2026 Dragon well Pre-Qingming Wuniuzao Longjing

Have you ever heard of Dragon Well made from the Wu Niu Zao cultivar? If not, allow me to introduce you to something special.

This tea variety has been cultivated for over 300 years, originating in Wu Niu Town in the Wenzhou area of Zhejiang Province, southern China. Its name beautifully combines the place of origin with the Chinese word zao (早), meaning 'early' — a nod to its most celebrated and cherished characteristic.

Wu Niu Zao is highly sought after precisely because it is one of the earliest budding cultivars of the season. Under favourable conditions it can be harvested as early as late February — well ahead of the Qingming festival, the Pure Brightness festival which marks the end of first pickings. These early pickings are small and precious, consisting only of the most tender young buds, gathered before the world has fully woken up from winter.

Dragon Well is traditionally processed by hand-pressing and pan-firing the fresh buds in a hot wok until completely dry. This patient technique gives the tea its characteristic flat, jade-green appearance and its signature flavour. The taste of Wu Niu Zao Dragon Well is clean and refreshing — prominent fruity notes intertwined with umami, a hint of roasted chestnuts, and a soft sweetness that lingers long in the aftertaste.

If you love early-season green tea and enjoy a lighter, fresher style — this one will make you very happy.