Longjing tea has long been beloved by scholars and literati, but when it comes to its most devoted “number one fan,” Emperor Qianlong takes the crown. The development and prestige of West Lake Longjing tea today owe much to Qianlong’s deep admiration and his unparalleled ability to bring it into the spotlight.

During his reign, Qianlong made six southern tours, visiting West Lake Longjing on four of these occasions, where he admired the tea, composed poems, and inscribed words. His enthusiasm elevated West Lake Longjing’s fame throughout the region and across centuries. In 1751, the 16th year of his reign, Qianlong made his first visit to Hangzhou, where he personally observed the tea-picking and processing methods and composed a poem titled “Watching the Tea Harvest.” This marked the beginning of his profound connection with West Lake Longjing. Throughout his six southern tours, he visited the Longjing tea gardens four times, and during one of these visits, he designated 18 tea trees as “Imperial Tea.” This solidified Longjing’s status as a tribute tea, its fragrance lingering through the ages.

During Qingming season, spring breezes carry the aroma of West Lake Longjing tea. This poetic interpretation of spring in Jiangnan is something many long for, representing both the beauty of the season and the legacy of Qianlong’s fondness for Longjing tribute tea. The story of “Qianlong’s Inquiry of Longjing Tea” is rich in poetic imagery and imagination. Numerous historical paintings capture the emperor’s journeys to the south, each one telling a classic tale of Longjing tea’s esteemed heritage.

In Puzhentea’s design, we honor this cultural legacy, blending the classic story of West Lake Longjing with modern aesthetics. Our Longjing tea canister is crafted with exquisite attention to detail. The body features a clean, square design, with two corners elegantly cut at an angle. This not only preserves the stability of the square shape but also softens the rigid edges, adding a refined touch. These subtle cuts bring a contemporary aesthetic to the design, symbolizing the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Through this design, Puzhentea proudly introduces West Lake Longjing tea to tea enthusiasts around the world, ensuring that this centuries-old tea culture continues to flourish globally.