Zhejiang Tea

what makes Zhejiang tea so special?

Zhejiang sits on China’s eastern coast, where the gentle hills surrounding Hangzhou’s West Lake create a microclimate of consistent moisture, filtered light, and fertile soil that has produced exceptional tea for over a thousand years.

Dragon Well – Longjing – was declared an imperial tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty, reserved for the Emperor’s court. It remains the benchmark by which all Chinese green teas are measured: a tea of national significance, cultural reverence, and unmatched refinement.

what does Zhejiang Dragon Well taste like?

Longjing is defined by its characteristic pan-firing process – flat, jade-green leaves pressed by hand in a hot wok – which creates a flavour quite unlike any other green tea. The result is mellow, nutty, and smooth, with a toasted chestnut sweetness and a silky, clean finish that lingers beautifully in the cup.

There is no sharpness, no bitterness, no grass – just a remarkably pure, well-rounded cup that reveals more with every sip.

It is the kind of tea that makes you understand immediately why China has treasured it for centuries.

how to brew Zhejiang Dragon Well

Longjing is a delicate green tea that benefits greatly from water below boiling – high temperatures will scorch the leaves and create unwanted bitterness.

Water temperature: 75-80°C

Amount: 2-3g per 350ml

Steep time: 1-2 minutes

Infusions: Premium Longjing leaves can be re-steeped 2-3 times – the second infusion often brings out a deeper nuttiness and a longer, sweeter finish.

is Zhejiang Dragon Well caffeinated?

Yes. Longjing contains a moderate level of caffeine – typically 25-40mg per cup – balanced by L-Theanine, which promotes a state of calm, focused alertness.

It is a perfect morning or early afternoon tea – gently energising, grounding, and smooth enough to drink without food.

what are the health benefits?

Dragon Well is one of the most studied green teas in the world for its health properties. It is exceptionally rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, metabolism, cognitive function, and immune support.

Its minimal processing preserves high levels of natural polyphenols, catechins, and amino acids – making it as nourishing as it is enjoyable. Longjing has been valued in Chinese medicine for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and clarifying properties for over a thousand years.

Zhejiang teas at a glance

Our Zhejiang collection is centred on China’s most iconic green tea.

Premium Dragon Well Longjing Green Tea: The gold standard of Chinese green tea – flat-pressed, hand-processed leaves from Zhejiang’s West Lake region, with a silky, nutty, and naturally sweet flavour that has made it China’s most beloved tea for centuries. Available from 12g sample size up to 1kg.

can you cold brew Zhejiang Dragon Well?

Absolutely – and it is particularly wonderful cold-brewed. The natural sweetness and clean nuttiness of Longjing come through with exceptional clarity when cold-steeped, producing a drink that is smooth, delicate, and naturally refreshing.

Add 3-4g of leaves to 500ml of cold water and steep in the fridge for 4-6 hours.

Served over ice, Dragon Well is one of the finest cold teas you will ever taste.

how should I store Zhejiang Dragon Well?

Freshness is everything for Longjing. Store in a cool, dark, airtight container away from moisture, heat, and strong odours.

Dragon Well is best enjoyed within 6-12 months of harvest to experience its characteristic nuttiness and vibrant green character at their fullest. The spring harvest – known as Ming Qian, picked before the Qingming Festival – is considered the most prized of the year.

is Zhejiang Dragon Well good for beginners?

It is one of the very best entry points into the world of premium Chinese green tea. Longjing is naturally smooth, approachable, and completely free of bitterness when brewed at the right temperature – making it as rewarding for first-time green tea drinkers as it is for seasoned connoisseurs.

If you have ever found green tea harsh or grassy in the past, Dragon Well will change your mind entirely. This is Chinese green tea at its most refined and most inviting.