Zhejiang & Jiangsu on Tea & Me

Longjing Shrimp: The Delicate Hangzhou Dish Where Tea Meets the Wok

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0800

A Little Culture: Where Longjing Shrimp Comes From

Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁, Lóngjǐng xiárén) is one of the most celebrated dishes from Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China. Named after the famous Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea grown in the hills around West Lake, this dish perfectly embodies the harmony between tea culture and Chinese culinary arts.

The dish emerged in the early 20th century and quickly became a symbol of Hangzhou cuisine. It’s said to have been inspired by the region’s two greatest treasures: the fresh river shrimp from West Lake and the world-renowned Longjing tea. Today, you’ll find it on menus throughout Hangzhou, especially in restaurants near West Lake, and it’s considered a must-try for visitors to the city.

Anji Bai Cha (The White Green Tea - 安吉白茶)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The Mystery: Is it White or Green?

Anji Bai Cha is one of the most unique teas in China. Despite its name (which translates to “Anji White Tea”), it is technically a Green Tea.

The confusion comes from the cultivar, “Bai Ye No. 1.” In early spring, when temperatures are cool, the tea leaves can appear very pale due to low chlorophyll. As the weather warms up, the leaves turn green. This rare genetic mutation was rediscovered in 1982 and is sometimes linked (in local retellings) to much older written references. Because it is high in amino acids (including L-theanine) and low in chlorophyll early in the season, many drinkers find it sweeter and less bitter than typical green teas.

Dongting Biluochun (Green Snail Spring - 洞庭碧螺春)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The History: The “Scary” Fragrance

Biluochun is one of China’s most famous green teas, with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. However, its modern name was given by the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty.

Before the Emperor’s visit, the tea was known by the locals as “Aroma that Scares People” (Xia Sha Ren Xiang) because of its incredibly intense floral scent. The Emperor, finding the name too uncouth for such a delicate tea, renamed it “Biluochun”—“Bi” for its green color, “Luo” for its snail-like curled shape, and “Chun” for the spring season.

West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The Myth and History: Why “Dragon Well”?

Longjing’s history stretches back over 1,200 years to the Tang Dynasty, but it truly became a legend during the Qing Dynasty.

According to legend, the Emperor Qianlong visited West Lake and was so impressed by the tea at Shifeng (Lion Peak) Mountain that he granted “Imperial” status to 18 tea bushes. Some gardens still point to “imperial bushes” associated with this story.