Hangzhou Longjing: A Journey into China's Tea Culture

From Leaf to Cup: A Journey into China’s Most Famous Tea Village (Longjing)

Destination:ChinaCity:HangzhouPopulation:12.4 million
From Leaf to Cup: A Journey into China’s Most Famous Tea Village (Longjing)
Mo Zhu2025-04-1724 min

A day in Meijiawu, Hangzhou — one of the core growing areas of China's most famous tea: West Lake Longjing (Dragon Well Tea). From picking tea leaves at the right season, to watching the Tea Master skillfully hand-roast the leaves, this video brings you deep into a living tradition that has been passed down for over a thousand years. Billy’s gonna join me for a fun chat about how tea culture is different in China and the UK, as both big tea-loving countries! And yep, we’ll also settle the big debate: is British chocolate sweeter than American chocolate? Let’s find out together!

--- Mo Zhu
April 17, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 00:37Go to the field
  2. 05:40Picking tea
  3. 16:36Roasting tea
  4. 23:30Final tea

Mo Zhu's China tea journey explores Longjing village, showcasing tea cultivation and a unique cultural exchange. A heartwarming experience filled with tradition and discovery.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1The local residents in Meijiawu have relied on growing and selling tea for generations, making tea an inseparable part of their lives. (2:12)
  2. Tip 2In Southern China, it's customary to wash plates with tea before a meal, a tradition deeply ingrained in Cantonese culture. (7:02)
  3. Tip 3Each region in China has its own unique customs and practices related to tea, highlighting the diverse tea culture across the country. (7:44)
  4. Tip 4The journey of tea to the West began in the 7th century when Dutch merchants introduced black tea to Europe. The British developed their own unique tea culture, adding milk and sugar. (10:07)
  5. Tip 5In the UK, tea is deeply ingrained in culture, with various tea times (afternoon tea, morning tea, dinner tea) and traditions associated with tea drinking. (11:13)
  6. Tip 6The tea master advises waiting 3-5 days after frying the tea before drinking it to avoid any negative effects on your stomach. (21:31)
  7. Tip 7If you ever complain about the price of tea, remember the time, effort, and skill involved in its production. (22:46)

Embark on a captivating journey with Mo Zhu into the heart of Meijiawu, Hangzhou, China's famed Longjing tea village. Witness the ancient tradition of tea cultivation, from picking the leaves to the masterful hand-roasting process. Mo Zhu's exploration is enhanced by a delightful conversation with Billy, comparing tea cultures of China and the UK, adding a unique layer to this cultural immersion. Discover the meticulous steps involved in creating this delicate brew and the rich history woven into each leaf.

More about the current video:( 2 / 3 )

From Leaf to Cup: A Journey into China’s Most Famous Tea Village (Longjing)

This video takes viewers on an immersive journey into the heart of Meijiawu, Hangzhou, one of the core growing areas of China's renowned West Lake Longjing tea. Mo Zhu, our intrepid explorer, documents the entire process, from the careful plucking of tea leaves in their prime season to witnessing the artistry of a Tea Master skillfully hand-roasting the leaves. The video beautifully captures the essence of a living tradition passed down through generations. What sets this video apart is the engaging conversation between Mo Zhu and Billy, a British tea enthusiast residing in Guangzhou, China. Their discussion offers a fascinating comparison of tea cultures in China and the UK, highlighting unique customs and preferences. Billy's perspective adds a refreshing layer to the experience, enriching the viewer's understanding of the cultural significance of tea. We see Mo Zhu participating in the tea-picking process, experiencing firsthand the physical demands of carrying materials up the mountain and the meticulous steps involved in tea production. The video captures the bustling atmosphere of the tea season, showing the crowds and the local residents' deep connection to tea cultivation. The journey takes us through charming narrow streets, showcasing the local life intertwined with tea. The video also introduces us to a tea roasting master, whose expertise and passion are evident in every careful movement. Mo Zhu and Billy's conversation delves into the differences in tea consumption between the two countries, including the addition of milk and sugar in British tea versus the pure, unadulterated enjoyment of tea in China. The discussion even extends to a playful comparison of chocolate sweetness levels between the UK and the US. The video concludes with Mo Zhu and Billy selecting their favorite tea leaves, emphasizing the personal connection to this ancient tradition. This is more than just a travelogue; it's a cultural immersion, a celebration of tradition, and a testament to the enduring power of tea as a connector of cultures and communities. The unique blend of cultural insights, personal experiences, and stunning visuals makes this video a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of China's tea heritage. It is a delightful exploration of a thousand-year-old tradition, skillfully presented with a conversational and informative tone. The unique details, personal insights, and emotional moments, such as the shared laughter and the quiet moments of reflection amid the tea plantations, make this video a captivating watch.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the best time to harvest Longjing tea?
A: The most precious leaves are picked before the Qingming Festival, during a period of cool temperatures that allow the tea plants to accumulate abundant nutrients.
Q: How many times can you brew Longjing tea?
A: You can get about three to four pours from 3g of Longjing tea.
Q: Why should you wait before drinking freshly roasted Longjing tea?
A: It's recommended to wait 3-5 days because the freshly fried tea contains heat that is not good for your stomach according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Q: What's the difference between British and Chinese tea culture?
A: In China, we drink pure tea, while in the UK, they often add milk, sugar, and other flavors.

Hangzhou Longjing: A Journey into China's Tea Culture

🎉🎉🎉More friends joined me!! Today we have Billy with us!!🎉🎉 🍃 A day in Meijiawu, Hangzhou — one of the core growing areas of China's most famous tea: West Lake Longjing (Dragon Well Tea). From picking tea leaves at the right season, to watching the Tea Master skillfully hand-roast the leaves,...

Longjing Tea Village: Hangzhou Tea Culture & Tradition

Embark on a captivating journey to Meijiawu, Hangzhou, the heartland of China's renowned West Lake Longjing tea. Witness the ancient tradition of tea cultivation, from the meticulous selection of leaves to the masterful hand-roasting process. A unique cultural exchange unfolds as the video explores the contrasting tea cultures of China and the UK. This immersive experience unveils the rich history and artistry behind one of China's most cherished beverages. Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of the tea fields and the expertise of the tea masters.

Attractions in this video: West Lake Longjing Tea Plantation