Overview:

West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations in Hangzhou In China are some of the best tea plantations in the world, located just outside of the city of Hangzhou in China. The tea plants are typically grown in low-lying areas near the lake, which is thought to have a beneficial effect on their flavor. Longjing tea is one of the most sought-after types of green tea, with a delicate, sweet flavor. The plantations offer the chance to take guided tours to learn about how tea is grown and processed, as well as to observe the harvest. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations in Hangzhou is a popular tourist attraction known for its picturesque views. It is one of the most prestigious varieties of Chinese green tea and the plants here are some of the oldest tea bushes in the world. The plantations are located near West Lake in the city of Hangzhou and cover an area of over 40 hectares. There are many different varieties of Longjing tea grown here, each with its own distinct flavor and character. Visitors can take guided tours of the plantations or buy fresh tea to enjoy back home. In addition to the plantations, the area also features a number of traditional Chinese buildings, temples, gardens, and scenic views of the countryside. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

Hangzhou is famous for its forests and watercourses, so it should come as no surprise that it is also the birthplace of China’s most famous green tea – West Lake Longjing Tea. The first tea plantation at West Lake was planted by the famous monk, Zhao Fei, in the 7th century, during the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that the emperor of the dynasty personally visited the tea plantations and enjoyed the delicate fragrance of the tea from the buds and leaves. This tea plantation was known as “Xianheng” or “Fairy Boat” due to its abundance of lush vegetation. By the Six Dynasties period (522-589), the planting of green tea began to focus on Longjing Village, including what is now called West Lake Longjing. Emperor Ming of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) was so impressed with this tea that he granted it the imperial seal of approval. The West Lake teas flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and by the late 1800s, the area was producing as much as 20,000 kilograms of tea each year. It wasn’t until 1961 that West Lake Longjing tea was officially recognized by the goverment and granted the title of “Special Class Tea”. Eight years later, it became a National Famous Product. Today, the West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations are still among the most important in China, producing an abundance of fine, aromatic green tea. Visitors can still go and explore the tea plantations and taste the fresh leaves at the more than thirty different producers in the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations are 800 years old. They were first planted in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279). 2. The plantations produce one of the most famous teas in China, fronted by the Longjing or Dragon Well Tea. 3. Almost 70% of Hangzhou’s West Lake Longjing Tea is exported to foreign countries. 4. Longjing tea is deep green in colour, with a mellow aroma, a smooth taste and a lasting aftertaste. 5. The West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations are home to more than 600 distinct varieties of tea. 6. The best-known variety of West Lake Longjing Tea is the unpolluted pre-Qing Ming Longjing, produced only from early spring tea leaves. 7. In 2014, UNESCO awarded the title of World Heritage Site to the West Lake Cultural Landscape for its evidence of cultural fusion between the landscapes of the East and the West. 8. Longjing tea or Dragon Well Tea is said to have many health benefits including helping to lower cholesterol, protecting the liver and improving energy levels. 9. The West Lake Longjing Tea Plantations are known for their lush greenery, rolling hills and lake views, making them a popular tourist destination. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era