Green tea guide
Longjing (Dragon Well)
Camellia sinensis · China
What is Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Longjing (Dragon Well) is a green profile associated with China. It is made from Camellia sinensis and described here by flavors including chestnut, orchid, and fresh greens.
The short version
Longjing (Dragon Well) at a glance
Start here for the facts most people need, then use the guide for context.
Green
Camellia sinensis
chestnut, orchid, and fresh greens
Sensory descriptors, not necessarily added ingredients.
75–82°C · 1.5–2.5 min
2–3 g leaf per 250 ml.
Caffeinated; amount varies
Usually moderate, with wide preparation-related variation.
Identity and classification
How is Longjing (Dragon Well) classified?
This map separates the named drink from its tea family, source plant and place of origin.
Longjing (Dragon Well)
龙井茶 / 龍井茶
Wikidata Q1069130Green
Wikidata Q484083Camellia sinensis
China
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Wikidata Q148- Processing identity
- Pan-fired and pressed flat
- Also known as
- Dragon Well tea
Name, language and meaning
How do you pronounce Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Use the simple guide for an English approximation, then the language note for the original name.
- Original name
- 龙井茶 / 龍井茶
- Romanization
- Lóngjǐng chá
- Other forms
- Dragon Well tea
The tone marks matter in Mandarin: Lóng has a rising tone and jǐng a dipping third tone.
What does the name mean?
龙井 / 龍井 means ‘Dragon Well.’ It names both a place near West Lake in Hangzhou and the famous flat, pan-fired green tea associated with that area.
Visual field guide
What does Longjing (Dragon Well) look like?
Each image is selected for identification, not decoration. The subject, creator, original file, and reuse license remain attached to the image.
Dry teaDry Longjing (Dragon Well) tea.
Photo: Difference engine · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Creator
- Difference engine
- License
- CC BY-SA 4.0; this optimized copy is published under the same terms.
- Original
- Longjing_tea.jpg
- Identification
- Reference page · Selected from the reference article for Longjing tea; the source file and license are linked below.
Cup character
What does Longjing (Dragon Well) taste like?
The profile uses chestnut, orchid, and fresh greens as practical tasting cues. Harvest, storage, water, dose and technique can shift what appears in a particular cup.
Flavor notes to look for
Why does it taste that way?
Pan-fired and pressed flat
Identity and production
Where does Longjing (Dragon Well) come from, and how is it made?
This profile connects the named style with its documented place, plant material and processing rather than treating origin as decoration.
- Origin
- China
- Origin group
- China
- Region
- Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- Plant
- Camellia sinensis
- Native name
- 龙井茶 / 龍井茶
- Also called
- Dragon Well tea
- Processing
- Pan-fired and pressed flat
Documented history and living practice
What is the history and tradition of Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Longjing's reputation grew from the temples, springs, gardens and tea trade around Hangzhou. Its story spans documented production, imperial patronage and memorable legends that should not be treated as the same kind of evidence.
Tea cultivation around West Lake is documented across many centuries. Hangzhou government accounts connect early production with the Lingyin and Tianzhu temple areas and describe tea near Longjing during the Song period. Poetry from the Yuan period further records tea associated with the place.
Longjing became a commercial name during the Ming period and gained greater fame under the Qing. Stories of the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors, including the eighteen imperial bushes, are part of the tea's cultural landscape; individual miraculous details remain legend rather than proof of medical effects or a single invention event.
Modern Longjing is a protected regional product with several production areas in Zhejiang, while West Lake Longjing is the most geographically restricted name. Spring picking time, cultivar, origin zone and hand skill during pan firing all affect value. ‘Pre-Qingming’ describes harvest timing, not an automatic guarantee of excellence.
Temple and West Lake tea
Monastic gardens and literary records establish a long Hangzhou tea tradition.
A named commercial tea
Loose-leaf brewing and trade help Longjing develop as a recognizable product.
Imperial reputation
Court patronage and Qianlong legends become central to Longjing's public story.
Protected origin and grading
Geographic rules and sensory standards distinguish origin zones and grade the finished tea.
Where is it enjoyed?
It may be infused in a lidded bowl, pot, or tall glass, with water added again while the leaves remain. The clear vessel style makes the unfurling leaves part of the experience.
How people prepare and share it
- Longjing may be brewed in a glass so the flat leaves remain visible, in a gaiwan, or in a pot. In relaxed glass brewing, water is refreshed before the vessel is completely empty.
- The flat leaf is shaped through skilled pan firing. Its appearance is not decorative: uniformity, tenderness and intact leaf sets help a buyer understand picking and handling.
- West Lake tourism, tea villages, spring picking and the China National Tea Museum make Longjing part of Hangzhou's living cultural identity.
Sources for this history and pronunciation guide
- Traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices in ChinaUNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage · Chinese tea-processing families, knowledge transmission, hospitality and social practice.
- Master the art down to a teaHangzhou Municipal Government · Longjing history, spring picking, hand processing and quality evaluation.
- Longjing sensory grading standard samplesZhejiang Provincial Government · Modern sensory grading and the attributes used to assess Longjing.
Starting ranges
How do you brew Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Start in the middle of a range, taste the cup, and change one variable at a time.
Western / mug style
| Water | 75–82°C (167–180°F) |
|---|---|
| Leaf | 2–3 g per 250 ml |
| Time | 1.5–2.5 min |
Gongfu style
| Water | 75–82°C (167–180°F) |
|---|---|
| Leaf | 4–5 g per 100 ml |
| First infusion | 20–35 sec |
| Infusions | 3–5 |
Quality, labels and storage
How do you choose good Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Use origin, processing and freshness information before relying on grade words or packaging.
Look for
- A precise Zhejiang or West Lake origin claim
- Harvest date or pre-/post-Qingming timing
- Cultivar such as Longjing 43 or a local group cultivar when stated
- Flat intact leaf with a clean chestnut, bean or orchid-like aroma
Labels worth knowing
- Xihu Longjing: West Lake production area
- Mingqian: picked before Qingming
- Yuqian: picked before Grain Rain
- Longjing 43: widely planted cultivar
Warning signs
- ‘West Lake’ pricing without traceable origin
- Very bright artificial-looking color
- A high grade claimed without harvest, producer or leaf detail
Freshness and storage
Buy current-season green tea from a seller with rapid turnover. Store airtight, cool and away from light and odors.
See the researched product pick ↓Handpicked tea to buy
Three Longjing (Dragon Well) picks for different priorities
Premium prioritizes provenance and production detail, best overall balances quality and confidence, and the popular pick emphasizes proven everyday demand. Each button opens the same package shown on the card.
Premium Longjing (Dragon Well) pick
Premium pick · Longjing (Dragon Well) · 76/100
EFOOFAN Longjing (Dragon Well) · 3oz
Amazon listing: EFOOFAN Organic Longjing Green Tea, Loose Leaf, 1st Harvest, 3oz USDA certified. Hangzhou, Ming Qian: chestnut & sweet rice aroma. Hand-crafted, pan-fired. Spent leaves edible. Premium tea.
Best for buyers who prioritize provenance and production detail. This option provides the strongest available combination of origin, harvest or grade, processing, and leaf-format information.
- Brand
- EFOOFAN
- Package
- 3oz
- Form
- Loose leaf
- Stated origin
- China
Product details and sources
- longjing product page on AmazonAmazon · The current Amazon page for the same product and package shown here.
- Longjing (Dragon Well) options on AmazonAmazon · Alternative products used to compare sourcing detail, customer feedback, format, and value.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product information updated August 6, 2026.
Best overall Longjing (Dragon Well) pick
Best overall · Longjing (Dragon Well) · 78/100
FullChea Longjing (Dragon Well) · 8.8oz
Amazon listing: FullChea - Longjing Tea, Dragonwell, Green Tea Loose Leaf, 8.8oz / 250g
The strongest all-around choice for most buyers, balancing clear tea identity, sourcing detail, seller confidence, practical format, and value.
- Brand
- FullChea
- Package
- 8.8oz
- Form
- Loose leaf
- Stated origin
- China
Product details and sources
- longjing product page on AmazonAmazon · The current Amazon page for the same product and package shown here.
- Longjing (Dragon Well) options on AmazonAmazon · Alternative products used to compare sourcing detail, customer feedback, format, and value.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product information updated August 6, 2026.
Popular everyday Longjing (Dragon Well) pick
Popular everyday pick · Longjing (Dragon Well) · 78/100
Tian Hu Shan Longjing (Dragon Well) · 8oz
Amazon listing: TIAN HU SHAN First Grade LongJing/Dragon Well Green Tea Loose Leaf 8oz Chinese LongJing/Dragon Well Green Tea Loose Leaf
A practical everyday choice for buyers who value broad customer interest while still keeping the tea style and package clearly identified.
- Brand
- Tian Hu Shan
- Package
- 8oz
- Form
- Loose leaf
- Stated origin
- China
Product details and sources
- longjing product page on AmazonAmazon · The current Amazon page for the same product and package shown here.
- Longjing (Dragon Well) options on AmazonAmazon · Alternative products used to compare sourcing detail, customer feedback, format, and value.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product information updated August 6, 2026.
Choose by difference
What teas are similar to Longjing (Dragon Well)?
These comparisons explain the nearest practical alternatives instead of listing more teas at random.
Green
Biluochun
Both are prestigious Chinese spring greens, but Biluochun is curled and more overtly aromatic rather than flat-pan-shaped.
- Origin
- Jiangsu, China
- Flavor cues
- orchid, fruit blossom, fresh greens
Green
Sencha
Sencha is steamed and rolled; Longjing is pan-fired and pressed flat, shifting aroma and texture.
- Origin
- Japan
- Flavor cues
- fresh grass, sweet pea, sea breeze
Green
Huangshan Maofeng
Huangshan Maofeng keeps a pointed leaf-set shape and a different Anhui mountain identity.
- Origin
- Anhui, China
- Flavor cues
- orchid, sweet pea, chestnut
Health questions with practical consequences
Is Longjing (Dragon Well) safe with kidney disease, reflux or medicines?
These are the questions most likely to change whether, when, or how someone drinks this tea. The evidence indicator shows how directly research matches the exact tea and question.
Kidney failure / dialysis
Individual renal planIs Longjing (Dragon Well) safe for someone with kidney failure or on dialysis?
It contains caffeine, but that does not establish renal safety. Kidney-failure plans differ by dialysis type, laboratory results, fluid allowance and medicines, so count this drink toward the plan and ask the renal dietitian or nephrologist.
Kidney stones / oxalate
Varies by brew and patientIs Longjing (Dragon Well) low in oxalate or safe for kidney stones?
Tea oxalate varies with leaf, dose and brewing. Population evidence does not support a simple tea-equals-stones rule, but it cannot provide a low/zero rating or personal recommendation for this cup.
Acid reflux / GERD
Possible triggerCan Longjing (Dragon Well) aggravate acid reflux or GERD?
Possibly. Caffeine-containing drinks are personal triggers for some people; liquor pH alone cannot establish GERD safety.
Caffeine / sleep
CaffeinatedDoes Longjing (Dragon Well) contain caffeine, and can it affect sleep?
Yes. Usually moderate, with wide preparation-related variation. Dose, serving size and timing matter; people who are sensitive should move it earlier or choose a verified caffeine-free product.
Liver disease / extracts
Extracts need cautionIs Longjing (Dragon Well) safe for the liver, and does it detox the liver?
Do not call it a liver detox. Brewed tea, powdered leaf and concentrated green-tea extract are different exposures; concentrated extracts have documented liver-injury concerns, especially in susceptible people.
These statuses organize evidence; they do not diagnose, prescribe or replace a renal dietitian, physician or pharmacist.
Practical answers
Common questions about Longjing (Dragon Well)
Short answers for choosing, preparing and storing this tea, with the fuller context elsewhere in the guide.
Is Dragon Well the same as Longjing?
Yes. Dragon Well is the English translation of Longjing. However, Longjing made in Zhejiang and the more restricted West Lake Longjing designation are not interchangeable origin claims.
What do Mingqian and Yuqian mean?
Mingqian tea is picked before the Qingming solar term; Yuqian is picked after Qingming but before Grain Rain. Timing influences tenderness and price, but producer skill and leaf condition still matter.
Why are Longjing leaves flat?
They are shaped and pressed against a heated pan during firing. The sequence stops oxidation, dries the leaf and creates the recognizable flat form.
What kind of tea is Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Longjing (Dragon Well) is a green tea made from Camellia sinensis. Its classification comes from the leaf material and processing method, not simply the liquor color.
What does Longjing (Dragon Well) taste like?
Longjing (Dragon Well) is commonly described with chestnut, orchid, and fresh greens notes. These are sensory comparisons, not necessarily added ingredients, and the result changes with origin, freshness, water and brewing.
Does Longjing (Dragon Well) contain caffeine?
Usually moderate, with wide preparation-related variation.
What temperature and time should I use for Longjing (Dragon Well)?
A practical Western-style starting range is 75–82°C (167–180°F) for 1.5–2.5 minutes, using 2–3 g per 250 ml. Adjust one variable at a time after tasting.
Evidence in context
What does research say about Longjing (Dragon Well)?
Research is separated from tradition, marketing and assumptions about one untested cup.
Research summary
No reliable human evidence proves unique effects for Longjing.
Safety and practical cautions
Contains caffeine. Named tea styles do not have proven disease-treatment effects, and research on tea as a category cannot establish a result for this cup.
Traceable reading
Which sources support this Longjing (Dragon Well) guide?
Each source is labeled by scope so category-level research is not mistaken for proof about a named style.
- Green Tea: Usefulness and SafetyNCCIH · Human-evidence and safety overview; brewed tea and concentrated extracts are not equivalent.
Useful equipment
Tools for brewing Longjing (Dragon Well)
Products matched to measurement, temperature or vessel needs for this style.
Best controlled-pour value
Electric kettles
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Five presets, stainless-steel water contact surfaces, controlled pouring, and a 60-minute hold make it useful across tea styles.
Best starter tea scale
Tea scales
KitchenTour Coffee Scale with Timer
A 0.1 g readout and built-in timer make leaf ratios and infusion timing easier to reproduce.
Best everyday value
Electric kettles
COSORI 1.7 L Glass Electric Kettle
The straightforward value pick when you mainly need fast boiling water, auto shutoff, and a wide opening for cleaning.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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