Classic Hangzhou Longjing Green Tea – Traditional Paper-Wrapped Dragon Well
Classic Hangzhou Longjing Green Tea – Traditional Paper-Wrapped Dragon Well
Classic Hangzhou Longjing: China’s Iconic Flat-Leaf Green Tea
Longjing, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of China’s most recognisable green tea styles. Its signature comes from pan-firing: the leaves are pressed and shaped against the heated wok, creating the distinctive flat, blade-like appearance that immediately separates Longjing from curled, rolled or twisted Chinese teas.
Why Longjing Is Famous
Longjing is celebrated for the balance between leaf appearance, fragrance, flavour and liquor clarity. The best-known style is associated with Hangzhou and the West Lake tea tradition, where the tea became deeply connected with Chinese literati culture, hospitality and refined everyday tea drinking.
Taste & Aroma
The profile is fresh, clean and gently sweet, with characteristic roasted-chestnut, tender green-vegetable and soft savoury notes. Compared with Japanese steamed green teas, Longjing is less marine and more nutty because it is pan-fired rather than steamed. Compared with jasmine tea, the aroma comes from the tea leaf itself rather than added floral scenting. Compared with oolong or black tea, the body is lighter and the finish is brighter.
The Flat Pan-Fired Leaf
One of the pleasures of Longjing is visual. The flattened leaves soften, brighten and slowly open in hot water, making the tea especially attractive in a clear glass or glass pot. This is part of the traditional appeal: the brewing process is something to watch as well as taste.
How to Brew Longjing
Glass-cup method: use about 3g of leaf per 250ml of water at around 75–85°C. Steep for about 1½–2 minutes. Leave a little liquor in the glass before topping up for the next infusion.
Gaiwan method: use 4–5g per 100–120ml, water around 80°C and short steeps beginning around 15–20 seconds.
Longjing rewards slightly cooler water. Very hot boiling water can flatten its fragrance and emphasise bitterness.
Serving & Food Pairing
Drink it in the morning, late morning or afternoon when you want a clean, refreshing cup. It pairs beautifully with steamed dumplings, light seafood, cucumber dishes, fresh fruit, almond biscuits, sponge cake and delicate pastries.
Traditional Paper-Wrapped Presentation
The paper-wrapped format gives the tea a nostalgic tea-shop character. It works well as an everyday drinking tea but also photographs beautifully beside bamboo trays, celadon, white porcelain and modern new-Chinese interiors. For gifting, pair it with a clear glass cup or a minimalist gaiwan to highlight the leaf shape.
FAQ
Why are Longjing leaves flat?
The flat shape is created during pan-firing, when the leaves are pressed and shaped by hand movements against a heated surface.
Does Longjing taste grassy?
It has fresh green notes, but its hallmark is a sweeter, nuttier, chestnut-like character rather than an intensely grassy or seaweed-like profile.
Can I brew it in a glass?
Yes. A clear glass is one of the most enjoyable ways to drink Longjing because you can watch the leaves descend and open.
How many infusions?
Two to four satisfying infusions are common depending on leaf quantity, water temperature and brewing style.
How should I store it?
Keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from light, heat, moisture and strong aromas.
