Discovering Serenity at Longjing Tea Village in Hangzhou: Beyond the Cup
Travel in Hangzhou
Hot China City Tours
Table of Contents
- 1. Quick Hangzhou Longjing Tea Village Facts
- 2. What to See: The Soul of Longjing Tea
- 3. Best Things to Do in Longjing Tea Village
- 4. Best Time to Visit Longjing Tea Village
- 5. How to Get to Longjing Tea Village from Hangzhou
- 6. Other Longjing Tea Plantations in Hangzhou
- 7. Experience the Fragrance of Tea in Hangzhou with Easy Tour China
Nestled in the southwest of West Lake, the Longjing Tea Village is more than just a scenic spot; it is the spiritual home of China’s most celebrated green tea.
A visit to the longjing Tea Village in Hangzhou offers a impressive journey—a chance to breathe in the misty mountain air, witness centuries-old tea culture, and taste the nutty, sweet flavor of Longjing tea straight from its source.
The villagers of Longjing have cultivated green tea for more than 1200 years, and now boasts approximately 55 hectares of tea plantation area. On the northwest of the village, Beigao Peak, Lion Peak and Tianzhu Peak form a natural barrier, keeping off the chilly wind from the northwest. While the deep valleys on the south ensure a warm and humid climate in spring and summer, making Longjing Village a perfect tea plantation region.
Quick Hangzhou Longjing Tea Village Facts
What to See: The Soul of Longjing Tea
The name Longjing, meaning “Dragon Well.” There is a legend about the village’s name. In ancient times, the village had a spring whose water flowed ceaselessly, clear and fragrant, as if bestowed by a dragon. The villagers carved a dragon’s head from stone and placed it over the spring’s mouth, allowing the water to spout eternally from its jaws. Later, a feng shuimaster passed by the spring, drank its water, and found it miraculous. He advised the villagers to build a well to store the water for drinking.
The village is one of the main plantation villages of the longjing tea, one type of Chinese green tea, and the surrounding views are a breathtaking sight. The terraced fields, carved into the hillsides, create a living tapestry of vibrant green.
The Key highlight: Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees (十八棵御茶)
Before the Hu Gong Temple at the foot of Lion Peak, the “Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees” stand enclosed by railings. It is said to have been designated for the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong, who was so impressed by the tea that he bestowed his favor upon these very plants.
For CNY 10, you can get up close to observe the tea-picking process and sip a cup of Longjing tea before the Tomb Sweeping Festival.
The Winding Green Dragon: Ten-Mile Langdang (十里琅珰)
From the entrance of Longjing Village, as you walk up the mountain, you’ll see tea fields stretching across the slopes like a winding green dragon.
This is the best hiking route in all of Longjing Village. You can take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the mid-mountain viewing platform and overlook the entire village.
Best Things to Do in Longjing Tea Village
During your travel of Hangzhou, do not just look at the scenery in Longjing Tea Village; try to become a part of it.
Tea Picking in the Field
From late March to May, the whole village comes alive during the Longjing tea harvest season.
During this time, you can immerse yourself in a Chinese tea tour. For CNY 50, you can roll up your sleeves, and join the tea farmers in the fields, learning how to pluck the perfect “one bud and two leaves” and savor a cup of Longjing tea for free.
>> Recommended 8 Days China Tea Impression Tour
Chinese Tea Culture Experience
In Longjing Green Tea Village, you can not only visit a local farmhouse but also a dedicated tea house like Grandpa Dai’s Tea House in No.334, Longjing Village, to spend around CNY 20, and savor a cup of osmanthus-flavored Longjing tea while the shop owner shares the history of Chinese tea culture and the etiquette of tea tasting.
Hiking and Village Stroll
The village is crisscrossed with stone paths perfect for a leisurely walk. If you prefer a more adventurous experience in Hangzhou’s Longjing Tea Village, just go for a hike.
The Ten-Mile Langdang path takes approximately 2 to 5 hours for hiking. It connects the tea village to the Jiuxi Yanshu Scenic Area (九溪烟树), offering panoramic views of the terraced fields, West Lake, and the Qiantang River from the ridge.This premium route offers stunning scenery year-round. Beyond admiring the village's lush tea plantations, summer brings refreshing water activities for a cool escape.
With limited resupply points along the trail, be sure to pack ample drinking water and mosquito repellent in addition to sturdy, slip-resistant footwear.
>> Learn more about Hangzhou Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Longjing Tea Village
As the premier village of tea country, the best time to visit Longjing Tea Village in Hangzhou is during the Longjing tea harvest season.
From March to May is the best season to visit. In late March and early April, the prized “pre-Qingming” (Mingqian) tea is harvested. This is the most tender and sought-after tea of the year. The village buzzes with activity, and the air is filled with the fragrance of fresh leaves being fried . This is also the best time for the tea-picking experience.
Besides, from April to May, following the harvest, the new teas are ready for tasting and purchase. It’s a wonderful time to sit in a tea house and sample the freshest crop.
How to Get to Longjing Tea Village from Hangzhou
The most convenient option is by bus. You can take bus No. 27 and get off at the “Longjing Village” (Longjing Cunshe) stop.
Alternatively, buses like No. 87 also serve the area, stopping at “Longjing Tea House” (Longjing Chashi).
Other Longjing Tea Plantations in Hangzhou
While the main Longjing Green Tea Village in Hangzhou is the most famous, the surrounding hills are also home to other wonderful places to experience the tea culture.
| Village’s Name | Featured Activities /Attractions | Tickets | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meijiawu Tea Village (梅家坞) | A major Longjing tea production area with numerous tea houses and farmhouse restaurants. | Free | "Village: Full day Old Longjing Scenic Area: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM" |
| Longwu Tea Village (龙坞茶村) | Features vast, rolling tea fields (over 1,000 mu) and is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and barbecues. | "Free (village entry) Experience packages (e.g., tea picking and frying): from CNY 198" | Full Day |
| Maojia Bu (茅家埠) | A wetland area offering a more rustic and tranquil side of West Lake, with reeds, wooden walkways, and ancient paths. | Free | Full Day |
Experience the Fragrance of Tea in Hangzhou with Easy Tour China
Exploring Longjing Tea Village is an essential part of any travel in Hangzhou. Here, it is one of the best places in Hangzhou city where nature, history, and local people’s daily lives blend seamlessly.
Just let Easy Tour China weave you a visit to these Hangzhou tea plantations into a perfect journey, and combining a morning of tea picking with an afternoon exploring Hangzhou city’s downtown or the ancient pathways of Lingyin Temple.
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