About the Famous Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea
The most famous green tea in China is certainly Longjing, which is grown in the mountains around the West Lake area of Hangzhou in the central coastal province of Zhejiang. This is an area believed by the Chinese to be proof of Heaven on Earth. Longjing, or Dragon Well, was named after a well near the Old Longjing Temple some 1700 years ago. One legend goes that while digging this well during the Ming Dynasty, the person found a unique dragon-shaped stone and from that time on called it Dragon Well. Once designated for tribute tea, it is frequently found listed among the “Ten Famous Teas of China” or Zhong Guo Shi Da Ming Cha 中国十大名茶 .
Longjing tea was made famous by the Qing Emperors who loved Hangzhou City, most notably by Emperor Qian Long. While visiting Hu Gong Temple, Emperor Qian Long thought so highly of the Longjing he claimed the eighteen bushes for himself ranking them as Tribute Tea Trees. These trees still exist and visitors can view and admire these vibrant trees at the foot of Shi Feng Mountain.
The First Four Types of Longjing
During the Qing Dynasty, there were four general types, coming from 13 different villages in the West Lake Mountains. They were Shi (Lion), Long (Dragon), Yun (Cloud), Hu (Tiger). In 1949, the Chinese government standardized it to be three: Shifeng Longjing (Lion Peak Dragon Well), Mei Wu Longjing and Xi Hu Longjing (West Lake Longjing). Shifeng Longjing is considered the highest quality Longjing. Since experts have identified the original place of West Lake Longjing to be in Shifeng, it is the only place that has the honor to contribute tea for China Zhong Nan Hai (general name for Chinese political men and statesmen). Its environment is said to be favored by God, with heaving ridges and peaks, tiny streams, and rich green forests. During spring time, it has average rainfall with mist that engulfs the mountains and plains. Its geographical position and sandy soil is highly favorable to growing superior tea leaves. It is composed of four villages Wengjiashan Village, Longjing Village, Yang Mei Qi Village and Man Jue Long Village.
About Our Longjing Tea Maker: Weng Shangyi
At Seven Cups, we are privileged to be the first foreign company to offer Shifeng Longjing directly from Wengjiashan Village. The late Weng Shangyi has been hand making this tea for over 60 years and has passed the tradition down through his family. He only makes tea that is destined to bear the GONG trademark denoting it as a Tribute Tea. Longjing lovers will certainly enjoy having some of this remarkable tea. Read more about the Weng family here.