6 Secrets of West Lake Dragon Well: The Imperial King

West Lake Dragon Well (Xihu Long Jing) is a crowning jewel in our Green Tea Collection and arguably the most famous tea in Chinese history. Named in honor of an ancient monastery on the shores of West Lake, this variety is prized for its “four wonders”: emerald color, aromatic fragrance, sweet flavor, and beautiful flat shape.

The Legend: The Hidden Treasure of the Mortar Bowl

The mystical origins of West Lake Dragon Well involve a humble old woman and a stranger seeking hidden treasure. The stranger offered a fortune for an old, garbage-filled mortar bowl on her lot. To prepare it, the woman cleaned the bowl and buried the “garbage” under her tea bushes. Though the stranger left in despair upon seeing the clean bowl—claiming the treasure was in the aged organic matter—the following spring, her bushes yielded West Lake Dragon Well with an flavor so amazing it was deemed a miracle.

Appearance: The “Four Wonders” Anatomy

Authentic West Lake Dragon Well stands out due to its unique physical profile. Unlike twisted or rolled greens, these leaves are bright green, shiny, and perfectly flat. Each pluck consists of a tender bud surrounded by one or two delicate upper leaves. This uniform, spear-like appearance is the hallmark of a premium spring harvest.

• Flat Shape: Achieved through specialized manual pressure during firing.
• Nutty Aroma: Famous for its distinct “pan-fired” chestnut fragrance.
• Imperial Status: Granted the title of “Gong Cha” (Tribute Tea) during the Qing Dynasty.
• Hand-Processed: Manual kneading in the wok is a sign of master-level quality.

Craftsmanship: The Art of Hand Roasting

The secret behind the flavor of West Lake Dragon Well lies in the roasting process. Master artisans manually knead and press the leaves against the sides of a hot wok. This demanding technique gives the leaves their desired flat shape and stops oxidation at precisely the right moment. Manual processing at this stage is what distinguishes authentic West Lake Dragon Well from mass-produced machine imitations.

Mastery Brewing: The Glass Display

To enjoy the visual beauty of West Lake Dragon Well, use a transparent glass. The flat leaves will dance in the water, slowly sinking to the bottom while releasing a pale, jade-colored liquor.