← Back to Reviews

The 5 Best Dragon Well Teas (Longjing) of 2025

It is the most famous green tea in China, known for its flat, spear-like leaves and chestnut aroma. But buying Dragon Well (Longjing) is a minefield of fakes and overpriced old harvests.

We have tested the top brands to find the authentic ones. Whether you want a luxury "Pre-Qingming" harvest (picked before April 5th) that tastes like sweet orchids, or a robust "Zhejiang" grade for your daily morning cup, we have a pick for you.

A glass of Dragon Well tea with flat green leaves floating vertically.
Best Overall (Pre-Qingming)
Teavivre Premium Dragon Well

1. Teavivre Premium Dragon Well (Longjing)

★★★★★ (The Gold Standard)

This is the benchmark for accessible, authentic Longjing. Sourced from Hangzhou, it is picked in the early spring window (Ming Qian). It has the classic flat shape and a distinct nutty, toasted soybean flavor that lingers for minutes.

Pros:
  • Authentic flat "spear" shape
  • Strong chestnut aroma
  • Very fresh (new harvest)
Cons:
  • Sells out quickly in Spring
Check Price on Teavire
Best Value (Daily Drinker)
FGO Organic Dragon Well

2. Goartea Dragon Well

★★★★☆ (Budget Friendly)

If you want Dragon Well for breakfast every day without breaking the bank, this is the choice, that comes in a resealable kraft bag. While the leaves aren't as perfectly shaped as premium grades, the flavor is solid, grassy, and sweet.

Pros:
  • Good availability
  • Very affordable
  • Good entry point for beginners
Cons:
  • Leaves are slightly broken
Check Price on Amazon
Best Luxury Gift
Ippodo Dragon Well (Special Grade)

3. Jing Tea "Dragon Well"

★★★★★ (Michelin Quality)

Jing Tea supplies many 5-star hotels, and their Dragon Well is impeccable. The leaves are uniform, pale yellow-green (a sign of high quality), and the taste is pure orchid and hazelnut. It comes in a stunning glass jar, making it a perfect gift.

Pros:
  • Exceptional leaf grading
  • Beautiful packaging
  • Zero astringency
Cons:
  • Very expensive per gram
Check Price at Jing Tea
Best West Lake Origin
Tealyra West Lake Dragon Well

4. Tealyra West Lake Dragon Well (Xihu)

★★★★☆ (Authentic Terroir)

Many teas are labeled "Dragon Well" but are grown miles away. This one claims West Lake (Xihu) origin, the protected zone for true Longjing. It has that signature "mineral" finish that only comes from the soil in this specific region.

Pros:
  • Specific Xihu Origin
  • Complex mineral notes
  • Vacuum sealed for freshness
Cons:
  • Slightly more astringent than Teavivre
Check Price on Amazon
Best Tea Bags
Numi Organic Gunpowder Green

5. Chagan Ju - Genmaicha (Alternate Pick)

★★★☆☆ (Convenience Pick)

Offering a complete alternate option here because this the is up there with some of the best and in the form of a convenient tea bag. Its deep but mellow base compliments the toasted rice flavour throughout. Something differentm yet very familiar.

Pros:
  • Convenient for travel
  • Organic & Fair Trade
  • Nutty flavor profile
Cons:
  • Not actual Longjing leaves
Check Price on Amazon

TeaTrade participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission if you buy via these links.