Special Supplement: Hangzhou the right cup of tea for enthusiasts

If you're an avid tea drinker you've probably had at least a few cups of Longjing - or Dragon Well - tea, a variety known for its smooth leaves, fragrant scent and subtle taste.

Considered by many aficionados to be the best tea in China, it grows in its namesake village of Longjing in Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang province.

Hangzhou is famous for its historical sites and natural beauty - and not surprisingly, for its teahouses, which are more than simply places to drink tea. They are scattered across the city, particularly in the West Lake area, and most popular in springtime when the best Longjing is harvested