How to Spot Authentic West Lake Longjing Tea? Don’t Get Scammed!

West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井) is one of China's most famous teas, but let’s be real—the market is flooded with fakes. If you’ve ever bought what you thought was high-quality Longjing, only to find it tastes flat or lacks that signature aroma, you’re not alone.

So, how do you avoid getting scammed? How can you tell if what you’re drinking is real West Lake Longjing? This guide will break it down, no fluff—just straight-to-the-point insights on picking the real deal.

What Makes West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井) Special?

Before we jump into how to spot fakes, you need to understand what makes this tea so valuable.

1. True West Lake Longjing Comes from One Place—West Lake (西湖)

Real Longjing tea only comes from five core areas in Hangzhou, China:

• Shifeng (狮峰) – The best of the best, with the richest taste.

• Longjing (龙井) – Where the tea was originally discovered.

• Yunqi (云栖) – Produces fresh and slightly sweet Longjing.

• Hupao (虎跑) – Known for a smooth and delicate taste.

• Meijiawu (梅家坞) – One of the most famous tea villages.

If the tea isn’t from these regions, it might still be Longjing but not West Lake Longjing. And yes, there’s a big difference in quality.

2. The Two Main Varieties of Longjing Tea

• Qunti Zhong (群体种) – The traditional variety, known for its deep aroma and thick taste.

• Longjing 43 (龙井43号) – A newer variety that’s more fragrant but lighter in flavor.

Knowing this helps you choose based on what you like: stronger taste or more fragrance?

3. The Harvest Date Matters

Timing is everything in tea. West Lake Longjing is categorized based on when it's picked:

• Mingqian (明前茶) – Picked before Qingming Festival (April 4-6). The best, but expensive.

• Yuqian (雨前茶) – Picked before April 20. Still good but less delicate.

• After Yuqian – Cheaper and lower quality.

So, if someone’s offering you Mingqian Longjing at a suspiciously low price, it’s likely fake or mixed with lower-grade leaves.

How to Identify Authentic West Lake Longjing?

1. Check the Shape & Appearance

• Real Longjing is flat, smooth, and slightly curved at the edges.

• If it looks curly or twisted, it’s probably fake.

• The color should be a vibrant green, not dull or yellowish.

2. Smell the Aroma

• Real West Lake Longjing has a fresh, chestnut-like aroma.

• If it smells stale, grassy, or weak, it’s either fake or low quality.

3. Taste Test: What Does Real Longjing Tea Taste Like?

• It should be smooth, slightly sweet, with a lasting fresh aftertaste.

• A bitter or sour taste means poor quality or a fake.

4. The Tea Soup Color

• The infusion should be light green or yellow-green.

• Dark yellow or brownish tea means low-quality or old leaves.

5. The Leaf Bottom (After Brewing)

• Real Longjing leaves should be soft, bright green, and whole.

• If the leaves are dark, broken, or feel rough, you got scammed.

Pricing: If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Probably Fake

Let’s talk numbers. Real West Lake Longjing isn’t cheap.

• Mingqian Longjing – Can go from $300 to over $1000 per 500g.

• Yuqian Longjing – More affordable, but still $100-$500 per 500g.

If someone offers you “West Lake Longjing” for $50 per 500g, run. It’s either fake or really bad quality.

Where to Buy Authentic West Lake Longjing?

1. Go to a Trusted Tea Shop or Brand

Buy from a well-known tea shop that specializes in Chinese teas. Avoid random street markets where tea is often mislabeled.

2. Look for the Official Geographic Mark

Real West Lake Longjing should have a geographic indication (GI) label, proving it’s from the official region.

3. Buy from Reputable Online Stores

If you buy online, stick to well-reviewed sellers. Look at customer reviews, detailed product descriptions, and certification labels.

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

⚠️ Fake Longjing from Other Regions
A lot of “Longjing” tea is actually from Sichuan, Guizhou, or Anhui. While these teas aren’t necessarily bad, they aren’t West Lake Longjing.

⚠️ Artificially Enhanced Color
Some sellers add artificial color to make old tea look fresher. If the tea looks unnaturally bright green, be suspicious.

⚠️ Low-Quality Blends
Some teas mix authentic Longjing with cheaper leaves to cut costs. This ruins the taste and aroma.

Bonus: Want to Level Up Your Tea Game?

If you enjoy Longjing, you might also like Yixing Zisha teapots. These famous Chinese clay teapots enhance the flavor of tea over time, making them a favorite among serious tea drinkers.

Final Thoughts

Buying authentic West Lake Longjing takes knowledge and a bit of caution. Check the appearance, aroma, taste, and price before buying.

If you’re spending good money on tea, make sure it’s the real thing. A proper cup of Longjing is worth it—don’t settle for a knockoff.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my Longjing tea is fake?

Look for flat, smooth leaves with a chestnut aroma. If the tea is curly, smells weak, or tastes bitter, it’s probably fake.

2. Why is West Lake Longjing so expensive?

Because it’s only grown in a small area and takes a lot of effort to handpick and process. The best ones are rare and highly valued.

3. Can I get good Longjing for cheap?

No. If it’s too cheap, it’s either fake or really low quality.

4. What’s the best time to buy West Lake Longjing?

The best tea is picked before Qingming Festival (Mingqian Longjing), usually available in early April.

Now that you know how to spot real West Lake Longjing, you won’t fall for cheap imitations. Next time you buy tea, trust your eyes, nose, and taste buds—and don’t be afraid to ask for proof of authenticity.