Among the world's famous teas, Longjing stands out, and among Longjing, the best comes from Shifeng. West Lake Longjing Tea is ranked first among China's renowned teas. The tea leaves are characterized by their “green color, rich aroma, mellow taste, and beautiful shape,” known as the “Four Perfections.” There are five core production areas for West Lake Longjing tea: Shifeng, Longjing, Yunqi, Hupao, and Meijiawu. The highest quality comes from Shifeng, and “Pre-Qingming tea” is considered a premium delicacy, fit for state banquets.

Four Methods of brewing West Lake Longjing Tea

Top-Down Method

1. Prepare a 200 ml glass cup (a ratio of about 1:50 tea to water), pour in boiling water at around 85°C, then add approximately 4 grams of Longjing tea leaves. (In a tea ceremony, a tea scoop and tea tray may be used.)

2. Watch as the Longjing tea leaves slowly sink one by one.

3. The Longjing tea leaves gradually unfurl in the cup, moving up and down.

4. Wait quietly as the tea leaves move up and down, and once the tea has steeped and the liquid turns green, it is ready to drink.

Wait quietly as each leaf sinks, admiring how they slowly reveal their graceful shapes. The leaves gradually stretch out in the cup, one flag and one spear, moving up and down, all clearly visible.

Middle-Down Method

1. Prepare a 200 ml glass cup, pour in about one-third of boiling water at around 85°C, then add approximately 5 to 7 grams of Longjing tea leaves.

2. Once the Longjing tea leaves have begun to unfurl, gently shake the leaves to help them blend more quickly with the water, then top up with boiling water (note: do not fill the cup too full).

3. Wait quietly as the tea leaves move up and down, and once the tea has steeped, it is ready to drink.

Bottom-Up Method

Prepare a porcelain covered cup, warm the cup, and add an appropriate amount of Longjing tea leaves. Add a small amount of appropriately warm water, lift the brewing cup, and gently swirl to thoroughly moisten the tea leaves, allowing them to naturally unfurl.

Once the tea leaves have slightly unfurled, fill the cup almost to the brim with boiling water, wait for the tea to steep. Gently stir the tea with the lid to ensure even Steeping, then pour into smaller cups for drinking.

1. Warm the cup with freshly boiled water, use a teaspoon to take an appropriate amount of tea (usually 5-7g, depending on personal preference) and place it in a glass cup.

2. Let the boiling water cool to around 85°C, raise the kettle high, and pour in enough water to cover all the tea leaves.

3. Moistening the tea buds: Pour a little water into the cup using the “circular pouring method,” filling it about 1/4 full. The purpose of this step is to moisten the tea buds so that the dry tea can absorb water and unfurl, laying the foundation for the upcoming brewing. Swirl the cup gently for about 30 seconds while holding it to evenly heat and moisten the tea leaves.

4. Warm the cup with boiling water, discard the water, then add the tea leaves, and pour boiling water into the cup until it is nearly full. The moistened tea buds have already released a faint fragrance. Raise the kettle high, letting the water flow directly down, then use your wrist strength to lift and lower the kettle, pouring the water three times to allow the tea leaves to move in the water.

5. Drinking: When half of the tea in the cup has been consumed, you can refill it. The brewing time should increase with each subsequent infusion.

Covered Bowl Method

The covered bowl method for brewing West Lake Longjing tea emphasizes fluidity and grace.

1. Warming the Cup: Prepare a porcelain covered cup and several serving cups, pour a little hot water to warm the cups, which helps to bring out the tea's aroma and clean the utensils.

2. Adding Tea: Place approximately 5 to 7 grams of Longjing tea leaves in the covered cup.

3. Moistening: Add a small amount of water to moisten the tea leaves, then cover the cup and gently swirl to thoroughly moisten the tea.

4. Smelling the Aroma: After a few minutes, remove the lid and gently smell the aroma of the Longjing tea (such as bean flower scent, chestnut aroma, or orchid fragrance).

5. Refilling: Once the tea leaves have absorbed the water, pour in hot water again (around 85°C).

6. Serving: Pour the tea into the prepared glass serving cup and enjoy.

When brewing Longjing tea, the water temperature is very important. Use water heated to around 75 to 85°C. Do not use boiling water at 100°C, because Longjing tea is unfermented and the leaves are very tender.

If water that is too hot is used, it will scorch the tea leaves and bring out bitter flavors.