Aroma
Long Jing has a fragrance that is soft yet vivid, like a warm breeze through a spring field.
Expect notes such as:
toasted chestnut — its signature aroma
fresh bean blossoms
orchid-like florals
sweet soybean / edamame warmth
a light, airy grassy-fresh scent
The dry leaves often carry a nutty-sweet perfume with a hint of warm hay and spring shoots.
Flavor
The flavor is clean, bright, and beautifully balanced—never aggressive, always harmonious.
Front of the sip
gentle sweetness
fresh vegetal notes reminiscent of sugar-snap peas or young bamboo
soft florals that blossom quietly
Mid-palate
a round, roasted nut tone — chestnut, almond skin, or light toast
delicate umami
subtle minerality from high-quality terroir
Finish
sweet, soothing, and lingering
a clean clarity that leaves the mouth feeling refreshed and cool
no bitterness when brewed properly
Overall:
Long Jing tastes like early spring distilled—fresh, nourishing, and pure.
Texture
One of Long Jing’s most underrated strengths is its mouthfeel:
silky, almost creamy
medium-light body
elegant and smooth, without sharp edges
a sensation of “green warmth,” like sunlight diffused through leaves
The tea coats the palate softly, then fades into a cooling echo.
Aftertaste
The hui gan (returning sweetness) is graceful and persistent:
a lingering sweetness in the throat
a fresh, cooling breath
a sense of gentle clarity
It often feels like drinking morning light.
Appearance & Craft
The iconic flat, spear-like leaves are hand-pressed during pan-firing. High-quality Long Jing has:
smooth, jade-green leaf panels
a faint sheen from the pan-firing oil
a consistent, elegant shape
The craftsmanship is meticulous; each press defines its character.
Origin & Personality
The most prized Long Jing comes from the West Lake area—Lion Peak, Dragon Well Village, Meijiawu—producing teas with more sweetness, roundness, and aromatic depth. Teas outside this core region can still be excellent, often with brighter, more grassy notes.
Personality:
Long Jing feels calm, balanced, and quietly confident—like a serene lakeside morning with soft sunlight glimmering off still water.
Overall Character
A tea of purity and poise.
Long Jing isn’t flashy; it’s deeply soothing, refined, and endlessly drinkable. Its beauty lies in its clean lines—fresh verdancy, gentle nuttiness, subtle florals, and a tranquil finish that invites another sip.