West Lake Ming Qian Dragon Well, or "Xi Hu Long Jing," is a revered green tea from the West Lake region in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Known as one of China's most famous teas, it is renowned for its flat, jade-green leaves, fresh aroma, and sweet, mellow flavor. "Ming Qian" refers to the early spring harvest before the Qingming Festival, a period when the tea is at its most tender and flavorful. This premium tea embodies the artistry and tradition of Chinese tea culture.
What Makes It Special
Origin
Core West Lake Region, Hangzhou
The true birthplace of Long Jing tea, the West Lake region offers a pristine natural environment with misty hills and fresh water—producing tea that is smooth, sweet, and deeply aromatic. This region is the heart of authentic Chinese tea heritage.
Picking Time
2025 Ming Qian (Pre-Qingming)
Harvested before the 2025 Qingming Festival, these early spring buds are tender and nutrient-rich. The result is a refreshing tea with vibrant sweetness and mellow body—considered the finest of the season.
Cultivar
Longjing 43
A premium clonal variety known for early sprouting, rich aroma, and elegant appearance. Longjing 43 delivers a nutty fragrance and smooth taste, perfect for crafting top-grade Dragon Well tea.
Craft
Handmade Traditional Method
Following traditional techniques like pan-firing by hand, the leaves are carefully shaped and roasted to preserve their fragrance and flavor. Each batch reflects the dedication and mastery of the tea artisan.
Long Jing Tea: A Visual Quality Comparison
⚠️ Lower-Grade Long Jing
Mixed, broken, or curled leaves
Dull color with uneven shades of green
Grassy or flat aroma, weak infusion
Rough harvest, less refined process
🌿 Our Premium Long Jing
Flat, uniform leaves with jade-green hue
Hand-picked in early spring (Ming Qian)
Chestnut aroma, clear liquor, lingering sweetness
Carefully pan-fired by skilled artisans
The Craft Behind It
The making of authentic West Lake Longjing is a delicate, labor-intensive process passed down through generations. Each step preserves the tea’s signature flat shape, fresh aroma, and mellow taste.
Picking
During early spring, skilled hands carefully pluck only the most tender tea buds accompanied by one or two young leaves — a method known as 'one bud two leaves'. This ensures a delicate flavor and lasting aroma unique to Ming Qian harvests.
Withering
Freshly picked leaves are gently spread out in a cool, shaded environment to reduce moisture and initiate subtle enzymatic activity. This stage softens the leaves and prepares them for pan-firing.
Fixation (Pan-frying)
Using traditional hand techniques, tea masters roast the leaves in a wok at around 80–100°C to halt oxidation. This crucial step locks in the tea's green color and vegetal fragrance, while beginning to shape the iconic flat appearance.
Drying
The leaves undergo a final slow roasting and pressing to fully dry, fix the flat shape, and concentrate the flavor. The result: vibrant jade-green leaves with a signature chestnut aroma and refreshing finish.
LIMITED TIME
Savor the Spring
15% OFF
Experience the finest 2025 Ming Qian Longjingfrom Hangzhou's renowned tea gardens. Handcrafted and harvested in early spring.
3 Days Only
No code needed – discount applied at checkout
Our Package
Our Longjing tea is packed in a custom mini tin—lightweight, eco-friendly, and beautifully finished with a thick matte label and our exclusive brand mark. The airtight design locks in freshness, making it perfect for gifting or enjoying on the go.
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Conveniently Shipped in North America
At The Lumi Chinese Tea, we make it easy to enjoy premium Chinese tea
without the long wait or hassle of international orders. Based in the U.S.,
we ship directly to any address in North America within just a few days. Our
teas are sourced straight from trusted growers and tea masters in China,
offering authentic quality at fair prices.
You can pay in USD, track your shipment with ease, and return your order
within 30 days if needed. Every tea is carefully selected and
quality-checked by our in-house tea experts — no middlemen, no surprises.
Just really good tea.
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