West Lake Longjing, First Grade

West Lake Longjing, renowned for its delicate aroma and rich history, has been a cornerstone of Chinese tea culture for over 1,200 years. Originating from the picturesque West Lake region in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Longjing tea holds a significant place among China's Ten Famous Teas. Its fame can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, when tea master Lu Yu first documented its existence in his seminal work, "The Classic of Tea" (Cha Jing). Since then, West Lake Longjing has evolved from a local delicacy to an international treasure, admired by emperors, scholars, and tea connoisseurs alike.

During the Song Dynasty, Longjing tea gained popularity as a contribution to the imperial court. The best quality leaves were reserved for the emperor, and poems extolling its virtues began to proliferate. The Ming Dynasty saw Longjing tea rise to even greater heights, becoming a symbol of elegance and sophistication among the nobility and literati. It was during this period that the tea was officially classified as one of China's finest.

The Qing Dynasty further solidified Longjing's reputation, with Emperor Qianlong himself visiting the tea fields and even designating 18 ancient tea trees in Longjing Village as "Imperial Tea Trees." This honor marked the pinnacle of West Lake Longjing's prestige, solidifying its place as a cherished beverage enjoyed by royalty and the aristocracy.

Legends and Stories

Numerous legends surround the origin and fame of West Lake Longjing tea, imbuing it with a mystical aura. One popular tale narrates the story of an impoverished old woman who lived in the village of Longjing. One day, a mysterious old man offered to purchase a worn-out stone mortar for a hefty sum, but only on the condition that it remain untouched until he returned to collect it. Curious, the woman cleaned the mortar, unknowingly discarding tea seeds embedded in the grime. Miraculously, the discarded seeds took root, and the following spring, 18 tea bushes produced the most exquisite tea leaves the region had ever seen. Word of this miraculous tea spread far and wide, and West Lake Longjing was born.

Another legend tells of a dragon that resided in the nearby West Lake. Each spring, as the dragon emerged from its slumber, it would shed its scales, which would transform into fresh, lush tea leaves upon hitting the ground. The villagers soon discovered the enchanting properties of these leaves and began cultivating them, creating the beloved Longjing tea we know today.

Cultural Significance

West Lake Longjing is more than just a tea; it embodies the essence of Chinese tea culture and tradition. Its production process, from the meticulous hand-picking of leaves to the intricate pan-frying technique, is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Chinese tea farmers. The tea's association with West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, further enhances its allure.

Longjing tea plays a vital role in various Chinese ceremonies and rituals, often served during special occasions and as a gesture of respect and hospitality. It is also deeply integrated into traditional Chinese medicine, believed to possess various health benefits, including aiding digestion, refreshing the mind, and promoting longevity.

Modern Appreciation

In contemporary times, West Lake Longjing continues to captivate tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its delicate flavor profile, a harmonious blend of freshness, sweetness, and a subtle nuttiness, makes it a favorite among connoisseurs. The tea is now exported to numerous countries, introducing a taste of ancient Chinese culture to a global audience.

To preserve its authenticity and ensure quality, the Chinese government has designated specific regions for the cultivation of authentic West Lake Longjing. These designated areas, with their unique terroir and climatic conditions, contribute to the tea's inimitable character.

As tea ceremonies and cultural exchanges flourish globally, West Lake Longjing serves as a bridge, connecting people from different cultures through the shared experience of savoring this timeless beverage. It is a living testament to China's rich tea heritage, a legacy that endures through the centuries, nurtured by the dedication of tea farmers and celebrated by tea lovers worldwide.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

North America
Canada, Mexico, United States

South America
Brazil, Chile, Colombia

Europe
Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Asia
Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Africa
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Oceania
Australia, New Zealand

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 20 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-3 business days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-3 business days) + Transit Time(8-20 days).

3. Fees

We offer free worldwide shipping for orders over $30.
For orders below $30, the flat rate is $7.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.