Green Tea
Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well)西湖龙井
China's most famous green tea, prized for its flat, smooth leaves and distinctive chestnut flavor. Authentic Xi Hu Longjing comes only from the West Lake area of Hangzhou and is hand-pan-fired to halt oxidation.
Flavor Profile
Primary Notes
Secondary Notes
Aroma
How to Understand Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well)
In the cup, Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well) is best understood as a green tea built around chestnut, vegetal, and sweet. The secondary notes of orchid, butter, and grass give it more range than a simple category label suggests, while the aroma leans toward toasted, floral, and fresh. Expect a light medium body and a finish that Sweet, lingering.
The origin matters here. Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well) is associated with West Lake in Hangzhou, so the page should be read as a profile of both tea style and place. Protected origin for authentic Xi Hu Longjing. That context helps explain why two teas in the same broad family can taste noticeably different.
Processing is the other major clue: green tea is typically halted oxidation through early heat-fixing, so the finished tea keeps a fresh, high-toned profile. For Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well), the oxidation level is 2% when measured on a simple scale.
For brewing, start near 80C with about 4g per 100ml. The first infusion at roughly 30 seconds should show the tea's structure without over-extracting it; later steeps can move in 5-second increments. Because the expected range is about 5 infusions, this tea is better judged across a session than from one long steep.
When buying Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well), use price as a quality signal but not the only one. A common mid-range benchmark is around $20-$50 per 50g. Look for clean aroma, credible origin naming, and leaf appearance that matches the style before paying premium prices.
It is especially useful for morning energy, afternoon focus, and guests. With moderate caffeine and a light medium body, it can fit different roles depending on steep strength: lighter infusions emphasize fragrance, while slightly longer infusions bring out texture and finish.
How to Brew Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well)
Gongfu Style
Western Style
Origin & Processing
Growing Region
Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well) comes from West Lake (西湖) in Hangzhou Province . Protected origin for authentic Xi Hu Longjing.
Oxidation Level
2%
Cultivar
Longjing #43
Pricing Guide
Prices for Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well) vary based on quality, harvest time, and source.
Best Occasions
Similar Teas to Explore
Anji Bai Cha (Anji White Tea)
A unique green tea (not white, despite the name) from Anji county known for...
Biluochun (Green Snail Spring)
Prized spring green tea from Dongting Mountain near Tai Lake, known for its...
Meijiawu Longjing
Longjing from the Meijiawu village, one of the five core Longjing production...
Tea Comparisons
See how Xi Hu Longjing (Dragon Well) compares to other teas: