How do you brew Longjing (Dragon Well)?

Brew Longjing (Dragon Well) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass teapot or tall glass with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 3-4 infusions.

Where is Longjing (Dragon Well) from?

Longjing (Dragon Well) is produced in Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Pre-Qingming (before April 5) is premium; Guyu (April 20) is standard grade.

How much does Longjing (Dragon Well) cost?

Entry-level Longjing (Dragon Well) costs $10-20 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $40-100+ / 100g (pre-Qingming, Shifeng origin).

How do you brew Longjing (Dragon Well)?

Brew Longjing (Dragon Well) at 175°F (80°C). For gongfu style, steep 30-45 seconds; Western style, 2-3 minutes. Use Glass teapot or tall glass with 2-3g per 200ml. Expect 3-4 infusions.

Where is Longjing (Dragon Well) from?

Longjing (Dragon Well) is produced in Xihu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Pre-Qingming (before April 5) is premium; Guyu (April 20) is standard grade.

How much does Longjing (Dragon Well) cost?

Entry-level Longjing (Dragon Well) costs $10-20 / 100g (standard grade). Premium grades run $40-100+ / 100g (pre-Qingming, Shifeng origin).

Green Tea ← All famous teas

Longjing (Dragon Well) 龙井

Fresh, nutty, chestnut, sweet finish

Xihu, Hangzhou, ZhejiangCaffeine: MediumBeginner: ★★★★★

Water Temp

175°F (80°C)

Infusions

3-4

Harvest

Pre-Qingming (before April 5) is premium; Guyu (April 20) is standard grade.

Entry Price

$10-20 / 100g (standard grade)

Flavor Profile

Taste & Aroma

AromaToasted chestnut, fresh-cut grass, hint of orchid

TasteSmooth, sweet, nutty with a clean vegetal backbone

ColorPale jade green, clear and bright

BodyLight to medium, silky

Brewing Guide

How to Brew It

Water

175°F (80°C)

Vessel

Glass teapot or tall glass

Gongfu Time

30-45 seconds

Western Time

2-3 minutes

Ratio

2-3g per 200ml

Infusions

3-4

Read the general brewing guide →

Buying Guide

How to Buy Longjing (Dragon Well) Without Getting Scammed

The Chinese tea market is vast and unregulated. Here's exactly what to look for — and what to run from.

Entry Level

$10-20 / 100g (standard grade)

Premium / Collector

$40-100+ / 100g (pre-Qingming, Shifeng origin)

Quality Check

Flat, spear-shaped leaves with yellowish-green color. Genuine Longjing has a recognizable chestnut aroma when dry. Avoid broken or dusty leaves.

Common Scams

Fake Longjing from Sichuan/Guizhou processed to look authentic. Wuniu Zao, an early-sprouting cultivar, is often sold as Longjing but lacks the chestnut aroma.

Search keywords that find the real thing

Longjing teaDragon Well teaXihu LongjingShifeng Longjingpre-qingming Longjing

For the general principles behind every one of these checks — harvest dates, origin specificity, red flags — read our complete buying guide.

History

Where It Comes From

China's most celebrated green tea, named after the Dragon Well spring near West Lake in Hangzhou. Designated imperial tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong visited the gardens and named 18 tea bushes Imperial Tea Bushes, still producing today.