Dragon Well

China's Most Celebrated Green Tea

Dragon Well, known in Mandarin as Longjing, is arguably the most famous Chinese tea in the world. Rooted in over a thousand years of history in the hills surrounding Hangzhou's West Lake, this pan-fired green tea has been praised by emperors, poets, and tea masters alike. Its flat, sword-shaped leaves, sweet chestnut aroma, and clean finish have made it the benchmark against which many other Chinese green teas are measured.

Origins and History

The name "Dragon Well" comes from a spring near Longjing Village in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Legend holds that a dragon once lived in the well, and the spring water from this area was believed to have special properties. Tea cultivation around West Lake dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), but Dragon Well rose to national prominence during the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Qianlong, after visiting the tea gardens in 1762, granted imperial status to eighteen tea bushes near Hu Gong Temple. Those original bushes still stand today as a tourist attraction.

Authentic West Lake Dragon Well is classified into five protected production zones: Shifeng, Longjing, Yunqi, Hupao, and Meijiawu. Tea from these areas commands the highest prices, particularly the pre-Qingming harvest picked before April 5th, known as Mingqian Longjing.

Production and Craft

What distinguishes Dragon Well from Japanese green teas is the finishing method. Rather than being steamed, the freshly picked leaves are hand-pressed in a hot wok — a technique called pan-firing or sha qing — which halts oxidation and gives the tea its characteristic flat shape and toasty fragrance. A skilled artisan uses precise hand movements to simultaneously dry, shape, and develop flavor in the leaves. This labor-intensive process is part of why premium Dragon Well remains expensive.

Flavor Profile

A well-made Dragon Well delivers a smooth, mellow cup with a prominent roasted chestnut sweetness. Behind the nuttiness sit gentle vegetal notes — think fresh snap peas or young spinach — and a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste that invites sip after sip. There is very little bitterness or astringency when brewed properly. The liquor is a pale, luminous yellow-green.

Caffeine and Wellness

Dragon Well contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically around 30 to 50 mg per cup, making it a gentle pick-me-up suitable for morning or afternoon drinking. It is also rich in catechins, particularly EGCG, which has been widely studied for its antioxidant properties.

How to Enjoy

Dragon Well is traditionally brewed in a tall glass tumbler so the drinker can watch the flat leaves slowly sink and unfurl — a visual ritual that is part of the pleasure. No milk, sugar, or lemon is added. In Hangzhou, it is customary to pair Dragon Well with local dishes, especially Longjing shrimp, where the tea leaves themselves are stir-fried with fresh river shrimp.