West Lake (Xihu)

West Lake (Xihu) is the geographic protected origin of Long Jing (Dragonwell, 龙井) tea — among the most famous Chinese green teas and one of the most heavily protected geographic indications in Chinese tea. Only tea grown within the specifically-designated Xihu producing area, surrounding the West Lake in Hangzhou, qualifies as authentic Xihu Long Jing. Tea grown elsewhere in Zhejiang or beyond — even from cuttings of the Long Jing cultivar, even with identical processing — is sold as "Long Jing" but not "West Lake Long Jing."

The protected production area subdivides into "Five Cores" (五核心) and adjacent areas, with the Shifeng (狮峰) "Lion Peak" area considered the most prestigious. Authentic Shifeng pre-Qingming spring lots reach pricing comparable to fine wine, with much of the supply pre-sold to Chinese collectors and government channels before any export availability. The pan-fired flat-leaf processing produces the distinctive blade-shape and the cup character: chestnut, fresh-cut grass, sweet umami, and the prized "orchid" notes in top lots.

Signature teas

• West Lake Long Jing (Dragonwell)

Tea types produced

Cultivars grown

• Quntizhong (heirloom)
• Long Jing #43
• Long Jing #5

Processing focus

Harvest seasons

• Pre-Qingming spring harvest (late March - early April); Pre-Guyu spring (mid-late April)

Flavor signature

Notable producers & areas

• Shifeng (狮峰)
• Longjing village
• Meijiawu
• Yunqi