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Longjing Tea

Longjing Tea is one of China's best teas and is one reason for Hangzhou's international fame. The tea is grown in the Longjing mountain area of Hangzhou, southwest of the West Lake. The flat and smooth tea leaves (resembling pine needles with a yellow to dark green color) brew a tea with light to dark green color, a fragrant scent, and a refreshing taste.

Longjing Tea can be bought throughout Hangzhou, but the best place to buy Longjing Tea is the Longjing ("Dragon Well") area of Hangzhou. The tea there is said to be the best Longjing available. Alternatively, the tea can be purchased around other Hangzhou attractions, but the quality of the tea might not be as good.

The Hangzhou Longjing Tea Store is another good place to purchase Longjing Tea, but watch out for slightly high prices. On the other hand, quality should be better than buying from hawkers on the street.

Much Knowledge Needed for Selecting Longjing Tea

There is much knowledge about selecting Longjing Tea. Consumers can judge from the color, aroma, taste and shape of the tea.

Color:  Top-grade tea is yellowish green; Medium-grade tea’s color is mainly pure green; Low-grade tea is a dark green.

Aroma:  To brew the tea, take 3g to 5g. Pour out the tea water after brewing and then smell if the tea has the strong or faint scent.

Taste:  Look for an aftertaste after drinking the top-grade tea. It will taste somewhat sweet instead of bitter. (Excessive tea will also lead to acidity. So it is best to use about 5g tea).

Shape:  Top-grade tea leaves look flat, even, and smooth on the tea surface with a length of about 2cm. Over-long or over-short tea will affect the quality.

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