Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of the most prestigious teas in China. This guide explores the tea culture.
Hangzhou Longjing Tea is not a sight you visit once – it is the background rhythm of daily life in Hangzhou. The tea houses are where people sit for hours.
Tea houses here are social spaces rather than quick stops. You order a pot, refill it with hot water, and stay as long as you like. Nobody will hurry you out.
Hefang Street and the Hubin district has the densest cluster of places to try, from simple neighbourhood rooms to more polished gardens. The simplest ones are often the most interesting.
The local leaf is the thing to order. Asking what is grown nearby gets you a better cup than ordering a familiar name off an English menu.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | Hefang Street and the Hubin district |
| Best time | Mid-morning or mid-afternoon |
| Order | The local leaf |
| Etiquette | Refill the pot yourself |
As long as you want. Refills are expected and there is no pressure to leave.
In formal tea houses, sometimes. In everyday ones, no – it is simply how people drink tea.
Ask for the local leaf and let the server guide you.
Last Updated: July 2026
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