Tea market size of China 2016-2026, by product form
In 2021, China's tea market reached 522.1 billion yuan, with tea leaves contributing 58.3 percent of the market. In contrast, freshly made tea drinks and ready-to-drink tea products accounted for 25.5 percent and 16.2 percent of tea sales, respectively. Tea leaves were expected to remain the dominant product in China's tea market in 2026, contributing 408 billion yuan to the total market size, representing 55.7 percent of the market.
The history of tea in China
China is home to various tea varieties. The recorded history of tea cultivation in China can be traced back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.). Southwest China, specifically Sichuan Province, was the first and one of the major tea-producing regions. The recorded history of tea cultivation in China can be traced back to the Han dynasty. Southwest China, specifically Sichuan Province, was the first and one of the major tea-producing regions. During the Tan dynasty (618–907 A.D.), tea was widely enjoyed by all social classes in China and was spread to neighboring county Japan. Later on, Chinese tea and tea drinking culture was brought to nearby countries in the west, as well as to countries further away along the silk road.
Tea culture in China
For millennia, Chinese culture has embraced tea drinking as an integral part of everyday life. In China, tea is not only regarded as a thirst quencher but also serves medical and ritual purposes. Traditionally, the Chinese often hold tea ceremonies to celebrate special occasions or to honor guests. Today, tea is also one of the most popular gifts. In 2023, the gift-packaged tea market in China was estimated to surpass 52 billion yuan.
The history of tea in China
China is home to various tea varieties. The recorded history of tea cultivation in China can be traced back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.). Southwest China, specifically Sichuan Province, was the first and one of the major tea-producing regions. The recorded history of tea cultivation in China can be traced back to the Han dynasty. Southwest China, specifically Sichuan Province, was the first and one of the major tea-producing regions. During the Tan dynasty (618–907 A.D.), tea was widely enjoyed by all social classes in China and was spread to neighboring county Japan. Later on, Chinese tea and tea drinking culture was brought to nearby countries in the west, as well as to countries further away along the silk road.
Tea culture in China
For millennia, Chinese culture has embraced tea drinking as an integral part of everyday life. In China, tea is not only regarded as a thirst quencher but also serves medical and ritual purposes. Traditionally, the Chinese often hold tea ceremonies to celebrate special occasions or to honor guests. Today, tea is also one of the most popular gifts. In 2023, the gift-packaged tea market in China was estimated to surpass 52 billion yuan.
