Longjing tea Hangzhou China

Longjing tea is a type of green tea that is produced in Hangzhou, China. It is considered one of the best teas in China, with its fame reflected in its price – the first harvest of the year in March and April can fetch upwards of ¥6000 (around US$875) per kilo. The very best stuff is worth more, even, than gold. Longjing tea has a history of over 1200 years and was once a tribute to the Qing dynasty emperors. It is also known as dragon well tea, because it originates from the village of Longjing, which means dragon well in Chinese. Longjing tea has a verdant color, a strong fragrance, a sweet flavor and an elegant form. It is grown in the area around the West Lake, a famous scenic spot in Hangzhou. There are several tea plantations in Hangzhou where visitors can see the tea fields, learn about the tea culture and taste the fresh tea.