Shifeng Longjing, with its largest production area in Longjing Village, is renowned worldwide for producing top-tier West Lake Longjing tea. To the east lies the West Lake, to the west are the Five Clouds Mountains, to the south flows the surging Qiantang River, and to the north stand the towering peaks. Surrounded by lush mountains and shrouded in mist, it is like an emerald gem set beside the West Lake.
The West Lake Longjing tea ranks first among China's famous teas. Its leaves are “green in color, fragrant, mellow in taste, and beautiful in shape,” known as the “Four Perfections.” The core production areas of West Lake Longjing include Shifeng, Longjing, Yunqi, Hupao, and Meijiawu, with Shifeng being the highest quality. The pre-Qingming tea is considered the most precious, fit for state banquets. Shifeng Longjing is mainly produced in Longjing Village and Wengjia Mountain Village, known as the “No. 1 Tea Village in the World.” “Among the world's famous teas, Longjing is the best, and the finest Longjing comes from Shifeng.” The fame of Shifeng Longjing also owes much to Emperor Qianlong. Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong toured the south, he visited the foot of Lion Peak Mountain in Hangzhou and joined the tea pickers. Just as he had picked a handful, a eunuch came to report: “The Empress is ill, please return to the capital immediately, Your Majesty.” Emperor Qianlong rushed back to the capital, taking with him a handful of dried tea leaves from Lion Peak Mountain in Hangzhou, which emitted a rich fragrance. The Empress wanted to taste the tea, so she steeped some and took a sip; her eyes felt much better instantly. After drinking the tea, her redness and swelling subsided, and her bloating disappeared. The Empress exclaimed, “The tea from Longjing in Hangzhou is truly a miraculous medicine.” Emperor Qianlong immediately ordered that the eighteen tea trees in front of Hu Gong Temple at the foot of Lion Peak Mountain be declared imperial tea, and every year new tea would be harvested and specially presented to the Empress.
How Much Does a Pound of 2024 Shifeng Longjing Spring Tea Cost?
The price of 2024 Shifeng Longjing spring tea (250 grams)
Non-heritage Master Handcrafted: 35,000 yuan
Semi-handcrafted First Harvest: 13,888 yuan
Semi-handcrafted Pre-Qingming Special Grade: 11,222 yuan
Pre-Qingming Fine Grade: 7,688 yuan
Pre-Qingming Special Grade: 5,455 yuan
Pre-Qingming First Grade: 4,255 yuan
Post-Qingming Second Grade: 3,000 yuan
Post-Qingming Third Grade: 1,500 yuan
The annual production of West Lake Longjing is only 200,000 catties, already scarce. As for the Shifeng production area, there is only 20,000 kilograms! It can be called a rare Longjing treasure, exceedingly rare, extremely difficult to find on the market, and highly sought after. Countless buds condense into a burst of freshness that travels over thousands of mountains, rushing straight to your nostrils.
When drinking Longjing, it is important to consider both the production area and the picking season. Those who understand tea know that “pre-Qingming tea is as precious as gold.” It is harvested only from late March to just before Qingming, and only a few fortunate people can enjoy it. Tea picked before Qingming is considered the first flush of Longjing, even more tender, and priced almost twice as high as tea picked after Qingming. Of all the varieties, those from Shifeng are the best, and the pre-Qingming tea is the most precious!