Nestled within the mountainous terrain of Southwest China’s Guizhou province, Tongren has emerged as the nation’s premier matcha production hub, transforming regional agriculture and captivating international markets with its premium green tea powder. The region’s distinctive tea terraces, meticulously maintained across rolling hills, undergo specialized cultivation techniques that distinguish Tongren matcha from conventional green teas.
During critical growth periods, tea gardens are shrouded in black netting to filter sunlight—an agricultural practice that chemically alters the leaves by enhancing their chlorophyll content and boosting the production of theanine. This amino acid not only reduces bitterness but also creates matcha’s signature umami flavor profile and relaxing properties. Following harvest by specialized machinery, leaves undergo steaming and precision grinding processes to achieve the fine powder consistency coveted by global consumers.
Recent data from Tongren’s Investment Promotion Bureau reveals remarkable commercial success: export networks now span 54 countries and regions including Japan, European markets, and the United States. Domestic and international markets feature an expanding array of Tongren matcha products ranging from traditional tea to innovative applications in confectionery, baked goods, and even craft beer.
The sector has demonstrated explosive growth, with sales volume surging from 500 metric tons in 2022 to 2,400 tons last year—a nearly fivefold increase. Revenue simultaneously expanded from 190 million yuan ($27.57 million) to 480 million yuan, establishing Tongren as China’s undisputed matcha production leader. This agricultural transformation aligns with President Xi Jinping’s March 2025 directive emphasizing development of modern, efficient mountain agriculture with distinctive characteristics and sustainable market competitiveness.
Beyond economic metrics, the matcha boom has generated profound social impact. In Luoxiang village, where annual per capita income once languished below 2,000 yuan, 96 households now participate in the tea industry. The most successful households manage 7.2 hectares and achieve annual incomes exceeding 400,000 yuan. Ecologically, tea cultivation has rehabilitated previously barren hillsides, reducing soil erosion by approximately 80% while creating greener landscapes.
The industry’s ripple effects extend across seven Tongren counties, elevating incomes for approximately 110,000 residents. This comprehensive revitalization of traditional agriculture through technological innovation and market-oriented strategy demonstrates how regional specialties can drive sustainable development in mountainous regions.