The Differences in West Lake Longjing Tea from Different Areas

Spring brings three pleasant things that many individuals appreciate. First, we can enjoy the beautiful flowers blooming around us. Second, it’s a good time to take walks and savour nature. Third, we can unwind and sip a tasty cup of West Lake Longjing tea. This tea is renowned in China and has been a favourite for many years. It’s recognised for its great quality and has ranked high on lists of the best teas in China.

However, it is important to note that not all Longjing teas are of the same standard or quality; there can be considerable variations amongst different types of Longjing teas available on the market.

Geographical Designation and Production Zones

According to China’s national standard, GB/T18650-2008, “Longjing tea” is a type of flat green tea. It is cultivated in 18 counties in Zhejiang Province. This tea is renowned for its unique taste and high quality. This is owed to its growing location and the techniques employed by local tea farmers. There are three principal areas where Longjing tea is produced, and each area has its own distinctive characteristics.

• West Lake Longjing: This special variety is exclusively cultivated within the 168-square-kilometre West Lake Scenic Area, which is situated in the heart of Hangzhou.

It’s worth noting that this area only accounts for approximately 10% of the overall production of Longjing tea, yet it is highly prized for the quality of its leaves and the rich tradition associated with its cultivation.

• Qiantang Longjing: This type of Longjing tea is produced in the suburban areas surrounding the city of Hangzhou. It represents about 30% of the total Longjing tea produced in Zhejiang Province. The favourable climate and fertile soil of this region contribute to the distinctive flavour and aroma of the tea.
• Yuezhou Longjing: This category includes two specific types known as “Dafo Longjing” and “Yuexiang Longjing,” which are cultivated in Shaoxing. This zone is significant as it produces around 60% of the total Longjing tea output, making it a crucial area for this beverage’s overall production in the province.

Key Factors Driving Differences

The distinct variations between the different types of Longjing tea can primarily be attributed to several key factors, among which the choice of tea cultivars stands out as particularly influential.

1. Tea Cultivars:

• West Lake Longjing: The tea leaves for West Lake Longjing are sourced specifically from the Camellia sinensis var. longjing variety, which is also known as the “Longjing 43” strain, alongside traditional group varieties. Importantly, the West Lake region does not utilise the Wuniuzao cultivar, which helps maintain the unique characteristics of its tea.
• Qiantang and Yuezhou: In these areas, tea farmers have the flexibility to cultivate earlier-harvest cultivars such as the Wuniuzao and Pingyang Tezao. This allows for production times to be accelerated by about two to three weeks compared to West Lake tea, resulting in a different harvesting cycle that can influence the flavour profile.

Appearance and Flavour:

When we observe genuine West Lake Longjing tea and counterfeit ones made from Wuniuzao, we note some distinct differences in their appearance and taste:

• Shape: The genuine tea has slender, pointed buds. The counterfeit tea has short, plump buds.
• Colour: The genuine tea is a green-yellow colour. The counterfeit tea is bright green.
• Aroma: The genuine tea smells like fresh chestnuts. The counterfeit tea has a grass-like smell.
• Taste: The genuine tea is sweet, rich in umami, and has a lasting flavour. The counterfeit tea tastes thin and lacks depth compared to the genuine one.

West Lake’s Micro-Regional Variations

Even within the varied and bountiful region of West Lake, teas sourced from First-Class Protected Areas, such as Shifeng (狮峰) and Meijiawu (梅家坞), exhibit unique characteristics compared to those originating from Second-Class Areas, like Longwu (龙坞) and Zhuantang (转塘). This variation emphasises the complexities present within different micro-regions of West Lake and showcases the impact that factors such as soil, climate, and local practices have on the tea’s profile.

Scientific Comparison

In a comprehensive study conducted in 2025 by the Hangzhou Tea Research Institute, researchers meticulously analysed a total of eight samples that were specifically collected from two distinct locations: the First-Class area of Yangmeiling Village (杨梅岭) and the Second-Class area of Cimuqiao Village (慈母桥). The study aimed to provide a thorough comparison of these teas to better understand their unique attributes.

The results of this analysis were quite interesting:

• Appearance: The teas from both villages displayed straight, vibrant emerald-green leaves, indicating no significant differences in this aspect.
• Aroma: Teas from Yangmeiling Village were noted for having more persistent floral notes, particularly when these teas were processed by local tea masters who possess a deep understanding of traditional practices.
• Taste: In terms of taste, the samples from Yangmeiling Village scored higher in both freshness and body. These teas also featured tender, well-formed leaf bases, which contribute to a superior overall flavour experience.

Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that terroir, or the geographical origin of the tea, plays a crucial and primary role in determining the quality of the tea. However, it’s also important to recognise that the craftsmanship involved in processing the tea contributes to a secondary role in enhancing its overall quality.

How to Identify Authentic West Lake Longjing Tea

Check the Label: When purchasing West Lake Longjing tea, begin by examining the product label. Authentic West Lake Longjing tea bears a unique logo on the front indicating it meets certain standards. Also, look for a QR code on the packet. This code enables you to verify the tea’s origin. Steer clear of products with names such as “Qiantang” or “Yuezhou,” as these are not legitimate West Lake Longjing tea and may not hail from the appropriate region.

Verify Cultivar:

The next important step in identifying authentic West Lake Longjing tea is to verify the cultivar, or variety, of the tea leaves used in the production. Authentic West Lake Longjing tea is exclusively made from the specific cultivars known as 龙井 43 号 (Longjing 43) or 群体种 (Qunti Zong). These cultivars are traditional and renowned for their quality and flavour, which are essential characteristics of genuine West Lake Longjing. It is crucial to note that you should never encounter Wuniuzao, as this variety is not part of the authentic production of West Lake Longjing and may affect the taste and overall quality of the tea.

1. Assess Brewing:

Once you have confirmed that you have authentic West Lake Longjing tea, the next step is to assess the brewing process, which is fundamental to enjoying the full flavour profile of the tea.

To make tea, heat water to about 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). Let the tea brew for about three minutes. When ready, the tea should be a clear light green colour. This shows the leaves are fresh and good quality. You should also smell a fresh, nutty scent, typical of high-quality Longjing tea. When you taste the tea, it should be smooth and a bit sweet, which makes the experience even better. This sweetness is a sign of real West Lake Longjing tea.

Why West Lake Longjing Commands Premium Prices

• Rarity: A mere 10% of the total production of Longjing tea is deemed suitable for the esteemed label of West Lake Longjing. This limited availability significantly contributes to its high price, as the careful selection process ensures only the finest leaves are used, making it a true treasure among teas.
• The production process of West Lake Longjing tea is very complex. It uses a special hand-roasting technique. Learning these techniques requires years of hard work and practice. The skilled workers who do this work are well-trained and take pride in their work. They invest their time and skills to ensure that each batch of tea is of the highest quality. This dedication to quality helps explain why this tea is expensive, as it requires a lot of skill and effort to produce.
• Cultural Legacy: West Lake Longjing has a rich history that is interwoven with the tapestry of Chinese culture, having been celebrated by emperors, admired by poets, and cherished by modern tea enthusiasts. This profound cultural significance lends an allure and value to the tea, as it signifies not just a beverage, but a tie to a grand tradition spanning centuries.

As noted by the celebrated writer Lin Yutang, savouring a cup of West Lake Longjing tea goes beyond mere consumption; it metamorphoses into a tribute to the transient beauty of spring. Therefore, when opting for this exceptional tea, be aware of the qualities it embodies and permit the distinctive geography from whence it springs to echo in your experience.