Full coverage: G20 Hangzhou Summit

Aside from silk, there's another highly valued commodity from Hangzhou that’s been referred to as Green Gold throughout history.

These precious leaves are part of a culture that goes back 1,500 years in East China's Hangzhou city. They are called Longjing tea or Dragon Well tea.

Also referred to as green gold, premium Longjing leaves can actually cost more than the precious metal.

It is produced mostly by hand and are renowned for its high quality, earning it the China Famous Tea title.

Its mystical virtues have been associated with Chan Buddhist meditation for centuries, but it only became popular during the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Kangxi officially declared Dragon Well "imperial tea". His grandson, Emperor Qianlong, reportedly bestowed imperial status on 18 bushes in Longjing village during a visit.

The best tea cannot go without the best water. And for Longjing Tea, water from the Dreaming of the Tiger Spring is believed to be the best for bringing out the full aroma from the tea.

Overtime, Dragon Well tea  has become one of the most sought after and expensive teas in China, for its light yet unmistakable aroma and balanced flavor.