Things To Do
in Longjing
Longjing is a scenic village and tea-growing area on the western edge of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, famous as the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea. It blends terraced tea plantations, quiet lanes, and traditional teahouses with easy access to West Lake and Hangzhou city attractions. Visitors come to sample fresh tea, walk the hillside paths through neat bushes, and watch tea processing demonstrations in spring.
The area feels rural and relaxed but can be busy with domestic tourists during the spring harvest and on weekends.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Longjing tea fields, where the lush green hills stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a guided tour that explains the tea cultivation process and the history of this revered beverage. Participate in a hands-on tea picking experience, selecting the tender leaves that are essential for high-quality Longjing tea.
After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Hangzhou cuisine, take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens. Explore the picturesque pathways lined with ancient tea trees and chat with local farmers about their sustainable practices. As the afternoon sun glimmers over the hills, relax by sipping freshly brewed Longjing tea while enjoying the tranquil scenery.
As evening descends, head to a nearby teahouse for an authentic tea ceremony experience. Learn about the intricate art of tea preparation and savor the delicate flavors of various Longjing teas. Conclude your day with a sunset view over the tea fields, creating a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation.
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in China. Wander through the serene grounds, taking in the intricate architecture and the sound of chanting monks. Spend time meditating in the peaceful surroundings, allowing the tranquil atmosphere to inspire you.
Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the temple’s restaurant, where you can savor dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, explore the nearby Fei Lai Feng, renowned for its ancient rock carvings and Buddhist statues nestled among the lush greenery. The combination of art and nature creates a captivating landscape to explore.
As night falls, make your way to the West Lake area and partake in a cultural performance featuring traditional Chinese music and dance. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather to enjoy the evening festivities. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in the reflections of the lanterns on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕️Cup of coffee / tea at a teahouse | $2-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $50-120 |
| 🎟️Attraction entrance / tea museum | $2-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-famous tea culture and scenic terraced plantations
- Close proximity to West Lake and major Hangzhou attractions
- Pleasant rural atmosphere and opportunities for hands-on tea experiences
- Good infrastructure and easy access from Hangzhou city
- Can be crowded during spring tea season and public holidays
- Limited evening entertainment within the village itself
- Hilly terrain and narrow paths may be challenging for mobility-impaired travelers
- Language barrier outside tourist spots—few English signs in rural areas
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xiè)" - Thank you
- "请问...在哪里? (qǐng wèn ... zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "我不要辣 (wǒ bù yào là)" - I don't want it spicy
- "可以刷卡吗? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
- "龙井茶 (lóng jǐng chá)" - Longjing (Dragon Well) tea
Places to Visit in Longjing
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling green tea terraces and neat rows of bushes provide classic shots—best at golden hour or early morning with mist among the plants.
Quieter lanes, stone houses, and tea pickers in spring make for authentic cultural portraits and candid village life photos.
Iconic West Lake views, pagodas, and causeways are excellent for sunrise, sunset, and reflective water compositions.
A high vantage point with panoramic views of West Lake and surrounding hills—good for wide landscape shots.
Forested stream valleys, small waterfalls and rustic bridges provide intimate nature photography opportunities.
Food in Longjing
Longjing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Plump river shrimp gently stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves and a light sauce; a signature local dish often found in quality Hangzhou restaurants and teahouses around Meijiawu.
Must-Try!
A lightly sweet and sour freshwater fish dish using local fish and a tangy vinegar sauce; widely available across Hangzhou's restaurants.
Boiled eggs steeped with tea and spices—street-side snack versions are common near tea villages and markets.
Slow-braised, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly in a rich, glossy sauce; a classic Zhejiang specialty served at many mid-range and upscale restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic pedestrian street in Hangzhou with stalls selling snacks, sweets, and local souvenirs; try candied hawthorn and small fried bites here.
Near West Lake, seasonal stalls offer tea eggs, skewers, and quick snacks—convenient after sightseeing though slightly touristy.
A cluster of teahouses in the tea village where you can sample fresh pressed Longjing tea and small complementary snacks while watching tea processing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Simple greetings like 你好 (nǐ hǎo) are appreciated. Use both hands when offering or receiving gifts, and modest behavior is valued in rural settings.
Tea is treated with respect—accepting a tea offer and taking a small sip shows appreciation. Ask before photographing people working in the fields.
Follow temple rules: dress modestly and speak quietly. Remove shoes only where explicitly requested.
Queueing is expected in formal lines, but personal space norms differ—be prepared for crowded tourist spots and a more direct communication style.
Safety
Tipping in Longjing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and small teahouses; it’s appreciated but not expected in taxi rides or casual eateries. High-end hotels and some international restaurants may add a service charge—no need to tip on top unless service is exceptional.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are the dominant payment methods across shops, teahouses, taxis and markets. Cash is still accepted in rural vendors; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and chain restaurants but less so in village stalls—carry some cash and ensure your payment apps work for foreign cards if you plan to use them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak season for tea picking and processing demonstrations (March–April); pleasant temperatures and fresh green terraces but expect crowds on weekends and during the tea harvest.
Hot and humid with afternoon showers (June–August); lush tea fields and fewer visitors on weekdays but muggy conditions—bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Cooler, drier weather with clear skies (September–November); ideal for hiking and photography as foliage changes and crowds taper off.
Mild to chilly (December–February) with occasional cold snaps; tea terraces are quieter and some teahouses close or have reduced hours—good for a peaceful visit but less vibrant scenery.
Longjing at Night
Hiking in Longjing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of streams, small waterfalls and forest trails west of West Lake—shaded, scenic and ideal for a half-day hike with several rustic bridges and viewpoints.
Short hillside paths winding through tea terraces offering close-up views of cultivation and easy walks between teahouses.
Cultural hike linking temple grounds, grottoes and rock carvings with panoramic views from Feilai Peak—moderate effort with many historic sites en route.
Airports
How to reach Longjing by plane.
Main airport serving Hangzhou, about 40–60 minutes by car to central Hangzhou; from there take a taxi, Didi or airport shuttle to West Lake/Longjing area.
About 2–2.5 hours by car or high-speed train to Hangzhou; convenient for international connections and some domestic flights with frequent rail/taxi links.
Major international hub approximately 3 hours by car or accessible by high-speed rail plus local transfer; useful if flying internationally into the Yangtze River Delta region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Older and middle-aged residents who maintain and operate the tea terraces, often holding deep generational knowledge of tea cultivation.
Younger residents who work in Hangzhou city, hospitality, or tourism sectors—many commute or operate small guesthouses and teahouses in the area.
A large portion of visitors are domestic tourists from across China, with international visitors concentrated around West Lake and major attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in the region, especially on the Qiantang River and during traditional festivals—spectator events around the lake and river draw crowds.
Widely played recreationally and in schools; easy to find local clubs and community courts in urban Hangzhou.
Common team sports among youth and community groups throughout Zhejiang province.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longjing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (and Buddhist temple kitchens often serve full vegetarian meals), but many traditional dishes use fish or meat broth—use the phrase “我是素食者” (I am vegetarian) and ask if dishes use meat stock. Simple vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and cold vegetable plates are common.
Vegan and strict gluten-free diets can be harder to manage; communicate restrictions clearly, watch for soy sauce and wheat-based items, and consider carrying a card with dietary requirements in Chinese.
Food allergy awareness is improving but not universal—carry medication and a translated allergy card; peanuts and soy are common in local cuisine.