West Lake Longjing Tea (西湖龙井)

Why it is worth considering

West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井) is China's most celebrated green tea: flat, jade-green leaves that brew a clear, chestnut-sweet cup. But it is also China's most counterfeited tea — far more 'Longjing' is sold than the core villages can produce. The real thing comes from the protected production zone around West Lake (villages like Meijiawu, Longjing, and Wengjiashan), and the best grade is 明前 (picked before the Qingming festival).

For visitors, the safe route is buying in the tea villages themselves or from reputable shops, learning the basic authenticity checks, and starting with a small quantity of a mid grade before committing to expensive 明前特级.

Before you buy, check

• Learn the basics: real Longjing leaves are flat and smooth, the brew is clear pale green, the taste is fresh and chestnut-sweet
• Buy from the core villages or established shops — avoid touts and 'tea ceremony' invitations from strangers
• 明前 (pre-Qingming) is the top grade and the most faked — start with a 雨前 (post-Qingming) mid grade
• Vacuum-sealed tins keep best; ask for the harvest date on the package
• Taste before you buy — any reputable seller will brew a sample

Good to know

• Keep tea sealed, cool, and away from light; declare as food at customs if required