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Longjing Village (龙井村) is the birthplace of China's most famous green tea. Nestled in the hills west of West Lake, this working tea village offers terraced tea fields, family-run tasting rooms, mountain hiking trails, and the legendary Dragon Well spring itself. It is one of Hangzhou's most rewarding half-day excursions — and the only place where you can buy authentic Longjing tea directly from the farmers who grow it.
Why Visit Longjing Village?
Most tourists see tea culture from behind a gift shop counter. Longjing Village lets you walk through the terraced fields, watch tea being roasted by hand, taste multiple grades side by side, and buy directly from the families who have cultivated this land for generations. The village is also one of the most scenic spots near West Lake, with hiking trails through bamboo forests and panoramic views of the tea terraces.
Getting to Longjing Village
By Bus
- Bus 27 from Huanglong Sports Center to Longjing Village stop (30 minutes, ¥2)
- Bus 87 from Hangzhou Railway Station to Longjing Tea Village (40 minutes, ¥2)
By Taxi/Didi
- From West Lake (Hubin area): ¥20–30, 15 minutes
- From Hangzhou East Railway Station: ¥50–70, 30 minutes
- From city center (Wulin Square): ¥30–40, 20 minutes
On Foot (Hiking Route)
The best way to arrive is on foot via the Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies trail (九溪十八涧). This 5km walk from Nine Creeks (Jiuxi) to Longjing Village takes about 90 minutes and passes through bamboo forests, stone bridges, and small waterfalls.
Trailhead: Jiuxi Bus Station (Bus 4, 27, 87)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some uphill sections)
Best time: Spring and autumn, early morning
The Dragon Well Spring (龙井)
The village's namesake is a small spring inside a stone pavilion. According to legend, the well is connected to the East China Sea, and a dragon lives at its bottom. When you stir the water, a distinctive swirl pattern appears — this is the "dragon" that gives the well its name.
Location: In the center of the village, follow signs to 龙井
Entry: Free
Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Tea Tasting in Longjing Village
How It Works
Most village families operate tasting rooms in their homes. You will be invited to sit at a tea table, and the host will brew several grades of Longjing tea for you to compare. There is no obligation to buy, but it is considered polite to purchase at least a small amount if you have enjoyed the tasting.
Tea Grades and Prices (2026)
| Grade | Harvest Time | Price per 500g | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Qingming (明前) | Late March | ¥2,000–5,000+ | Delicate, sweet, floral |
| Pre-Guyu (雨前) | Early April | ¥800–2,000 | Fresh, nutty, balanced |
| Spring first pick | Mid-April | ¥400–800 | Robust, grassy, good value |
| Late spring | Late April–May | ¥200–400 | Strong, vegetal |
| Summer/autumn | June–October | ¥80–200 | Bolder, less complex |
Important: Pre-Qingming Longjing is the most expensive tea in China. For casual drinkers, the pre-Guyu or spring first pick grades offer excellent quality at reasonable prices.
How to Avoid Fake Longjing
- Buy in the village — not at tourist shops near West Lake or the airport.
- Ask to see the dry leaves — authentic Longjing is flat, smooth, and yellowish-green.
- Taste before buying — real Longjing has a sweet, chestnut-like aftertaste with no bitterness.
- Check the price — if someone offers "Pre-Qingming Longjing" for under ¥500/500g, it is almost certainly fake or from another region.
- Look for the origin certificate — some premium teas come with a traceability code.
Best Tasting Rooms
The village has dozens of family tasting rooms. Some well-regarded ones include:
- Weng Family Tea House — near the Dragon Well spring, multi-generational tea farmers
- Longjing No. 1 Tea House — at the top of the village, good views of the terraces
- Village Committee Tea Room — official village tasting room, reliable quality
Note: Specific shop names change; ask locals for recommendations when you arrive.
Hiking from Longjing Village
Longjing to Lingyin Temple Trail
A scenic 3km trail through bamboo forests and tea fields, connecting Longjing Village to Lingyin Temple.
Time: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep stone steps)
Highlights: Bamboo groves, mountain views, Lingyin Temple approach from the back
Longjing to Nine Creeks Trail
The reverse of the approach hike, going downhill through the Eighteen Gullies.
Time: 60–90 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (mostly downhill)
Highlights: Stone bridges, small waterfalls, shaded paths
Tea Terrace Loop
A short 2km loop around the village tea terraces with panoramic views.
Time: 30–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Terraced fields, village views, photo opportunities
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–April) — Tea Harvest Season
The best time to visit. You can watch tea being picked and roasted by hand. The terraces are bright green, and the air smells of fresh tea. Pre-Qingming harvest (around April 4–5) is the most exciting period.
Autumn (October–November) — Best Weather
Cool temperatures, clear skies, and golden autumn colors. The tea fields are less vibrant but the hiking is excellent.
Summer (June–August) — Hot but Lush
The terraces are at their greenest, but the heat can be intense. Visit early morning (before 09:00) to avoid the worst of it.
Winter (December–February) — Quiet
The village is peaceful and uncrowded. Tea bushes are dormant but the landscape has a stark beauty. Some tasting rooms may have limited hours.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes — the village paths and hiking trails are uneven stone and dirt.
- Bring cash — most family tasting rooms do not accept credit cards. Alipay/WeChat Pay is widely accepted.
- Start early — arrive by 08:30 for the best tasting experience and to avoid tour groups.
- Allow 3–4 hours — including tasting, the spring, and a short hike.
- Do not rush the tasting — let your host brew multiple rounds. The flavor changes with each infusion.
- Bring a bag — if you buy tea, you will want to carry it carefully.
What to Buy
- Longjing tea — the main reason to visit. Buy directly from farmers for the best quality and price.
- Tea snacks — tea-flavored cookies, osmanthus cake, dried sweet potatoes.
- Bamboo crafts — small bamboo items made by local artisans.
- Tea sets — simple glass tea sets for brewing Longjing at home.
Nearby Attractions
- China National Tea Museum (1.5km) — free entry, comprehensive tea history exhibits
- Lingyin Temple (3km via hiking trail) — one of China's most famous Buddhist temples
- Nine Creeks (5km via trail) — beautiful stream and forest walk
- Manjuelong Village (2km) — famous for osmanthus flowers in autumn
FAQ
Is Longjing Village free to enter?
Yes, the village is a living community with no entry fee. Individual tasting rooms are also free to enter.
How much tea should I buy?
For personal use, 100–250g is a good amount. For gifts, 50–100g per person is standard. Most vendors sell in 50g, 100g, and 250g packages.
Can I see tea being made?
During the spring harvest (late March to mid-April), you can watch tea being hand-roasted in many village homes. Ask your tasting host if roasting is happening that day.
Is the tea really better here than in shops?
Yes, significantly. Tea sold in the village is typically fresher, less processed, and more traceable than what you find in tourist shops. The price-to-quality ratio is also better.
Can I hike to Longjing from West Lake?
Yes, but it is a long walk (about 8km, 2+ hours). Better to take a bus or taxi to the village and hike from there.