Hangzhou’s Dragon Well Tea Village (龙井村), nestled in the misty hills west of West Lake, is the birthplace of China’s most famous green tea—Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. This picturesque village offers visitors a chance to experience authentic tea culture, from leaf-picking to traditional roasting methods.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, including:
✔ Best time to visit for tea harvests
✔ How to reach the village
✔ Top tea-tasting experiences
✔ Cultural landmarks & hiking trails
✔ Tips for buying authentic Longjing tea
1. Why Visit Dragon Well Tea Village?
Longjing tea has been prized since the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), and the village remains a living museum of tea traditions. Here, you can:
- Pick fresh tea leaves with local farmers
- Learn traditional roasting techniques
- Taste premium Longjing tea at its source
- Hike through terraced tea fields with breathtaking views
2. Best Time to Visit
Tea Harvest Seasons
- Spring (March–April) – The first flush (明前茶) is the most prized, with tender young leaves.
- Late April–May – Second harvest, still high quality but more affordable.
- Summer & Autumn – Less ideal; leaves are tougher, used for lower-grade tea.
Weather Considerations
- March–May: Mild temperatures, best for outdoor activities.
- June–August: Hot and humid, but fewer tourists.
- September–November: Cooler weather, golden autumn scenery.
Avoid visiting during National Day (Oct 1–7)—crowds overwhelm the village.
3. How to Get There
From Hangzhou City Center
- Taxi/Didi (30 min, ¥50–70) – Most convenient.
- Bus #27 (1 hour, ¥2) – From Yuewang Temple to Longjing Village.
- Bicycle (1.5 hours) – Scenic ride from West Lake.
From Shanghai
- High-speed train to Hangzhou East (1 hour) + taxi (40 min).
4. Top Experiences in Dragon Well Tea Village
A. Tea Picking & Roasting Workshops
- Hands-on picking: Farmers teach how to identify the best “one bud, one leaf” harvest.
- Roasting demo: Learn the traditional “10-step frying method” in iron woks.
- Where to book: Longjing Tea Museum or family-run tea houses.
B. Tea Tasting at Local Farms
- Must-try teas:
- Shi Feng Longjing (狮峰龙井) – The most prestigious variety.
- Meijiawu Longjing (梅家坞龙井) – Slightly sweeter, less expensive.
- Etiquette tips:
- Smell the leaves first.
- Sip slowly to appreciate the chestnut-like aftertaste.
C. Hiking the Tea Fields
- Lion Peak (Shi Feng, 狮峰) – Panoramic views of terraced plantations.
- Nine Creeks & Eighteen Gullies (九溪十八涧) – A shaded forest trail connecting tea villages.
D. Visit the China National Tea Museum
- Free admission – Exhibits on tea history, processing, and global trade.
- Interactive tea ceremonies – Try whisking matcha or brewing gongfu style.
5. Where to Buy Authentic Longjing Tea
How to Spot Fake Tea
- Color: Real Longjing is yellow-green, not bright green.
- Smell: Authentic tea has a toasted chestnut aroma (not grassy).
- Price: True Ming Qian (pre-Qingming) tea costs ¥2,000+/500g.
Trusted Tea Farms
- Guo’s Tea House (郭庄茶室) – Family-run since Qing Dynasty.
- Shi Feng Tea Cooperative (狮峰合作社) – Government-certified producers.
6. Where to Eat Nearby
- Chunfeng Teahouse (春风茶馆): Serves tea-infused dishes like Longjing shrimp.
- Village Grandma’s Kitchen (农家菜): Try bamboo shoots with tea oil.
7. Essential Travel Tips
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – Tea fields are steep and uneven.
✔ Bring cash – Some small farms don’t accept mobile payments.
✔ Respect the plants – Don’t pluck leaves without permission.
✔ Hire a local guide (¥200–300) – Helps navigate hidden trails and tea farms.
8. Beyond Tea: Nearby Attractions
- Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) – A sacred Buddhist site with ancient carvings.
- West Lake (西湖) – Just 20 minutes away by taxi.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Well Tea Village is more than a tourist stop—it’s a living tradition where every sip tells a story. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a curious traveler, the village offers a rare glimpse into China’s 2,000-year-old tea culture.
“The best tea is not just drunk—it’s experienced among the leaves where it grows.”
