Longjing Tea
Overview
Longjing tea (龙井茶), also known as Dragon Well tea, is a type of green tea from the Zhejiang province in China, named after the Longjing (Dragon Well) village. It is celebrated for its distinct characteristics: vibrant color, beautiful shape, rich aroma, and mellow taste (色翠、形美、香郁、味醇). As one of China's most prestigious teas, Longjing holds the status of a Geographical Indication Product (地理标志产品) under the protection of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.
History
The history of tea culture in Hangzhou dates back to the period before the Sui and Tang dynasties. During the Three Kingdoms and Jin dynasties, the economy and culture along the Qiantang River gradually developed, with the construction of Lingyin Temple and the growing prevalence of Buddhist and Taoist activities. Tea cultivation spread with the establishment of temples and monasteries.
After the Sui Dynasty opened the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Hangzhou became a major hub for goods and resources in southeastern China due to its convenient water and land transportation. During the Tang Dynasty, Hangzhou's prosperity began to show, and tea was widely cultivated throughout the region.
By the Northern Song Dynasty, the Longjing tea area had taken initial shape. The "Xianglin Tea" from Xianglin Cave at the lower Tianzhu Temple, "Baiyun Tea" from Baiyun Peak at the upper Tianzhu Temple, and "Baoyun Tea" from Baoyun Mountain at Geling were all listed as tribute teas. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, records noted that "all teas of Hangzhou cannot compare to Longjing's production, especially the pre-rain fine buds with one flag and one gun (一旗一枪), which are particularly precious."
In the Yuan Dynasty, Longjing tea began to gain fame. The tea lover Yu Ji wrote the poem "Visiting Longjing," with the famous lines "lingering above Longjing, clouds rise in the clear painting; brewing golden buds, three sips I cannot rinse" that became widely circulated.
During the Qing Dynasty, the Qianlong Emperor visited Jiangnan six times, ascending to Longjing on four occasions. He wrote six imperial poems about Longjing tea personally and enshrined the "Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees" (十八棵御茶树), elevating Longjing tea to a supreme status.
After the founding of the Republic of China, Longjing tea gradually became recognized as China's finest tea.
Key Information
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 龙井茶 (Longjing Cha) |
| Origin | Zhejiang Province, China |
| Approval Date | October 26, 2001 |
| Geographical Indication | National Quality Inspection Administration Geographical Indication Product |
| Quality Features | Vibrant color, beautiful shape, rich aroma, mellow taste (色翠、形美、香郁、味醇) |
| Approval Document | National Quality Inspection Administration Announcement No. 28, 2001 |
| Main Varieties | Qunzhong (群体种), Longjing 43, Pingyang Early (平阳早), Wuniu Early (乌牛早) |
| Production Areas | Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and Taizhou cities, covering 18 counties (cities, districts) |
| Classification | Six grades:特级 (Special Grade) and grades 1-5 |
Cultural Significance
Longjing tea holds profound cultural significance in Chinese history and society. Its association with imperial patronage during the Qing Dynasty elevated it to a symbol of prestige and quality. The "Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees" continue to be a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark in Hangzhou.
The traditional craftsmanship of Longjing tea production represents an important part of China's intangible cultural heritage. The ten traditional processing techniques—tossing, shaking, covering, fanning, patting, throwing, grasping, pushing, pressing, and grinding—reflect the sophisticated knowledge and skills passed down through generations of tea masters.
In Chinese culture, Longjing tea is often presented as a gift to express respect and goodwill. Its subtle yet complex flavor profile has inspired countless poems, paintings, and philosophical discussions about the nature of beauty and refinement.
Modern Status
Longjing tea continues to be highly valued in contemporary China and internationally. In 2015, the production of Longjing tea reached 25,000 tons, and by 2019, it had grown to 24,000 tons with an agricultural output value of 4.87 billion yuan, representing increases of 9.1% and 11.9% respectively from the previous year.
The tea industry has implemented strict quality control measures. In 2002, the national standard GB18650-2002 "Product of Geographical Origin - Longjing Tea" was implemented, followed by GB18650-2008 "Geographical Indication Product - Longjing Tea" in 2008. In August 2020, the national standard physical sample of Longjing tea passed technical review organized by the Zhejiang Tea Standardization Technical Committee.
The geographical indication protection area for Longjing tea covers four cities (Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and Taizhou) and 18 counties (cities, districts). The production areas are divided into three regions: West Lake (西湖产区), Qiantang (钱塘产区), and Yuezhou (越州产区), with West Lake being the most prestigious.
As of 2021, over 100 companies have been authorized to use the "Longjing Tea" geographical indication product special标志. The tea continues to be a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and a premium product in the global tea market.
References
- Chen, J. (2015). The Culture and History of Chinese Tea. Cambridge University Press.
- Institute of Tea Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. (2018). Chinese Tea Varieties and Classification Standards. China Agriculture Press.
- Zhang, Y. (2020). "Geographical Indication Protection and Quality Certification of Longjing Tea." Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57(3), 1125-1134.
"The true character of Longjing tea lies not just in its taste, but in the centuries of tradition and craftsmanship it represents." — Tea Master Liang Zhenming