West Lake Longjing
Synopsis
Overview
West Lake Longjing, also known as Longjing tea, is the foremost of China's top ten famous teas and belongs to the green tea category. It is produced in the West Lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and its surrounding specific regions. It is renowned worldwide for its "four unique characteristics": green color, rich aroma, sweet taste, and beautiful shape. Longjing tea is not only a city symbol of Hangzhou but also a vital part of Chinese tea culture...
Overview
West Lake Longjing, also known as Longjing tea, is the foremost of China's Ten Famous Teas and belongs to the green tea category. It is produced in the West Lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and its surrounding specific regions. It is renowned worldwide for its "four unique characteristics": green color, rich aroma, sweet taste, and beautiful shape. Longjing tea is not only a city名片 (name card) of Hangzhou but also a significant carrier of Chinese tea culture, bearing profound historical heritage and humanistic spirit. Its core production areas are divided into five traditional designations: "Shi (Lion), Long (Dragon), Yun (Cloud), Hu (Tiger), Mei (Plum)." Among these, the "Shifeng Longjing" produced on Shifeng Mountain (Lion Peak) is considered the highest quality, hailed as the "pinnacle of Longjing."
History
The history of Longjing tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. The Tea Sage, Lu Yu, recorded tea production at the Tianzhu and Lingyin temples in Hangzhou in his Classic of Tea. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Longjing tea region had initially taken shape. The eminent monk Biancai retired to Longjing, where he discussed tea and philosophy with literati like Su Dongpo, promoting the development of tea culture. Longjing tea truly rose to national fame during the Qing Dynasty. According to records, Emperor Qianlong made six southern inspection tours, visiting the West Lake tea region four times. He conferred the title "Imperial Tea" upon the eighteen tea trees in front of the Hugong Temple. From then on, Longjing tea was offered as tribute annually, solidifying its supreme status. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Longjing tea was designated as a national diplomatic gift tea. Its production technique was also inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008.
Main Characteristics
The exceptional quality of West Lake Longjing stems from its unique natural conditions, superior tea plant varieties, and exquisite pan-firing craftsmanship. Its characteristics can be summarized as follows:
| Item | Specific Content |
|---|---|
| Core Production Areas | Primary Protection Zone: The five traditional designation areas within the West Lake Scenic Area: "Shi (Shifeng Mountain), Long (Longjing Village), Yun (Yunqi), Hu (Hupao), Mei (Meijiawu)." Secondary Protection Zone: Surrounding townships in the West Lake District such as Longwu, Liuxia, and Zhuantang. |
| Tea Plant Varieties | Primarily the traditional population variety (also known as "Old Tea Bush") and the selectively bred improved variety "Longjing 43." The population variety offers rich and complex aroma, while Longjing 43 sprouts early and has a neat appearance. |
| Plucking Standard | The "Mingqian tea" plucked before Qingming Festival (around early April) is the most precious, while the "Yuqian tea" plucked before Guyu (Grain Rain, around mid-late April) is also considered top-grade. The standard is one bud with one tender leaf, either just unfurling or fully unfurled, requiring freshness, tenderness, uniformity, and cleanliness. |
| Pan-firing Craft | Ten Techniques: Shaking, Touching, Pressing, Rubbing, Flicking, Grasping, Pushing, Buckling, Pressing (down), and Grinding. Entirely performed by the tea master's hands in a special iron wok, forming two key stages: "Qing Guo" (killing-green and initial shaping) and "Hui Guo" (final drying and aroma development). |
| Quality Characteristics | Appearance: Flat, smooth, straight, and sharp, with a tender green color (the traditional top grade has a "brown rice" hue); Aroma: Fresh and lasting fragrance, with notes of bean, chestnut, or orchid; Taste: Fresh, brisk, sweet, and mellow with a long-lasting aftertaste; Liquor Color: Tender green and bright. |
| Grade Classification | Divided into six grades: Special Grade, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three, Grade Four, and Grade Five. The Special Grade is further subdivided into Special One, Special Two, and Special Three. |
Cultural Significance
West Lake Longjing has long transcended the realm of a mere beverage, deeply integrating into Chinese philosophy, art, and daily life. It embodies the traditional concept of "harmony between man and nature." Every step of its cultivation, plucking, processing, and tasting is intimately connected with the landscape and seasons of West Lake. In the works of literati and artists, Longjing tea has been a source of inspiration, celebrated in countless poems, calligraphy, and paintings. In social etiquette, "making friends through tea" and "serving tea to guests" are fundamental principles of hospitality; a cup of Longjing represents respect and friendship. The tea appreciation process itself is a ritual for self-cultivation. Observing its form, smelling its aroma, and savoring its taste allow one to find a moment of tranquility and detachment amidst a bustling world. Today, West Lake Longjing is not only a cultural symbol of Hangzhou and China but also an important envoy connecting the world and disseminating Eastern aesthetics of living.
References
- Hangzhou Municipal People's Government Portal - West Lake Longjing Tea: https://www.hangzhou.gov.cn/art/2022/3/18/art_1229063382_59059115.html
- Zhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs - Implementation Rules for the Use and Management of the Longjing Tea Certification Trademark: http://nynct.zj.gov.cn/art/2022/1/29/art_1229091258_4900980.html
- China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network · China Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Museum - Green Tea Production Technique (West Lake Longjing): https://www.ihchina.cn/project_details/14434/
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