Zhejiang | Hangzhou Longjing Village Travel Guide

| Hangzhou Longjing Village Travel Guide. Longjing Village by West Lake is the core production area of "West Lake Longjing" tea, located in the southwest of Xihu District, Hangzhou, covering an area of 2.18 square kilometers with about 600 residents. The village's tea history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and by the Song Dynasty, tea near Lingyin Temple had become a tribute. Emperor Qianlong visited multiple times and designated the 18 tea plants in front of Hugong Temple as "Imperial Tea." The village boasts several historical sites, including the Old Longjing Imperial Tea Garden, Hugong Temple, and the ruins of Longjing Temple, which was built in 949. Surrounded by mountains in a "Y"-shaped layout, Longjing Village has about 800 mu of tea gardens. Protected by Shifeng Mountain and Tianzhu Peak, along with a humid, foggy climate and mineral-rich soil, it creates a unique environment for tea growth. The Longjing Spring in the village has excellent water quality and never dries up, earning the reputation of "Asking for Tea at Longjing." When stirred, the spring water creates a dragon-like swirling effect. 📍Address: Longjing Village, Xihu Street, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. 🕐️Opening Hours: Open all year round. Best Seasons: Spring (late March to May), especially around Qingming Festival for tea-picking and enjoying fresh green tea fields; Autumn (September to October) offers pleasant weather. 🎟️Admission: Free. 🚗Transportation Guide: By Bus: Take Bus 27, 87, or 508H to Longjing Tea House Station, then walk 800m. Take Bus 27 (scheduled service) to Longjing Village Station, then walk 300m directly. Special Route: Take the romantic Bus 1314 (fare: ¥2) to experience Hangzhou's charm. By Car/Taxi: - Navigate to "Longjing Village." Free parking is available when dining at local farmhouses; parking is difficult during non-meal times, so park nearby and walk. 🏕️Nearby Attractions: Imperial Tea Garden & Hugong Temple: Get up close to imperial tea plants and experience the tradition of brewing tea with Longjing water. Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies: A 5.5km stream winding through tea fields, with misty "smoke trees" after rain, perfect for family hikes. Shili Langdang: A classic hiking route connecting tea fields and ancient villages, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Longjing Spring & Longjing Temple: The spring features historic relics like Shenyun Stone and Dixin Pond, while the temple offers tea-Zen culture. 🍽️Local Delicacies: Longjing shrimp, tea-flavored ribs, Longjing tea cakes, West Lake lotus root starch, Longjing milk tea. 🏘️Accommodations: Hangzhou 58 Homestay (West Lake Longjing Village Branch), Hangzhou Benchu Xinyuan (West Lake Longjing Branch), West Lake Jianxiang Hotel (Longjing Guiyu Branch), Hangzhou Miqiuye Homestay (West Lake Scenic Area Branch). 💗Other Tips: 1. Be cautious when buying tea: Street vendors often overprice; bargain down to 50%-60% of the listed price. Prioritize products with the "West Lake Longjing Anti-Counterfeiting Label." Avoid "free guides" who may push for purchases. 2. Essentials: Mosquito repellent (mountainous area has many insects), comfortable hiking shoes, sandals (for wading in Nine Creeks), water bottle (drinking stations available in the village). 3. Roads in Longjing Village are narrow; contact your hotel in advance to confirm parking. During the tea-picking season (March-April), accommodations are in high demand—book at least 1 month ahead.