat/light/moisture

Consume within 6–12 months for best flavor.

Buying Authentic Dragon Well Tea Online

Seek:

• Origin labels from West Lake

• Vendor transparency

• Harvest date

• Visual proof of leaf quality

One of the best online sources: Teateapot.com — for authentic, seasonal, hand-crafted Chinese green teas.

Common Mistakes and Brewing Tips

Avoid:

• Boiling water (burns leaves)

• Over-steeping (turns bitter)

• Low-quality vendors

Use glass to fully enjoy the unfurling of leaves.

Why Dragon Well Tea Is Expensive

Because of:

• Short harvest windows

• Hand processing

• Limited origin zones

• High domestic demand in China

Still, it’s worth every cent for tea lovers.

Sustainable Farming in Hangzhou

Many Longjing farmers now:

• Avoid pesticides

• Use intercropping

• Follow organic practices

This ensures quality without harming the region’s delicate ecosystem.

Is Dragon Well Worth the Hype?

Absolutely—if you value:

• Cultural depth

• Daily rituals

• Unique taste profiles

• Natural health support

It’s an experience, not just a cup.

FAQs

Is Dragon Well good for beginners?
Yes, it's gentle and flavorful without bitterness.

Can it be iced?
Yes—cold steep or flash chill after brewing.

What’s the best season to buy it?
Spring (Ming Qian) harvest is best.

Does it go bad?
It loses aroma over time, but won’t spoil like dairy. Store it well.

Can I blend it with herbs?
Not traditionally, but light infusions like osmanthus work.

What color should the liquor be?
Pale yellow-green with clarity.

Conclusion

Dragon Well tea offers a taste of Chinese spring in every sip. It is an elegant, ancient brew that reflects nature, precision, and presence. Whether you’re steeping for clarity, ceremony, or simply curiosity, Longjing remains one of the world’s finest green teas.

Find hand-picked Dragon Well teas from authentic sources at Teateapot.com and make your next cup a moment of beauty.