Longjing Tea Origin Guide from West Lake Hangzhou China
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- 来源：OrientDeck
Hey there, tea lovers and curious sippers! 👋 If you’ve ever sipped a cup of Longjing (aka Dragon Well) and wondered *‘Wait—why does this one taste so fresh, nutty, and… expensive?’*, you’re not alone. Spoiler: it’s not magic—it’s terroir, tradition, and tight geographic control. Let’s cut through the green-tea noise and talk *real* origin intelligence.
First things first: **authentic Longjing tea must come from the West Lake Protected Region in Hangzhou, China**—specifically the 168 km² core area designated by China’s GI (Geographical Indication) system since 2001. Outside that zone? It’s ‘Longjing-style’ tea—not true Longjing. Think of it like Champagne vs. sparkling wine.
Here’s what the data says:
| Origin Zone | Annual Output (2023) | Price Range (per 500g) | Key Quality Markers |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Lake Core (Shi Feng, Mei Jia Wu, Long Jing Village) | ~320 tons | ¥1,200–¥8,000+ | Flat, smooth leaves; chestnut aroma; sweet aftertaste; no bitterness even at 85°C |
| Qiantang (East of West Lake) | ~1,800 tons | ¥280–¥900 | Milder flavor; slightly more astringency; acceptable for daily drinking |
| Yueqing & Other Provinces | ~12,500+ tons | ¥80–¥220 | Often pan-fired with machines; grassy or flat notes; inconsistent leaf shape |
💡 Pro tip: Look for the official Longjing Tea Origin Certification QR code on packaging—it links to Zhejiang’s traceability platform (verified in 98.7% of 2023 audits). No QR? Proceed with caution.
Also—harvest timing matters *more* than you think. Pre-Qingming (‘Mingqian’) picks (before Apr 4) make up just ~15% of West Lake output but deliver peak amino acids (18–22% vs. 12–15% post-Qingming). That’s why they’re smoother, sweeter, and pricier.
So how do you choose wisely? Ask yourself: Are you building a collection, gifting, or brewing your morning ritual? For connoisseurs, start with West Lake Longjing from Shi Feng—small-batch, hand-picked, spring-harvested. For everyday joy? Qiantang-grade is honest, affordable, and still delicious.
Bottom line: Origin isn’t just geography—it’s flavor insurance. When you know where it’s grown, how it’s picked, and who certifies it, every cup tells a truer story.
P.S. Want our free seasonal harvest calendar + vendor checklist? Drop your email—we only share verified farms and lab-tested batches. 🍵