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Longjing Tea Plantations

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Agriculture
—°15
Longjing Tea Plantations (China)

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The Longjing Tea Plantations, located near the West Lake in Hangzhou, are world-renowned for producing Dragon Well tea, one of China's most prestigious green teas. The history of tea cultivation here traces back to the Tang Dynasty, but it gained significant prominence during the Qing Dynasty following a visit by Emperor Qianlong. The Emperor granted imperial status to 18 tea bushes at the Huagong Temple, which remain a major tourist attraction to this day. The region's mild climate and misty hills provide handy growing conditions, and the tea leaves are traditionally hand-picked and pan-fired to stop oxidation and preserve their fresh, nutty flavor. The most prized variety is the 'Pre-Qingming' tea, harvested before early April, known for its delicate aroma and emerald hue. Today, the plantations serve as both a vital agricultural hub and a cultural heritage site, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between Chinese tea ceremonies and the local landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C461016212428272318125
Rain mm8094116121137247150178128718164

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Longjing tea plantations around West Lake in Hangzhou are world-famous for producing Longjing green tea, one of China's most celebrated teas. They are a cultural and economic landmark of the region, attracting tea enthusiasts.
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Visiting
Many plantations are open to visitors and offer tea ceremonies and tastings. The terraced fields are easily explorable on foot from the paths along the hills.
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Where to view it
Excellent views of the terraced tea fields are offered from the viewing platforms at Dragon Well (Longjing) and along the hill ridge. The sight of the emerald green steps against the backdrop of the lake is panoramic.
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Local products
In the tea houses and shops around the plantations, visitors can purchase fresh Longjing tea directly. Other tea specialties and traditional tea utensils are also available.
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Active season
The main harvest season for Longjing tea is in spring, particularly March and April. This is when the plantations are most lively, with the tender leaves being handpicked.
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Nearby
Combine a visit to the tea plantations with a boat ride on West Lake and a stroll through the traditional gardens. The city of Hangzhou with its historic architecture is also worth a trip.

Geography

Coordinates
30.22380, 120.10850

Facts

  • Emperor Qianlong designated 18 tea bushes as 'Imperial' in the 1700s.
  • The leaves are hand-pressed in iron pans at 80 degrees Celsius.
  • Pre-Qingming tea must be harvested before the April 5th festival.
  • The core production area covers about 168 square kilometers.
  • Longjing tea has topped the list of China's famous teas for centuries.
  • The pan-firing process gives the leaves their signature flat shape.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yiwu International Trade CityYiwu International Trade City50 km · EExplore →
WuzhenWuzhen51 km · NWExplore →
AnjiAnji53 km · SWExplore →
ShaoxingShaoxing54 km · NExplore →
DingqiaoDingqiao60 km · NExplore →
WuxiWuxi79 km · WExplore →
SuzhouSuzhou83 km · NWExplore →
ChangzhouChangzhou90 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Longjing Tea Plantations (15)

Chinese Hangzhou Cuisine Museum🏛 museum

This culinary museum features detailed exhibits on the historical evolution of authentic Hangzhou cuisine.

Tiger Spring entrance📍 landmark

This entrance leads to a famous natural spring whose pure water is traditionally highly prized for brewing local Longjing tea.

Hangzhou Zoo🎡 recreation

Set within a lush forested environment, this extensive zoo is a popular destination for viewing giant pandas.

🕒 Mo-Su "please add opening times"

Guiren Pavilion🌿 nature

This traditional scenic pavilion serves as a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over the surrounding green tea plantations.

Underwater bridge📍 landmark

This unique architectural feature allows visitors to walk on a path submerged just below the water's surface.

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Lingyin Temple📍 landmark

Tucked in the Wulin Mountains, this prominent ancient Zen Buddhist temple is celebrated for its impressive main hall and deep history.

Feilai Peak🌿 nature

This distinctive limestone peak is renowned for the hundreds of ancient Buddhist statues carved directly into its rocky surface.

Mingqiu Modern Music Theater🎭 culture

This contemporary venue hosts dynamic modern music performances in a state-of-the-art acoustic space.

Grand Theater🎭 culture

Featuring a massive main auditorium, this grand theater regularly stages large-scale theatrical productions and local operas.

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou🌿 nature

Designated as a Level 1 heritage site, this iconic landscape integrates natural lake scenery with classical gardens and historic pagodas.

Liuhe Pagoda🗼 tower

Originally constructed in the year 970, this towering octagonal masterpiece overlooks the scenic Qiantang River.

Manlong Guiyu (Hangzhou Children's Park)🎡 recreation

Famous for its fragrant osmanthus trees, this lively children's park provides outdoor play areas located amidst lush greenery.

China National Tea Museum (Longjing)🏛 museum

Surrounded by bustling green tea terraces, this national museum gives an immersive look into traditional Chinese tea culture.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-16:00; Mo off; PH 09:00-16:00

China National Tea Museum (Shuangfeng)🏛 museum

The Shuangfeng branch of the national tea museum features expansive exhibits on antique tea processing tools and regional brewing customs.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-16:00; Mo off; PH 09:00-16:00🆓

Guxiang Meditation Courtyard⛪ religious

Monks and visitors alike find tranquility in this shaded temple courtyard, which is dedicated specifically to the practice of mindfulness and meditation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the plantations located?
Near the West Lake in Hangzhou, primarily in Longjing Village.
Can you taste the tea?
Yes, many local teahouses offer tastings of the famous Dragon Well tea.
When is the harvest season?
The best time is late March to April, before the Qingming Festival.
Can you hike there?
Yes, there are beautiful hiking trails through the hilly tea gardens.
Is there a tea museum?
The China National Tea Museum is nearby and well worth a visit.
Longjing Tea Plantations: where is it located?
Longjing Tea Plantations is located in China.
Longjing Tea Plantations: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chinese Hangzhou Cuisine Museum, Tiger Spring entrance, Hangzhou Zoo.
Longjing Tea Plantations: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Longjing Tea Plantations: why is it worth visiting?
The Longjing Tea Plantations, located near the West Lake in Hangzhou, are world-renowned for producing Dragon Well tea, one of China's most prestigious green teas.
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